In the right hand photo, the pools are just below the upper cascade at the top of the photo. Drop in at the course is free. If you have kiddos, this is a must! For the kids theres a zero-depth entry pool complete with an awesome slide and a unique rain tree fountain. A Bucket list checked off. You have conquered the larger-than-life waterslides at Water World, made a splash in the pools at Elitches, and have even rafted the thrilling Colorado River so now what? Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. Steep start/end of hike. Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. 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. Its possible to find easier hiking along the animal trails where the rocks border the forest on the left hand side. The bottom portion of the course is for the more experienced paddler. The bridge that was once here was washed out in 2009 by avalanche debris from the flood stage creek. You can go this way and end up back along I-90 for an 11 mile hike with transportation arranged. 07-11-2014, 02:49 PM . Total disaster. The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. At several switchbacks you will be only a few steps from plunging over a precipice down to the gorge below. Jump on your mat and ride the six giant turns emptying into the cooler 75-degree pool. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. The Colorado Springs family had spent the morning at the slide. loved this trail! The huge Bay pool is just right for splashing and swimming and features a diving board and a drop slide. I went for it though, and Im glad I did! Be sure to take advantage of all the area has to offer. The Lesiure Pool also offers a kiddie slide, zero-depth entry and shallow water area so even small children can enjoy the water. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. Enjoy this stretch before the steeper trail ahead. I will be camping at Quaking Aspen Campground this summer. Dont miss the exciting new interactive Warp Speed slide. Amazing natural water slide. With plenty of space and an equal amount of lounge chairs the upper pool provides accommodations for any crowd. They rode the stream and dropped with a short waterfall into a pool. 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. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. 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 giant slides at the park are more than thirty feet high, including one enclosed water slide and one open slide. Seth, going to the area for the first time this summer. Sliding down the waterfall/waterslide was a lot of fun but would recommend that for older kids. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Day Passes must be purchased onsite at the Historic Bath House or Upper Pools. The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. 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). A bar gate blocks the road. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. San Isabel Natural Water Slide, Colorado Integrity Auto Care If you are looking for a somewhat leisurely hike and a smaller water slide adventure, we recommend this epic spot near Rye, Colorado. Some harder areas of the trail. We did this hike last June. Countries; Regions; Cities . More a moderately trafficked. Not many people so we missed it! Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. As you go a total mile, maybe there will be a few more creek crossings and some awkward maneuvering over boulders. 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 kiddie areas make for hours of fun. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. I am 52. 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 north side of the Denny Creek Campground is on your left. Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. Harder than what it described but super fun!! 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. 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. Cool off with a splash or enjoy the suns rays this summer at Brighton Oasis. Get more stories delivered right to your email. peter w busch why is it important to serve your family natural water slide colorado. Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Went there today. a natural water slide. 700 W 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, Phone: 719-738-2628 Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. was happy to see people with trash bags helping to keep the area clean. Once down it was a blast. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. San Isabel is just 25 minutes west northwest of I-25 at Colorado City. 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. 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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. Very beautiful short hike! Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake. (Hey; we never said that getting to ride the slide didnt come without a little work!) Does anyone know is the slides are dry right now? If you go over, it will be the end. Now a few shots of . . Soaking in hot spring water can also help ease aches and pains, particularly of the joints. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? 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. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Thanks! The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. 0.2 miles after the turnoff to the waterslides, the Denny Creek Trail crosses Denny Creek. 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. it's easy to lose track. If you arent a water fan, theres a huge deck area with chairs for lounging. A helicopter recovered his body. I think a lot of people got scared to come out here after that.. While a beautiful spot, consider the risks before trying it. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. Unwind in one of the five adults-only pools, which have sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. 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. The shock of hitting the frigid water in the pool is comparable to a drug rush. The trail then levels off for 0.2 miles before it crosses gently flowing Denny Creek on a footlog beside a huge cedar snag at 2.9 mi 3600 ft. JK Elitches, we love you, too, and await your grand re-opening! Upon leaving the parking lot, youll see a junction with the Wagon Road trail. When youre ready to leave the waterpark, be sure to check out all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. loved this trail! Push straight ahead 0.1 mile to Melakwa Lake. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. The photo at the right above provides a closeup and wide angle view of the area. Let's change that! The feeling of my first sand volleyball game in a decade. 136 Lincoln Avenue . Soon you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (1.0 miles, 2575 ft). There are two drops of 35 feet and then 90 feet below. Difficulty: Easy. 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! 