The Best Swimming in Colorado
Looking for the best swimming in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top swimming spots in and near Colorado
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Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
4.6No matter the time of year, if you are going to be anywhere near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a can’t-miss experience. Steamboat is known primarily as a ski resort, but the area also offers amazing hikes and fishing in the summer, and top-notch leaf-peeping in the fall. Add a...Read more -
Guffey, Colorado
Take a Dip in Paradise Cove
4.5From Colorado Springs, follow RT 24 to the town of Florissant (34.5 miles). From Florissant, follow Teller County Road 1 south for about 9.2 miles, until a Y fork, and bear right, into County Road 11. Follow County Road 11 for 4.1 miles, until a T intersection, and make a right turn at the inters...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack Cathedral Lake
4.75.6 mi / 2000 ft gainCathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...Read more -
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground
4.5This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...Read more -
Creede, Colorado
Hike to Rainbow Hot Springs
4.510 mi / 2000 ft gainThe hot springs are located about 5 miles into a beautiful hike past waterfalls, cliffs, and wildflowers. Once you come across a large waterfall on your right, you are close to the springs. After one more creek crossing, turn left to find the springs. Keep in mind that some of these creek crossin...Read more -
Archuleta County, Colorado
Hike to the Piedra River Hot Springs
4.73 miAbout a 45 minute drive east of Durango, sits the trailhead for the Piedra River Hot Springs. This free use, natural hot spring on the Piedra River has several 100 degree pools. The springs are accessible via a 3 mile roundtrip hike, often with wildlife sightings along the way. The hike to the ho...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Relax at Penny Hot Springs
4.0This 20-foot pool is surrounded by beautiful peaks, and is only a short distance from the parking area. Keep in mind this spot is popular on the weekends.Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Backpack to Island Lake
5.08 mi / 3000 ft gainFrom the Ice Lakes basin Trailhead, this 8 mile round trip trail with 3000 feet of elevation gain will bring you to the Ice Lakes Basin with an abundance of beautiful lakes, especially Island Lake and Ice Lake. We camped on a little shelf above Island Lake, but you can camp anywhere you find a ni...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Hike and Swim at Devil's Punchbowl
2.5 miDrive north of Crested Butte to Schofield Pass until you come to the sticker-covered sign. Unless you have an ATV, park the car and descend along the infamous and deadly Schofield Pass Road. Follow this road past the first waterfall, which is about 500 feet from the initial sign. You will continu...Read more -
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs
4.5Glenwood is best known for its large hot springs pool, kept between 90 and 93 degrees, while the minerals in the water are meant to provide a natural therapy to the body. There is also a smaller therapy pool, at 104 degrees, and a spa, as well. You'll find all the amenities you need here, and wi...Read more -
Silverthorne, Colorado
Backpack to Upper Slate Lake
5.028 mi / 1386 ft gainStarting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles.You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few moderate...Read more -
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Quick Hike to South Canyon Hot Springs
1.00.25 miA short hike takes you to these undeveloped, free use hot springs. While a little hard to find, the pools are great for a hot soak (reported between 100-112 degrees), and you'll have great views as you relax, as well. From the right side of the turnout, you will walk down a hill. After a stream c...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Hike to Meridian Lake
4.0The trail starts off with a small river crossing. You can find an easier place to cross nearby, or just march right through, if you have waterproof shoes or sandals.The beginning of the trail is the hardest. You will have a steep incline for about a quarter mile, following switchbacks up to the l...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Hike to Blue Lake, Crested Butte, CO
15 mi / 2115 ft gainOverview: Round Trip about 15 miles, about 500 ft ascent at beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles, the majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley. Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river, either ...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to the Lost Lakes via the Hessie Trail
4 mi / 1000 ft gainAccessed by Hessie Trailhead, Lost Lake is a relatively moderate 4 mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation. The core of the hike is uphill and on a gravel path, 2/3rds of the hike runs parallel to a rushing waterfall. After parking your car, head towards the Hessie Trailhead. Yo...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Camp at Little Molas Lake
5.01 mi / 40 ft gainLittle Molas Lake Campground is about 1 mile off of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass just North of and on the other side of the highway from the Molas Overlook. Pro-tip: there is also another campground nearby called Molas Lake Park & Campground, so it's important to distinguish which you are hea...Read more
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More Colorado Destinations
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