Source: imfromdenver. I will be camping at Quaking Aspen Campground this summer. Best March thru October. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! 700 W 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, Phone: 719-738-2628 lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. The zero-depth entry pool is just right for tots. We definitely needed it, but it was also definitely worth it. Temperatures may vary. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. Water planning at scales larger than individual water systems is obviously not a new idea; in fact, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Water Resources Planning Act. I can't wait until I can go again. 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. Very fun and pretty. High point is 4600 ft. at Upper Melakwa Lake. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. The twisting, thrilling slide will get your heart racing. Drop in at the course is free. 4. So fun and so cold. Reducing stress can help improve your outlook and overall physical and mental health. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day Labor Day. Low water level. Kingdom Water Park, Denver. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. Both water slides provide a turning, twisting, exhilarating ride that ends with a large splash. And its 1.5 in and 1.5 out to be clear. Whatever the season, youre sure to find an indoor or outdoor park that is perfect for you or for the whole family. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Just returned, water still flowing, and a bit low but great time had by all. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. The park also comes complete with a concession. Caught the trail after. The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. This makes the hot springs odorless. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. The last time I was there was about 43 years ago then you could drive right up to the edge of the rock where the slides are and many people did, we often went there on Labor Day and the Hells Angels Oakland chapter usually showed up to about 30 or 40 of them. Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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! Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake. Children will love Hooks Lagoon, complete with a huge five story treehouse and slides that are just the right size. These hot springs are unique because they are non-sulfurous. 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. 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! Have a great time. ), 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. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Is there still enough water to make the slide fun? Day Passes must be purchased onsite at the Historic Bath House or Upper Pools. Fun for the whole family, our facility is easily accessible whether you are driving, or taking a hotel shuttle and is mere steps away from the free town bus stop at Lincoln and 3rd Street. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. These NATURAL WATER. Once down it was a blast. I can remember being up there several times between 72-73 sometimes BA sometimes swimming suits and always a blast! Not an easy trail. Begin your hike on a connector trail to the real Franklin Falls trailhead. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Amazing natural water slide. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. I really want to go down next weekend. 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. From fast rides to thrilling kiddie areas, theres something sure to make your time a great one. 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. Then you will love the 2,744-step Manitou Incline and its 2,000-foot elevation gain. If its raining hard, water levels can rise rapidly so consider that as well before crossing. The sound of the falls will drown out the freeway noise. 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. That being said, make plans to take a ride down this all-natural water slide, which is hiding out within the beautiful San Isabel National Forest. Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . Theres a tube slide and a body slide, each offering over one hundred and fifty feet of adventure, spills and splashes. Cool down in the lazy river or make a splash in the cool waters of the pools. Then I crossed the Starrs. With plenty of space and an equal amount of lounge chairs the upper pool provides accommodations for any crowd. What is the half mile hike like back to the slide? 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. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. Getting off the road and down to the slide does require scrambling down a few rocks though. Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. Denny Creek actually has a number of waterfalls. Otherwise, continue across the bridge and follow the road 0.25 miles until you reach the Denny Creek trailhead. 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. Enjoy this stretch before the steeper trail ahead. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. Went there today. If you enjoy nature and hot water, the most obvious benefit from hot springs is simple relaxation. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Unlimited Water Slides +$7. The huge Bay pool is just right for splashing and swimming and features a diving board and a drop slide. We did this hike last June. 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! You have permission to edit this article. Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? The St. Charles Creek waterslide can be hard to find, but fortunately, the Greenhorn Valley View offers detailed directions via their website. Did this a few years back, really fun! Slide Rock State Park in Sedona boasts a water slide that formed all by itself - absolutely no human intervention. 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. You arent dreaming folks these photos are of a REAL place in Colorado! Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. always pack out what you pack in. Photo: Dining Guide at Denver International Airport. Using the natural water slide Start from a standing position at the top of the chute. Steep start/end of hike. Even though it looks long, this will be faster than taking the steep and windy road down from 190 to 22S83. Let's change that! The shock of hitting the frigid water in the pool is comparable to a drug rush. The Spray Garden is sure to delight both kiddies and adults. