Hope you enjoy. Or its a 15 mile hike to complete the loop along I-90 back to Denny Creek Trailhead. Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. So be careful where you step. Day Passes must be purchased onsite at the Historic Bath House or Upper Pools. At least at the beginning, the trail is fairly well defined. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. Have a great time. 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! Open from Memorial Day until Labour Day, admission to the park is free with a theme park admission purchase. Whatever the season, youre sure to find an indoor or outdoor park that is perfect for you or for the whole family. Best March thru October. I was at the slides over the weekend and they were low but still a lot of fun. The park is complete with tons of shady areas and a concession. I think a lot of people got scared to come out here after that.. Very fun and pretty. Passed the slide but found it on the way back. Where is the best place to tent camp? Youll be sure to want to visit again! Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. That water was so cold the first time down. Adventure seekers will love the thirty foot tall water slides. Check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies to distract from the steep climb in the heat. A helicopter recovered his body. I see Kedra asked on May 19, but I dont see a response. Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. Saw a few people rub their heads. Estimated time: 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. Take a few steps to get going and then sit down on the slick moss-covered rock. 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. Cut off Levi shorts, 1987 called and wants its style back, [] Next time hopefully Trail of 100 Giants wont be closed and it will be warm enough to try out thenatural water slide! (7 & 4 years old). Amazing natural water slide. 07-11-2014, 02:49 PM . Tragedy hangs over the beauty. For a heart pounding rush theres a body slide ad a tube slide. Several down logs as well. Steep start/end of hike. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. The Denny Creek trailhead is at 2550 ft elevation. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. The canyon at the falls is steep enough so there are no safe routes down to the base of the lower falls. Then follow the stream up a very short way to Upper Melakwa Lake (elev 4500 ft). The only signs of civilization were a Rockstar Energy Drink can standing against a spruces trunk and a Pringles can littered in a meadow. But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. It spreads across a wide granite shelf, cascading 30 feet in undulating sheets of water. I want to go in the late summer, but not if it will be dried up by then! The climbing wall will test your strength and the water basketball activity makes for hours of fun. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Named in 1916 by a party of mountaineers, Keekwulee is a Chinook word meaning to fall down. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Here are among the largest natural lakes in Colorado: Grand Lake Dawn sky over Grand Lake. The kiddie areas make for hours of fun. Session 1: The Rise of State Water Planning. I camped in the area back in the 80s. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. Let's change that! Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. He fell. 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. Thrill seekers will enjoy the two huge waterslides at the park. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett, Colorado Springs Gazette. Stay away from any rock area sloping down towards the lower falls. Be prepared to cross the river several times. As a life coach I always look for new things and places to grow and have fun to increase my positive awareness!!! 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. 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. I went for it though, and Im glad I did! Tots will have a blast in their own tot pool complete with zero depth entry and a whole host of fun features. 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. 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. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area. The trail stretches along the creek, which provides a soothing soundtrack. 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 went for it though, and Im glad I did! Its a steep descent that flattens into a meadow of tall grass and aspen. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Western Divide Ranger District. in the year-round, natural outdoor hot spring pools at Old Town Hot Springs, right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We did this hike last June. Does it still exist? Experience the high speeds of the Acapulco Cliff Dive, the sixty-five foot tall high thrill ride. Guests of all ages will be sure to get wet and have a blast at Walsenburg Water Park. It should only be attempted at low water on a dry sunny day in summer. I used to go there years ago when it was relatively unknown. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. I'm not going to lie though, it was REALLY cool hearing the thunder rumble through the mountains like in the old stories of Rip Van Winkle. Not many people so we missed it! Sliding down the waterfall/waterslide was a lot of fun but would recommend that for older kids. If youre looking for the perfect vacation destination, look no further than Glenwood Springs. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Its elevation is 5115 feet which is 615 feet above Upper Melakwa Lake. Kingdom Water Park, Denver. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Is there water? Great trail but very overgrown and impossible to continue past a half mile. For even more things to see and do this summer, check out these 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. Children will love the huge Lagoon Leisure Pool. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. ^Both are causing problems in various Colorado forests. Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. We did this hike last June. Hopefully someone still looks at these comments, I was wondering if there is water flowing down the slide all year long? it's beautiful however Connected by a lazy river, these pools are surrounded by a grassy plateau and offer incredible views of the mountains above. Also, what is the average daily temperature there this time of year? lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. Not to mention all the exciting dryland fun that is still to be had at the amusement park. If you can find it, then its worth it.. Eight hundred feet of delightful, rushing waters complete with boulders, drops, pools and eddies make for splashing, paddling fun. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. At 1.3 miles and 2690 ft, a side trail and steps lead down to the creek and slides. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. 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! Lots of either climbing up & down or wading through the water. They rode the stream and dropped with a short waterfall into a pool. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? Soaking in hot spring water can also help ease aches and pains, particularly of the joints. Hey guys. Theres a brand new tot pool for young water lovers. Connected by a lazy river, these . The bottom portion of the course is for the more experienced paddler. Climb the steep walls and brave a huge plunge on the Zoomerang. Not many bugs. There is no cell service beyond Hemlock Pass although you have it most all the way up the Denny Creek Valley. Tucked away within the scenic San Isabel National Forest lies one of Colorado's "coolest" hidden gems: an all-natural water slide! 3. There is a restroom at the trail crossing of FR 58. Some harder areas of the trail. This makes the hot springs odorless. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. Comments. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. It really should be marked as hard. Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. Caught the trail after. This is a beautiful hike not too rough at all. The park also has a zip line for tons more fun. Geysers, sprayers, huge water mushrooms, water hoops, tunnels you name it, the awesome spray garden and huge play structure have it all. Recommend the slides for teens and adults but the hike was doable with small children. Relax and let the warm waters of the hot tub soothe your cares away. 4. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. In a couple of places nearing Keekwulee Falls, you will be able to look nearly straight down into the Denny Creek canyon. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Low water level. 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. Its so worth it. Grab a tube and blast down one of the two Canonball Falls slides or the Gangplanks slides. Lie back like a pencil or paddle with your hands to accelerate. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! Its not your typical water park experience. Then had to cross again to bypass more rocks, walk several hundred feet on the other side and recross to get back to the main trail. You arent dreaming folks these photos are of a REAL place in Colorado! Take a ride down the little-known yet epic natural waterslide in Colorados San Isabel National Forest: For even more epic things to do around Colorado this summer, check out these 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now. The flow is so much better than last year. 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. Not an easy trail. For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! Reducing stress can help improve your outlook and overall physical and mental health. Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool (Eldorado Springs) Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. RELATED: Before You Visit, Know the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Some harder areas of the trail. Once over Hemlock pass, the trail descends gradually through a heavy forest and small rolling hills to the Melakwa Lake trail junction. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. 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 yes, the water was still shockingly cold! All year round to waterslides. 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. Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. What is the half mile hike like back to the slide? not so much a secret anymore as you can tell with the trash situation. 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. Dont miss the exciting raft rides including the SlideZilla, Splashdown (for families) and the Tub Top, the huge swirling funnel slide. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. The Lesiure Pool also offers a kiddie slide, zero-depth entry and shallow water area so even small children can enjoy the water. 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. 94 - 99 F. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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). If you have never been before, do not be ashamed to ask for help. It includes zero-depth entry on one end and a slightly deeper end for older toddlers. Be sure to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Wait so it is closed? Sliding down that slide looks fun, just hope the ground is soft. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark has a ton of different activities that are sure to make for a memorable time. Others come packed with tons of dryland adventures. Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. was happy to see people with trash bags helping to keep the area clean. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. Difficulty: Easy. Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisors 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States."). challenging and beautiful. The water side is amazing and while its very scary, its actually really fun. The Paradise Plunge will have you screaming with delight and the RipQurl will send you swirling down its giant bowl. Total elevation gain - 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.). It goes straight up. Thanks! Estimated time: 5-10 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. Then go back up the ridge to again pick up the trail to the summit. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. 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