The Paradise Plunge will have you screaming with delight and the RipQurl will send you swirling down its giant bowl. Source: imfromdenver. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! Its got something for everyone. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. With plenty of space and an equal amount of lounge chairs the upper pool provides accommodations for any crowd. (Even cooler? Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. Have a great time. Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. [] Sequoia National Forest Waterslide []. 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. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. The giant play structures will entertain for hours. The water in the spring is very cold and I had to pull more than a couple of people out of the pool below because they were so cold they couldnt swim to the edge. The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. Melakwa Pass is a 0.5 mile rock scramble up the center of the valley beyond Upper Melakwa Lake. VIEW FULL MAP 5 4 84 Reviews Jayme May Natural Water Slide at San Isabel This is more than a hike. Continue down the road (not FR 58) a short bit to the Franklin Falls trailhead on your right. Colorado San Isabel National Forest Natural Water Slide at San Isabel Photos Photos of Natural Water Slide at San Isabel Natural Water Slide at San Isabel. Head off up the ridge to the left of Melakwa Lake behind the privy. You are now inside the freeway as the eastbound lanes are about a mile separated from the westbound lanes from here to Snoqualmie Pass. Once over Hemlock pass, the trail descends gradually through a heavy forest and small rolling hills to the Melakwa Lake trail junction. Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. A journey down to the natural waterslides near Isabel lake in San Isabel, CO (Saint Charles creek)7-29-16Follow me on Instagram @ outdoors_inspired#getoutdoo. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . Be prepared to cross the river several times. The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. 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. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett, Colorado Springs Gazette. Open from Memorial Day until Labour Day, admission to the park is free with a theme park admission purchase. During the summer the air is so hot and dry you cant wait to get wet. Here are among the largest natural lakes in Colorado: Grand Lake Dawn sky over Grand Lake. Then it crosses the creek via bridge and passes under the I-90 westbound lanes viaduct (0.65 miles). Located south of Steamboat Springs, the Devils Causeway is a jagged and narrow peak that stands at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet and is recommended for only the most skilled of hikers, as some spots are a mere four feet wide. From road it was very steep. Steep start/end of hike. Total distance (Round Trip) 10 to Melakwa Lake, 11 to Upper Melakwa Lake, Total elevation gain 2700 ft. to upper Melakwa Lake, 2600 ft to Lower Melakwa Lake. There were only two on the sunny afternoon I was there the teenagers who made it a date spot. Come and create a memorable day at Pirates Cove. Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. It includes zero-depth entry on one end and a slightly deeper end for older toddlers. You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. The huge pool is always clear and cool and just right for splishing, splashing and swimming. Anyone been in the last couple of weeks? Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. Adventure seekers will love the thirty foot tall water slides. The natural waterslide area is a must for families. Youll follow the very upper reaches of the Pratt River for the first part of the way up. From splashing in waterfalls to kayaking class IV rapids, there are many ways to experience these natural water parks. Ive hiked in another 20 minutes and still havent found it, he said. All year round to waterslides. Thank you in advance! To Hells Angels try to ride their Harleys across the slide at 2 in the morning and one nearly slid his bike down into the pool fun fun fun. Was wondering if there was any water left? Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. For a heart pounding rush theres a body slide ad a tube slide. 4. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. For a unique and scenic experience nestled right in the heart of nature, visit Clear Creek White Water Park. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Getting off the road and down to the slide does require scrambling down a few rocks though. Tucked away within the scenic San Isabel National Forest lies one of Colorado's "coolest" hidden gems: an all-natural water slide! For a tamer experience, grab a tube and drift down the lazy river Castaway Creek or float and swim in the Commotion Ocean wave pool. 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. ), which is evident at the jaw-dropping Wheeler Geologic Area: a series of highly eroded volcanic ash from an explosion nearly 25 millions years ago. 136 Lincoln Avenue . These hot springs are unique because they are non-sulfurous. Steep start/end of hike. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. natural water slide colorado. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. After Keekwulee Falls, the trail climbs steeply through a narrow, steeply walled canyon. Theres a mini lazy river just for kids, the Clown Around Creek. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. The trail has tons of downed trees and the trail is hard to follow at times but if you follow the river you will get to the falls. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! How is the water considering the drought? The kiddie areas are sure to make for hours of fun. Featuring waters fed from an artisan spring, Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool boasts both all-natural (and stunning) blue waters AND a comfortable temperature of 76 degrees (which is warmed to 80 by the pools heating system). While a beautiful spot, consider the risks before trying it. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. 