Have a great trip! Sliding down the waterfall/waterslide was a lot of fun but would recommend that for older kids. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. 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. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. 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. Natural water slide, San Isabel, Colorado, St. Charles creek 8,242 views Aug 17, 2010 1 Dislike Share jaydonmead 6 subscribers A bit of a challenge to get to but well worth the hike.. Or its a 15 mile hike to complete the loop along I-90 back to Denny Creek Trailhead. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. but beware of serious shrinkage, that water is coooold ! 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! Speaking of summer not being over yet, have you had a chance to ride along the exciting Boulder Creek? Temperatures may vary. Difficulty: Moderate. Total disaster. Tots will have a blast in their own tot pool complete with zero depth entry and a whole host of fun features. If you have kiddos, this is a must! 136 Lincoln Avenue . Aside from running the sprinkler 24/7 and/or camping out in your air-conditioned home, there is another way. 94 - 99 F. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Turtle Bay was made just for tots. Getting off the road and down to the slide does require scrambling down a few rocks though. If youre looking for the perfect vacation destination, look no further than Glenwood Springs. The kiddie areas are sure to make for hours of fun. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! 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. Even smaller water lovers will have a blast on the three foot long Seal Slide. I went in mid august and water was a little low but plenty to slide! But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. With a ton of activities and awesome rides, Pirates Cove is sure to have something for the whole family. [] Sequoia National Forest Waterslide []. 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. Anyone been in the last couple of weeks? On the east side of Denny Creek, the view opens up to Hemlock Pass. Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. Not to mention all the exciting dryland fun that is still to be had at the amusement park. Trees down all over trail. It goes straight up. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Is there water? The park also has a zip line for tons more fun. There were only two on the sunny afternoon I was there the teenagers who made it a date spot. Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. It really should be marked as hard. If you own a wetsuit, bring it! Whats the best way to get to the slide from the north (kings canyon)? The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Info on beta is not accurate. Hi everyone! I was there over Memorial Day weekend this year (2013) and it was less water than last year, but still flowing enough to be fun. I see Kedra asked on May 19, but I dont see a response. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Some harder areas of the trail. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. 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 giant play structures will entertain for hours. With plenty of space and an equal amount of lounge chairs the upper pool provides accommodations for any crowd. challenging and beautiful. Be prepared to cross the river several times. Lots of either climbing up & down or wading through the water. I want to go in the late summer, but not if it will be dried up by then! A Bucket list checked off. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. The kiddie areas make for hours of fun. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Find Us. Over wide, smooth rock faces, a cold creek rushed, and there was a teenage couple riding the water, their arms raised like they were on a roller coaster. The trail passes into a hemlock forest at Hemlock Pass (4.9 miles, 4510 ft). Be prepared to cross the river several times. Low water level. Harder than what it described but super fun!! Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. The road shortly crosses under the westbound lanes of I-90. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Did this a few years back, really fun! Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? Theres a brand new tot pool for young water lovers. Thought to have once been home to Native Americans some 9,000 years ago, the Paint Mines Archeological District is an incredible area chock full of "a unique blending of geological, archaeological, historical and ecological resources.". Mats for the water slide are provided. A helicopter recovered his body. Take your pet and your lady and make sure they go in water with you! Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! Guests of all ages will be sure to get wet and have a blast at Walsenburg Water Park. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Let's change that! We just got back from the natural water slide (my second visit). Sliding down that slide looks fun, just hope the ground is soft. TripAdvisor/Tom Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. For high adventure, big splashes, heart pounding adrenaline, hours of laughter, and a memorable time, dont miss the water parks of Colorado. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. If you want to learn how to take to the rushing waters, there are lessons offered at the indoor pool. Then turn right on Forest Road 58 at the stop sign. At 1.3 miles and 2690 ft, a side trail and steps lead down to the creek and slides. I really want to go down next weekend. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. Not many people so we missed it! Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. That water was so cold the first time down. 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!! Old Town Hot Springs has two exciting 230-foot long water slides that are open seasonally throughout the year. And the water was c-c-c-c-c-o-l-d! one of Colorado's premier hot springs, is an historic hot spring, family-friendly recreation facility, and world-class gym in the heart of downtown . Is there still enough water to make the slide fun? Also in the lodge were a man and his young boy, who said I should try the raspberries I find on my way. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. Youll be sure to want to visit again! For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. 3. Not an easy trail. Even though it looks long, this will be faster than taking the steep and windy road down from 190 to 22S83. Just keep following the stream until you reach the Rocks. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! It's the perfect end-of-summer family adventure! For a moderate hike, continue on up over Hemlock Pass to the beautiful Melakwa Lakes. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Watch out for the giant dumping bucket! Its possible to find easier hiking along the animal trails where the rocks border the forest on the left hand side. There are great views of Chair Peak and Bryant Peak as well as plenty of places to sun and/or swim. We definitely needed it, but it was also definitely worth it. it's beautiful however Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. Very beautiful short hike! not so much a secret anymore as you can tell with the trash situation. Enjoy this stretch before the steeper trail ahead. Will there still be water this coming up weekend for Labor Day? The Denny party were some of the original non-native settlers of Seattle, who had mining claims in the area. All year round to waterslides. 4. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. (Even cooler? There is a restroom at the trail crossing of FR 58. The falls face southwest and will see direct sunlight for much of the afternoon, often producing rainbows. On a hot summer day, the water is completely refreshing without a wetsuit. RELATED: Before You Visit, Know the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. Skip the Waterpark & Check Out these Awesome Natural Water Slides. The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. Does it still exist? Tragedy hangs over the beauty. 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. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. Love Colorado? This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. A short walk to the top of the water slide and you are ready to go. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. 8. Geysers, sprayers, huge water mushrooms, water hoops, tunnels you name it, the awesome spray garden and huge play structure have it all. Amazing time. Lookout Point via Devil's Canyon and Mace Trail Loop, Second Mace Trail, Dome Rock Trail, and Squirrel Creek Trail Loop, North Peak to Greenhorn Mountain Loop via Bartlett Trail. 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 pool's heating system). Come and create a memorable day at Pirates Cove. 24 Jun . Amazing views but the trail is barely accessible 1/2 the time. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Experience the high speeds of the Acapulco Cliff Dive, the sixty-five foot tall high thrill ride. The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? Amazing natural water slide. From North Bend, take Highway 90 westbound to Exit 47 Denny Creek Tinkham Road. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT 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). 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. Named in 1916 by a party of mountaineers, Keekwulee is a Chinook word meaning to fall down. The lap pool offers eight lanes of cool, clear waters and a diving board. They rode the stream and dropped with a short waterfall into a pool. No? From a woman behind a counter of fudge inside a wooden lodge farther west, closer to the destination I'd heard about near Lake Isabel. Caught the trail after. There are no signs, and you wont find a sign on your way. I would like to visit this natural rock slide, but am not familiar with the area. I only watched. Chair Peak Lake is just down from the pass so you could include a visit there on this excursion. Bring your favorite furry canine out for the Doggie Paddle Day, usually held right before the park closes for the season. Showing results 1 - 90 of 93. Rocks are basketball to car sized. (7 & 4 years old). Your email address will not be published. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. I can remember being up there several times between 72-73 sometimes BA sometimes swimming suits and always a blast! There are some really nice big natural granite pools further down the same stream on the opposite side of the road. At several switchbacks you will be only a few steps from plunging over a precipice down to the gorge below. Very fun and pretty. Come for a day or stay for a week, youre sure to find something different to do every day. Also, what is the average daily temperature there this time of year? The only signs of civilization were a Rockstar Energy Drink can standing against a spruces trunk and a Pringles can littered in a meadow. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Connected by a lazy river, these . You have permission to edit this article. Caught the trail after. Its a steep descent that flattens into a meadow of tall grass and aspen. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is close to the Hotel Glenwood Springs so you can enjoy the huge indoor waterpark and then hop over for a unique adventure. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. Hope you enjoy. The flowers are yellow and pink, purple and white, and the butterflies dancing around them are just as varied. Seth, going to the area for the first time this summer. I only watched. Climb the ridge until you have to drop down the west side and traverse the base of the cliffs through a scree field. For a heart pounding rush theres a body slide ad a tube slide. Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? For the kids theres a zero-depth entry pool complete with an awesome slide and a unique rain tree fountain. Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. The shock of hitting the frigid water in the pool is comparable to a drug rush. We did this hike last June. I just wanted to point out that from the parking lot to the actual slide area its more like a mile (I clocked it on GPS), not a half mile. 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. For even more awe-inspiring nature, check out these 8 Secret Spots In Colorado Where Nature Will Completely Relax You. 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! Brave the white waters of the Cimarron River. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day Labor Day. Dont miss the exciting new interactive Warp Speed slide. Very fun and pretty. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. They were sweet all right. Bring out your inner child and share in your familys delight riding this 400-foot long water slide. This is the destination of many of the trail users, especially in the summer. And What are the costs? 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. 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. The Paradise Plunge will have you screaming with delight and the RipQurl will send you swirling down its giant bowl. 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. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. There are great views into the valley (3.9 miles, 4125 ft) and the trail crosses a side creek which makes a nice drinking hole for dogs. Slide Rock State Park in Sedona boasts a water slide that formed all by itself - absolutely no human intervention. The Spa & Club Is Reserved For Overnight Guests And Spa Treatment Patrons Age 16+. So fun and so cold. Restrooms are on your right immediately after crossing the road. And yes, the water was still shockingly cold! Jump on your mat and ride the six giant turns emptying into the cooler 75-degree pool. Went there today. More a moderately trafficked. We definitely needed it, but it was also definitely worth it. If you have never been before, do not be ashamed to ask for help. Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. Yes. Climb the steep walls and brave a huge plunge on the Zoomerang. 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. As a life coach I always look for new things and places to grow and have fun to increase my positive awareness!!! Amazing views but the trail is barely accessible 1/2 the time. 7. Finding something new, the girls mother said, thats what were always trying to do., Added their father: The farther you go, the less people.. By Sydney Paschall | June 6, 2022. It should only be attempted at low water on a dry sunny day in summer. Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. Several campgrounds are fairly close by, like Quaking Aspen Campground and Redwood Meadow Campground, which is right across from the Trail of 100 Giants. The main pool is sixteen hundred square feet for tons of swimming and splashing. Turn left and cross over the freeway. 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. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. Its official: As of this publication, Water World, public and private pools, AND various water and amusement parks around the Centennial State will be closed for the summer, which is leaving Coloradans wondering what the heck we will do to cool off during these hot months. Difficulty: Easy. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. He fell. lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark features a lap pool with gorgeous clear waters and two thrilling one hundred and eighty two foot waterslides. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. Even cut-off Levi shorts dry out within a half hour. Colorado rocks (see what I did there? 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. We cut our travel time in half by doing that and it was much safer with kids (6,6,4,3). Others come packed with tons of dryland adventures. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. Thanks! Then follow the stream up a very short way to Upper Melakwa Lake (elev 4500 ft). Denny Creek actually has a number of waterfalls. If all that splashing and swimming has left you ravenous, no problem, Tippers Grill has something to satisfy. Steep start/end of hike. Keekwulee Falls occurs as Denny Creek emerges from a narrow canyon. 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. The Bay Aquatic Park is sure to delight people of all ages. Thank you in advance! in the year-round, natural outdoor hot spring pools at Old Town Hot Springs, right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. Theres always something to do! Several down logs as well. If you go over, it will be the end. Hot Spring Day Passes may not be purchased in advance. Maybe Ill head up there again! You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Theres a mini lazy river just for kids, the Clown Around Creek. Some parks are tucked away in beautiful, scenic areas. 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). Towels are available to rent with a deposit. The Natural Water Slide in San Isabel National Forest, Gov. Both water slides provide a turning, twisting, exhilarating ride that ends with a large splash. From road it was very steep. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Also, one of my favorite homemade youtube videos is an ode to this slide:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtzYaTNlxpQ. Love Colorado? Beautiful! Free shipping for many products! 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. If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. The Denny Creek trailhead is at 2550 ft elevation. It was tons of fun! I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. Explore. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. Recommend the slides for teens and adults but the hike was doable with small children. Very beautiful short hike! 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. No Reservations Required. In this valley is lots of shade, wild blueberries and olallieberries in season. The climbing wall will test your strength and the water basketball activity makes for hours of fun. Get ready to have a splashing good time at H2OBrien Park. Have a great time. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. . Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. peter w busch why is it important to serve your family natural water slide colorado. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. This is a beautiful hike not too rough at all. Open from Memorial Day until Labour Day, admission to the park is free with a theme park admission purchase. Great fun!! Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. Then it crosses the creek via bridge and passes under the I-90 westbound lanes viaduct (0.65 miles). You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. Awesome place to go. I think a lot of people got scared to come out here after that.. 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. In about 3/4 mile, the trail breaks out of the forest into the first open area and the climbing starts in earnest. Harder than what it described but super fun!! From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. The natural waterslide area is a must for families. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. loved this trail! In addition to this unique opportunity, San Isabel also offers glorious hikes, which you will also experience as the slide is only accessible by foot. always pack out what you pack in. 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The park also comes complete with a concession. Want to report conditions for this trail? There is more vegetation and easier going as you approach the top of the pass. Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. The Colorado Springs family had spent the morning at the slide. Big bummer! All year round to waterslides. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Rye, Colorado. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! Children and adults alike will enjoy the sprayground complete with a ton of interactive features. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! No attempts to get selfies at the lip of the lower falls, please! In the right hand photo, the pools are just below the upper cascade at the top of the photo. Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. Just returned, water still flowing, and a bit low but great time had by all.