Cool off this summer at seven of Colorado’s best waterfalls for swimming, from hidden gems to scenic hikes with serene pools.
I’m going to have to disagree with TLC and tell you: Do go chasing waterfalls, especially the ones in Colorado. As one of the most beautiful and mountainous states, Colorado has plenty of waterfalls worth visiting (and jumping into) this summer. Whether you’re looking for an easily accessible swimming hole or a waterfall you have to hike to, the Centennial State has it all.
Here are 7 waterfalls you can swim in.
1. Paradise Cove
Parking: $6 per vehicle; medium lot
Difficulty: Easy (1 mile; 150 feet elevation gain).
Paradise Cove is an easy, accessible hike featuring a small waterfall and a large swimming hole. The trail is open from mid-May through mid-September, and it’s best to arrive early since it’s so popular and fills up quickly.
Once you reach the cove, you’ll find a small waterfall feeding into a beautiful, deep swimming hole. The water is definitely cold, but it feels incredible after a hot summer trek. It’s the perfect spot to spend time swimming, relaxing by the water, having a snack, or simply enjoying the scenery.
2. South Mineral Creek Falls
Parking: Free; medium lot
Difficulty: Easy; (0.5; ~100 feet)
Tucked into the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, South Mineral Creek Falls is short, sweet, and steep. This quick trek leads to a beautiful view of the falls and a peaceful spot to cool off. If you’re looking for the trail less traveled, this is a great choice. It’s rarely busy and requires little effort, but still rewards you with gorgeous views and a serene alpine setting.
The gravel and footing can be a bit slippery, so even though it’s a shorter hike, it’s best to come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and trekking poles if you like the extra stability. When you reach the falls, you can dip your feet or brave the chilly water for a quick plunge. It’s also a great place for your pup to splash around or to stop for a scenic lunch before heading back down the trail.
3. Zapata Falls
Parking: Free; medium lot
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate (0.8 mile; ~200 feet).
Zapata Falls transforms from an icy sculpture in the winter into a refreshing place to cool off in the summer. A short but rocky hike leads to a chasm tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
To get to the waterfall itself, you’ll need to wade through the creek and into the narrow canyon, so plan that your feet will get a little wet. Hiking sandals, water shoes, or an extra pair of socks are your best bet for keeping your feet comfortable. Once you reach the falls, you can take a dip in the icy water (if you’re brave!)
This is a popular trail, so arrive early to beat the crowds. There are restrooms at the trailhead, and lots of shade along the trail.
4. Adrenaline Falls
Parking: No parking
Difficulty: Difficult (0.5 mile; 300 feet elevation)
Adrenaline Falls is a hidden gem tucked away in the San Juan National Forest off Old Lime Creek Road. The trail is unmarked and only about half a mile long, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s steep and requires hiking shoes, not flip-flops or crocs.
At the bottom of the trail, you’ll find an 18-foot waterfall pouring into a deep swimming hole. If you’re feeling brave, there are a few different spots where you can jump into the water, which is exactly how Adrenaline Falls got its name. If jumping isn’t your thing, you can still get to the bottom and enter the pool from there.
The road to the trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle, but if you don’t have one, you can park farther down the road and walk the rest of the way to the trailhead. It adds a little extra distance and elevation to the hike, but it’s worth it for a swim in one of Colorado’s coolest hidden waterfalls.
5. Devil’s Punchbowl
Parking: Free; parking area
Difficulty: Easy (~2.5 miles; ~500 feet elevation)
Similar to Adrenaline Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl is a hidden gem. Located between Crested Butte and Marble, it’s a bit of a drive to get there, but the hike itself is short and fairly easy since you’ll be walking along an old 4WD road. An SUV is recommended to reach the trailhead, and you can park at the designated parking area before hiking about a mile to the punchbowl. The road beyond the parking area is extremely dangerous by car, so it’s best to leave your vehicle where it is and hike the rest of the way.
Once you get there, you’ll find a deep swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. It’s a popular spot for cliff jumping, but you can also access the water by hiking a little farther down the trail. Be aware that the water is cold year-round, so even if you decide to skip the jump, the temperature might still take your breath away.
6. Cascade Creek Falls
Parking: Free; Small lot
Difficulty: Easy/moderate (0.5 mile; ~150 feet elevation)
If you’re looking for a peaceful hike, Cascade Creek Falls is a great choice. This short, less-than-a-mile hike follows the creek to the falls, so you’ll be accompanied by the soothing sound of rushing water the whole way. There are a few steep, rocky sections, but overall it’s a fairly easy hike.
Once you get to the falls, you’ll be met with rugged cliffs and beautiful blue pools of water. The water is cold, but it’s perfect for a quick dip or to wade in and cool off on a hot day. Just don’t forget the bug spray, as there are plenty of mosquitoes during the summer.
7. Bridal Veil Falls
Parking: Free; large lot
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult (~2.5 miles; ~900 feet elevation gain).
The Bridal Veil Falls trail is a little more challenging than some of the others on this list, but the views make it worth the extra effort. The hike has a few steep, rocky sections with more elevation gain than the others, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery the whole way.
Before you reach Bridal Veil Falls, you’ll pass three smaller waterfalls, including a swimming hole that’s perfect for jumping in and cooling off. Don’t rush to the finish because you’ll want to stop and enjoy each waterfall before making it to the base of the final falls.