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. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. Stay left and cross FR 58 after 0.1 mile. Is the water flowing well enough to go down now- 7/16/2018.Anyone go down recently? Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. Western Divide Ranger District. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! Now the trail has two long switchbacks up exposed rockslides (1.7 mi). Rocks are basketball to car sized. Find Us. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. I only watched. 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! Have to cross water several times. Relax in the smaller hot pools and enjoy the Colorado outdoors. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. 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). You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. 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.". Not many bugs. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. This is a beautiful hike not too rough at all. You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Hey guys. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! Three thrilling slides will leave your heart pounding. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. Only mentioning to make sure people dont think theyre lost hiking up that fire road for longer than you think! Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. Not an easy trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Your email address will not be published. Great trail but very overgrown and impossible to continue past a half mile. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. There was usually about 200 hippies and we all sat around on the edge of the rockslide naked it was quite a scene. Harder than what it described but super fun!! Ill be with my 86 year old mother and my daughters 18 month old twins. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. (7 & 4 years old). I hadnt spotted anyone about 30 minutes into my hike. The kiddie areas are sure to make for hours of fun. not so much a secret anymore as you can tell with the trash situation. 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. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. There is a sign just after the crossing noting that the path switches sharply to the left. 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. Great fun!! . VIEW FULL MAP 5 4 84 Reviews Jayme May Natural Water Slide at San Isabel This is more than a hike. Be prepared to cross the river several times. Thrill seekers will enjoy the two huge waterslides at the park. Had a blast. Have to cross water several times. Then word got out and careless people started drinking, smoking and shooting, and littered the place with broken bottles, pop top tabs, butts and bullets. The Paradise Plunge will have you screaming with delight and the RipQurl will send you swirling down its giant bowl. Call something Paradise, kiss it goodbye The Eagles. The climbing wall will test your strength and the water basketball activity makes for hours of fun. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. The trail passes into a hemlock forest at Hemlock Pass (4.9 miles, 4510 ft). 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! If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. For a moderate hike, continue on up over Hemlock Pass to the beautiful Melakwa Lakes. Children will love Hooks Lagoon, complete with a huge five story treehouse and slides that are just the right size. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! Chair Peak Lake is just down from the pass so you could include a visit there on this excursion. Get more stories delivered right to your email. When people mention deadfall, theres no way to exaggerate how AWFUL it was. For tons of thrills and spills check out one of the many exciting rides. Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. Dont miss the exciting raft rides including the SlideZilla, Splashdown (for families) and the Tub Top, the huge swirling funnel slide. But in the West, the word "plan" remains a 4-letter word to many supporters of the laissez-faire traditions in water management . Check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies to distract from the steep climb in the heat. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. pigella miraculous ladybug power. Thank you! Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. 24 Jun . Have you ever driven through a tunnel of trees? 4. And yes, the water was still shockingly cold! Belly-flopping into the pool can get painful though. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. The giant play structures will entertain for hours. The crossing is on rocks in the river so at high water can become impassable. Come for a day or stay for a week, youre sure to find something different to do every day. If you can find it, then its worth it.. Several down logs as well. 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!! Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. Extending over ten acres, The Splash at Fossil Trace is sure to delight. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.). No Reservations Required. Amazing time. The canyon at the falls is steep enough so there are no safe routes down to the base of the lower falls. Is the hike strenuous? 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. Reducing stress can help improve your outlook and overall physical and mental health. I can't wait until I can go again. Hi everyone! Cool down in the lazy river or make a splash in the cool waters of the pools. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. So my family is planning to go camping at Wishon Campground with plan to see the Natural Rock Slide. 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. At mile marker 19, look for the parking lot to the left of the Lake San Isabel dam. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. Steep start/end of hike. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. For high adventure, big splashes, heart pounding adrenaline, hours of laughter, and a memorable time, dont miss the water parks of Colorado. 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 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. It really should be marked as hard. Speaking of summer not being over yet, have you had a chance to ride along the exciting Boulder Creek? Turn left and cross over the freeway. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Rye, Colorado. Shapiro knew of a more epic slide deeper into the forest. 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 falls face southwest and will see direct sunlight for much of the afternoon, often producing rainbows. A natural waterslide, two good sized waterfalls, lots of old growth forest mixed in with open areas with great views, and beautiful Alpine Lakes. Named in 1916 by a party of mountaineers, Keekwulee is a Chinook word meaning to fall down.