natural water slide colorado

Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? It was tons of fun! Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. Alot of fond memories. It goes straight up. You can go this way and end up back along I-90 for an 11 mile hike with transportation arranged. If you own a wetsuit, bring it! They clung to bushes along the unmarked trail I hiked through San Isabel National Forest; the trail that indeed took me to what Id been told: a natural water slide. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! There are two drops of 35 feet and then 90 feet below. I found nothing more freeing as a child (or, honestly, an adult) or exciting than an outdoor activity that sparks pure, unadulterated joy. Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. There is a sign just after the crossing noting that the path switches sharply to the left. Amazing natural water slide. 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Pirates Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center, Littleton, Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park, Brighton. You have permission to edit this article. Youll be sure to want to visit again! Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. Been coming here since I was 7. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Your email address will not be published. Western Divide Ranger District. I hadnt spotted anyone about 30 minutes into my hike. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark features a lap pool with gorgeous clear waters and two thrilling one hundred and eighty two foot waterslides. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. Whirl round and round on the Spacebowl or blast down the Screamin Mimi. Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. Anyone been able to slide with this drought. 4. Very fun and pretty. Love Colorado? From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Then follow the stream up a very short way to Upper Melakwa Lake (elev 4500 ft). The twisting, thrilling slide will get your heart racing. And its 1.5 in and 1.5 out to be clear. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 84 reviews Explore Colorado natural water slide - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Theres a brand new tot pool for young water lovers. When youre ready to leave the waterpark, be sure to check out all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. At several switchbacks you will be only a few steps from plunging over a precipice down to the gorge below. Bring out your inner child and share in your familys delight riding this 400-foot long water slide. To access the all-natural waterslide, drive through Colorado City and Rye and into San Isabel National Forest on Highway 165, which you will take for approximately 15 miles. Best March thru October. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.). Jump onboard a tube and float your way down the lazy river, enjoying a scenic view of the park. Several down logs as well. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. The north side of the Denny Creek Campground is on your left. I was at the slides over the weekend and they were low but still a lot of fun. There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. Some harder areas of the trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Its so worth it. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. Youll follow the very upper reaches of the Pratt River for the first part of the way up. 29 Colorado Hot Springs: A Quick Guide | Colorado.com There are no signs, and you wont find a sign on your way. Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. Beautiful! Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. For high adventure, big splashes, heart pounding adrenaline, hours of laughter, and a memorable time, dont miss the water parks of Colorado. A Ride Down This Epic Natural Waterslide In Colorado Will Make Your A year ago, an 18-year-old from Pueblo hiked with his buddies to the slide, where hed climbed up one of the surrounding cliffs. Your momentum and the force of the water will push you down the slide. Just returned, water still flowing, and a bit low but great time had by all. We were camping at the lake, so we added some length to this by hiking from the campground, around the lake, to the trailhead (which is basically an unmarked path of the edge of the highway). And its 1.5 in and 1.5 out to be clear. Cool off with a splash or enjoy the suns rays this summer at Brighton Oasis. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. At 1.3 miles and 2690 ft, a side trail and steps lead down to the creek and slides. Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. Connected by a lazy river, these . The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. Restrooms are on your right immediately after crossing the road. 13 Natural Water Parks You Need to See to Believe - ReserveAmerica Fun slides are just the right size. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Info on beta is not accurate. Its very apparent the trail was posted on AllTrails recently - we left with a full trash bag full of trash & saw so much off trail walking squashed wildflowers, etc. The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day. Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. Thanks! 3. Have a great trip! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. always pack out what you pack in. Just off the trail (2.0 miles, 3050 ft) is a viewpoint of the falls from an outcropping of rocks. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Winter users need equipment and experience in avalanche prone areas. Relax in the smaller hot pools and enjoy the Colorado outdoors. Lots of rock scrabbling and water crossing.. very hilly I would not recommend taking small children, some of the river crossing and hills would have been precarious. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Passed the slide but found it on the way back. The Spa & Club Is Reserved For Overnight Guests And Spa Treatment Patrons Age 16+. Trees down all over trail. Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisors 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States."). There is a restroom at the trail crossing of FR 58. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. I went today 10/3/14. Situated upon smooth boulders, this natural water slide is fed by the clear waters of the St. Charles Creek, which quickly cascade down the rocks before plummeting into a cool pond below. How is the water considering the drought? Great trail but very overgrown and impossible to continue past a half mile. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Session 1: The Rise of State Water Planning. But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. natural water slide (colorado - YouTube 700 W 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, Phone: 719-738-2628 That being said, make plans to take a ride down this all-natural water slide, which is hiding out within the beautiful San Isabel National Forest. Waunita Hot Springs Ranch Gunnison Surrounded by Gunnison National Forest, this remote lodge is an ideal getaway for horseback riding, fishing and swimming in the hot-springs-fed pool. Mats for the water slide are provided. It really should be marked as hard. There is no cell service beyond Hemlock Pass although you have it most all the way up the Denny Creek Valley. Descending the other side of Melakwa Pass leads to Chair Peak Lake, Gem Lake and Snow Lake. I camped in the area back in the 80s. No Reservations Required. The swollen creeks of Boulder, Colorado provided a fitting backdrop for the "Water, Climate and Uncertainty" conference at the Natural Resources Law Center of the University of Colorado in June 2003. Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake. Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. it's easy to lose track. Free shipping for many products! No? Some harder areas of the trail. always pack out what you pack in. Old Town Hot Springs has two exciting 230-foot long water slides that are open seasonally throughout the year. You first hit the lake at the logjam over Melakwa Lakes outlet to the Pratt River. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Natural Water Slide at San Isabel | Map, Guide - Colorado - AllTrails I can't wait until I can go again. Natural Water Slide At Slide Rock State Park In Arizona - OnlyInYourState Climb the steep walls and brave a huge plunge on the Zoomerang. Reducing stress can help improve your outlook and overall physical and mental health. Is the hike strenuous? Lets take a look: So fun, right?! From a woman behind a counter of fudge inside a wooden lodge farther west, closer to the destination Id heard about near Lake Isabel. Had a blast. Check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies to distract from the steep climb in the heat. Old Town Hot Springs Steamboat Springs, CO There is so much history in the area (Check out our About page to learn more) and loads of outdoor fun for the whole family. Estimated time: 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. Not many people so we missed it! Rocks are basketball to car sized. The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. Photo: Michael Levine-Clark At 507 surface acres, Grand Lake is Colorado's largest natural body of water, and with impressive depths that reach down almost 400 feet, it's also the state's deepest. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. When people mention deadfall, theres no way to exaggerate how AWFUL it was. Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. 105Reviews. a natural water slide. C1910 Circus Athlete Training Water Slide Pool Glenwood Springs CO Vtg I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Been coming here since I was 7. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Now it is time to take a ride down this incredible natural wonder that although not as tall and fast as the slides at amusement parks will make your summer complete: Tucked away within the scenic San Isabel National Forest lies one of Colorados coolest hidden gems: an all-natural water slide! Low water level. 8. Total disaster. This is a beautiful hike not too rough at all. Natural Water Slide in Giant Sequoia National Monument, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtzYaTNlxpQ, Dome Rock in Giant Sequoia National Monument, Cottonwood Pass in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Located just outside of Silverton, Molas Lake Park & Campground is a colorful 137-acre campground that sits beside the infamously gorgeous Million Dollar Highway and was named the "Most Scenic Campground in Colorado" by AAA! The bridge that was once here was washed out in 2009 by avalanche debris from the flood stage creek. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Awesome place to go. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Harder than what it described but super fun!! San Isabel is just 25 minutes west northwest of I-25 at Colorado City. Theres a tube slide and a body slide, each offering over one hundred and fifty feet of adventure, spills and splashes. I am 52. The 12 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Colorado That Everyone Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool (Eldorado Springs) Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. Explore. Natural Water Slide at San Isabel - Colorado | AllTrails If you have kiddos, this is a must! Complete with play structure, a whole host of wet and wild activities, and dumping buckets, the kids will be sure to keep wet and refreshed. Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. A little farther up are Keekwulee Falls and Snoeshoe Falls. Relax and let the warm waters of the hot tub soothe your cares away. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? It was so fun! Short, beautiful hike. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. For dryland fun theres a giant sandbox with interactive features and shady areas. pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). Temperatures may vary. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. After Keekwulee Falls, the trail climbs steeply through a narrow, steeply walled canyon. The Natural Water Slide in San Isabel National Forest Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. The last time I was there was about 43 years ago then you could drive right up to the edge of the rock where the slides are and many people did, we often went there on Labor Day and the Hells Angels Oakland chapter usually showed up to about 30 or 40 of them. It drops down and follows the Pratt River down to the Pratt Lakes. I went in mid august and water was a little low but plenty to slide! Paddle the mirror-like waters of the Yampa Valley in the arid northwestern Colorado high country or snorkel the colorful grottoes and coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. Also, one of my favorite homemade youtube videos is an ode to this slide:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtzYaTNlxpQ. From road it was very steep. Three thrilling slides will leave your heart pounding. Also, what is the average daily temperature there this time of year? Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. The crossing is on rocks in the river so at high water can become impassable. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Once over Hemlock pass, the trail descends gradually through a heavy forest and small rolling hills to the Melakwa Lake trail junction. Aside from running the sprinkler 24/7 and/or camping out in your air-conditioned home, there is another way. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. Natural water slide, San Isabel, Colorado, St. Charles creek Hey, we never said that the trip would be easy, but trust us: it is WELL worth it. Two thrilling slides will have your heart racing. The quarter mile course was built for recreational kayaking and canoeing! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. (7 & 4 years old). Went there today. Also in the lodge were a man and his young boy, who said I should try the raspberries I find on my way. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. At least at the beginning, the trail is fairly well defined. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Lots of rock scrabbling and water crossing.. very hilly I would not recommend taking small children, some of the river crossing and hills would have been precarious. Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? And the water was c-c-c-c-c-o-l-d! We cut our travel time in half by doing that and it was much safer with kids (6,6,4,3). Come and create a memorable day at Pirates Cove. Thats why the Forest Service blocked off the road. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . And yes, the water was still shockingly cold! Upon leaving the parking lot, youll see a junction with the Wagon Road trail. When it comes to natural attractions, there is no beating the stunning Garden of the Gods, which is comprised of deposited red, pink and white sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone that were created millions of years ago during a geological upheaval! Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Division of Water Resources | Department of Natural - Colorado Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. Caught the trail after. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. If you can find it, then its worth it.. 94 - 99 F. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Total distance (Round Trip) 4 miles to Keekwulee, 2.6 miles to slides, Total elevation gain 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. Beginning in Aspen and running through Crested Butte (or vice versa), West Maroon Trail is difficult (gaining an elevation of a whopping 2,312 feet and running nearly 13 miles), but is completely worth it to get both a glimpse and a whiff of these colorful and oh-so fragrant blooms! Will there still be water this coming up weekend for Labor Day? The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. Thank you! Then I crossed the Starrs. . natural water slide colorado. Come for a day or stay for a week, youre sure to find something different to do every day. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. If you go over, it will be the end. The huge pool is always clear and cool and just right for splishing, splashing and swimming. challenging and beautiful. The tent caterpillar infestations are more of a temporary problem that . The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. Sort by: Show more photos. Theres always something to do! I only watched. You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. A bar gate blocks the road. The natural waterslide area is a must for families. Did this a few years back, really fun! Others come packed with tons of dryland adventures. loved this trail! A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? Very fun and pretty. Does anyone know if dogs are allowed in this areawe are coming from NC this summer with dogs and kids and would love to stop here. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Its possible to find easier hiking along the animal trails where the rocks border the forest on the left hand side. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. We were camping at the lake, so we added some length to this by hiking from the campground, around the lake, to the trailhead (which is basically an unmarked path of the edge of the highway). Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. RELATED: Before You Visit, Know the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Was wondering if there was any water left? Then cross a talus field (3.3 miles) into a sparsely treed open area (3.5 miles, 3785 ft) where the trail ascends steeply and is quite rocky. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Chair Peak Lake is just down from the pass so you could include a visit there on this excursion. I really want to go down next weekend.