11 Epic Colorado Lakes and Swimming Holes To Have A Blast This Summer, You Can Score An Absolutely Enormous Bloody Mary This Summer At The Corner Office In Colorado, If You Visit Only One Colorado Hidden Gem This Summer, Make It Las Colonias Park, A Floating Cinema With A Fleet Of Private Boats And Free Popcorn Is Coming To Colorado This Summer, There Is No Better Place To Stargaze This Summer Than Hovenweep National Monument In Colorado, 5 Refreshing Natural Pools Youll Definitely Want To Visit This Summer In Colorado, This New Colorado Campground Is The Coolest Place To Stay This Summer, This Obscure Colorado Watchtower Makes For An Out-Of-This-World Summer Experience, 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now. Thanks! Take a few steps to get going and then sit down on the slick moss-covered rock. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. 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. Finding something new, the girls mother said, thats what were always trying to do., Added their father: The farther you go, the less people.. Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . Turn left and cross over the freeway. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water 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. Hopefully someone still looks at these comments, I was wondering if there is water flowing down the slide all year long? The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! 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. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. A helicopter recovered his body. Whatever the season, youre sure to find an indoor or outdoor park that is perfect for you or for the whole family. Great fun!! So fun and so cold. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. The slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. Follow the right side (ascending) of upper Melakwa Lake to the valley beyond. These NATURAL WATER. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. Your momentum and the force of the water will push you down the slide. challenging and beautiful. Address: Paradise Cove / Guffey Gorge, 13999 Main St, Guffey, CO 80820, USA Address: Adrenaline Falls, Durango, CO 81301, USA Address: San Isabel National Forest, Colorado 81233, USA Mats for the water slide are provided. The falls face southwest and will see direct sunlight for much of the afternoon, often producing rainbows. 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. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Sliding down that slide looks fun, just hope the ground is soft. Info on beta is not accurate. The park also comes complete with a concession. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1aaae3bdd8ce7ed102f72af61a6a0df2. Had a blast. The trail has tons of downed trees and the trail is hard to follow at times but if you follow the river you will get to the falls. Jump onboard a tube and float your way down the lazy river, enjoying a scenic view of the park. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. Considered to be one of the most stunning drives in the country, the Last Dollar Road is a colorful 18-mile trek that passes through (and under) some of the most amazing scenery in not just the state, but the entire country. And its 1.5 in and 1.5 out to be clear. After about 2 miles drive on a beautiful forested road along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, pass the Denny Creek Campground. Not an easy trail. Kaleetan (meaning Arrow) Peak (6224 ft) does not have a well defined trail and requires route finding ability as well as up to a Class 3 rock scramble in places. I really want to go down next weekend. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. Alot of fond memories. Only mentioning to make sure people dont think theyre lost hiking up that fire road for longer than you think! Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? At several switchbacks you will be only a few steps from plunging over a precipice down to the gorge below. Once down it was a blast. Does anyone know is the slides are dry right now? Spanning nearly 32 miles, Boulder Creek was named one of the "10 best lazy rivers for tubing in the U.S." by Mens Journal and features a slow and steady stream of cool water. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. The feeling of my first sand volleyball game in a decade. You first hit the lake at the logjam over Melakwa Lakes outlet to the Pratt River. always pack out what you pack in. Amazing time. Children will love all the fun kiddie areas including the new, interactive Fun H2Ouse. Once down it was a blast. The flow is so much better than last year. 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. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. (Hey; we never said that getting to ride the slide didnt come without a little work!) Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. For tons of thrills and spills check out one of the many exciting rides. Hey guys. 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! Theres always something to do! The Colorado Springs family had spent the morning at the slide. If you want to learn how to take to the rushing waters, there are lessons offered at the indoor pool. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. loved this trail! 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! Hot Spring Day Passes may not be purchased in advance. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. The trail passes into a hemlock forest at Hemlock Pass (4.9 miles, 4510 ft). Just wanted to update this and say we visited the waterslide today and there was still water flowing enough to slide down. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. I am 52. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. A natural waterslide, two good sized waterfalls, lots of old growth forest mixed in with open areas with great views, and beautiful Alpine Lakes. I am 52. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. Is there water to slide these days. It really should be marked as hard. Sort by: Show more photos. Have a great trip! At least at the beginning, the trail is fairly well defined. 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. I can't wait until I can go again. Is there water? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Cool off with a splash or enjoy the suns rays this summer at Brighton Oasis. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. Take your pet and your lady and make sure they go in water with you! Where is the best place to tent camp? If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Session 1: The Rise of State Water Planning. Seth, going to the area for the first time this summer. The kiddie areas make for hours of fun. Just off the trail (2.0 miles, 3050 ft) is a viewpoint of the falls from an outcropping of rocks. Very fun and pretty. There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. The tent caterpillar infestations are more of a temporary problem that . Stay left and cross FR 58 after 0.1 mile. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark has a ton of different activities that are sure to make for a memorable time. The kids may be back in school, but that doesn't mean that summer -- and all the fun that comes with it -- is over! 24 Jun . Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Temperatures may vary. There was usually about 200 hippies and we all sat around on the edge of the rockslide naked it was quite a scene. Relax and let the warm waters of the hot tub soothe your cares away. We cut our travel time in half by doing that and it was much safer with kids (6,6,4,3). Eight hundred feet of delightful, rushing waters complete with boulders, drops, pools and eddies make for splashing, paddling fun. Aside from running the sprinkler 24/7 and/or camping out in your air-conditioned home, there is another way. Maybe one day.. This Indoor Train Park Hiding In Colorado Proves Theres Still A Kid In All Of Us, Theres A Hot Dog Stand In Colorado That Looks Just Like Coney Island, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists, Visit The Most Northwestern Point Of Colorado For An Unforgettable Experience, This Family Restaurant In Colorado Is Worth A Trip To The Country, 10 Amazing Natural Wonders Hiding In Plain Sight In Colorado No Hiking Required, If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Colorado, Make Them These, You Can Experience All Four Corners Of Colorado By Doing These 12 Epic Things, 7 Of The Strangest Rock Formations Youll See In Colorado, 8 Secret Spots In Colorado Where Nature Will Completely Relax You. Have you ever driven through a tunnel of trees? With a ton of activities and awesome rides, Pirates Cove is sure to have something for the whole family. The water is FREEZING! A bar gate blocks the road. Passed the slide but found it on the way back. The Alpine views from Upper Melakwa are absolutely stunning. Kingdom Water Park, Denver. Went there today. Hope you enjoy. Once the trail crosses this side creek it becomes more shaded and less rocky (except for another talus field crossing) though the ascent is still steep. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. So my family is planning to go camping at Wishon Campground with plan to see the Natural Rock Slide. Let's change that! Explore. Named in 1916 by a party of mountaineers, Keekwulee is a Chinook word meaning to fall down. Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. I can't wait until I can go again. We definitely needed it, but it was also definitely worth it. Upon leaving the parking lot, youll see a junction with the Wagon Road trail. Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. 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). Some harder areas of the trail. The bridge that was once here was washed out in 2009 by avalanche debris from the flood stage creek. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. Using the natural water slide Start from a standing position at the top of the chute. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. Going to head there next week, really excited! Very beautiful short hike! Your email address will not be published. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark features a lap pool with gorgeous clear waters and two thrilling one hundred and eighty two foot waterslides. Grab a tube and blast down one of the two Canonball Falls slides or the Gangplanks slides. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. Even smaller water lovers will have a blast on the three foot long Seal Slide. 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."). Passed the slide but found it on the way back. Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. it's beautiful however Heres the best water parks to visit in Colorado: People of all ages will find that Water World, with all its thrilling rides, cool pools, and unique kiddie areas, is a park theyll want to visit again and again. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. So be careful where you step. Turtle Bay was made just for tots. Welcome to the stunning Island Lake; a small lake in the beautiful San Juan National Forest that features some of the most turquoise waters in the state. I want to go in the late summer, but not if it will be dried up by then! If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. 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. Its a steep descent that flattens into a meadow of tall grass and aspen. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! Thank you! Thank you! Want to report conditions for this trail? Countries; Regions; Cities . 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. Whats the best way to get to the slide from the north (kings canyon)? This would be the recommended way from Kings Canyon: http://goo.gl/maps/RpQx The best roads in to the trailhead are from the south, taking 22S82 to 22S83. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. There will be a green gate closing off the road to cars but if you hike a mile up on road there will be a clearing on the right. SECRET Natural Water Slides, San Isabel National Forest, Colorado 6,644 views Jul 31, 2019 50 Dislike Share Integrity Auto Care 23 subscribers Look what we found!! Trees down all over trail. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Best March thru October. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Bring your favorite furry canine out for the Doggie Paddle Day, usually held right before the park closes for the season. For tiny tots theres a splash pad. Free shipping for many products! The road shortly crosses under the westbound lanes of I-90. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. The main pool is sixteen hundred square feet for tons of swimming and splashing. We just got back from the natural water slide (my second visit). It was so fun! With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area.