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. No attempts to get selfies at the lip of the lower falls, please! Thanks! 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. Whatever the season, the waterpark is always sure to be the right temperature. Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. I used to go there years ago when it was relatively unknown. Kids ages 4 & 9 were able to do it. Some parks are tucked away in beautiful, scenic areas. challenging and beautiful. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. We cut our travel time in half by doing that and it was much safer with kids (6,6,4,3). Continue down the road (not FR 58) a short bit to the Franklin Falls trailhead on your right. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. The canyon at the falls is steep enough so there are no safe routes down to the base of the lower falls. Geysers, sprayers, huge water mushrooms, water hoops, tunnels you name it, the awesome spray garden and huge play structure have it all. If you have never been before, do not be ashamed to ask for help. 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!! Relax and let the warm waters of the hot tub soothe your cares away. Only mentioning to make sure people dont think theyre lost hiking up that fire road for longer than you think! Polis makes recommendation to change name of Colorado 14er, Two Colorado food festivals in running for 'best of country' award, VIDEO: Colorado-born pro skier gets struck by avalanche, National park in Colorado ranks 4th most-visited nationwide, others rank much lower, Colorado border state encourages public to catch (and eat) this invasive species, Utah bill would allow year-round hunting of lions without special tag. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1aaae3bdd8ce7ed102f72af61a6a0df2. A natural waterslide, two good sized waterfalls, lots of old growth forest mixed in with open areas with great views, and beautiful Alpine Lakes. pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. Skip the Waterpark & Check Out these Awesome Natural Water Slides. Then go back up the ridge to again pick up the trail to the summit. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.). Youll follow the very upper reaches of the Pratt River for the first part of the way up. When youre ready to leave the waterpark, be sure to check out all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. 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. 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. Steep start/end of hike. Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisors 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States."). We cut our travel time in half by doing that and it was much safer with kids (6,6,4,3). Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). Have you ever driven through a tunnel of trees? But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. Very beautiful short hike! Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett, Colorado Springs Gazette. From a woman behind a counter of fudge inside a wooden lodge farther west, closer to the destination Id heard about near Lake Isabel. Soaking in hot spring water can also help ease aches and pains, particularly of the joints. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Saw a few people rub their heads. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. 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. It spreads across a wide granite shelf, cascading 30 feet in undulating sheets of water. Fun slides are just the right size. The bridge that was once here was washed out in 2009 by avalanche debris from the flood stage creek. Thank you! Some harder areas of the trail. For the strenuous and hard core folks, you can continue past Upper Melakwa Lake to Melakwa Pass or perhaps try scaling Kaleetan Peak. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. always pack out what you pack in. loved this trail! Going to head there next week, really excited! 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). Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. The Denny party were some of the original non-native settlers of Seattle, who had mining claims in the area. 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. Is there water? Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. If you own a wetsuit, bring it! There were only two on the sunny afternoon I was there the teenagers who made it a date spot. The flowers are yellow and pink, purple and white, and the butterflies dancing around them are just as varied. (7 & 4 years old). From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. it's beautiful however Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Youll be sure to want to visit again! Your email address will not be published. There is no cell service beyond Hemlock Pass although you have it most all the way up the Denny Creek Valley. A Bucket list checked off. Water Slides Daily: 4-7pm. Nestled in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park is a 43-acre historic apple farm dating back to the Homestead Act in 1910. The slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. Also in the lodge were a man and his young boy, who said I should try the raspberries I find on my way. peter w busch why is it important to serve your family natural water slide colorado. Or its a 15 mile hike to complete the loop along I-90 back to Denny Creek Trailhead. it's beautiful however Great fun!! 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. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! 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. Now a few shots of . [] Sequoia National Forest Waterslide []. Alot of fond memories. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Whats the best way to get to the slide from the north (kings canyon)? Reservations are not required to soak in the hot springs. For high adventure, big splashes, heart pounding adrenaline, hours of laughter, and a memorable time, dont miss the water parks of Colorado. Very fun and pretty. I see Kedra asked on May 19, but I dont see a response. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. 7. It includes zero-depth entry on one end and a slightly deeper end for older toddlers. If you want to come and soak up the sun there are chairs available for tanning. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. It should only be attempted at low water on a dry sunny day in summer. The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. Its not your typical water park experience. Amazing views but the trail is barely accessible 1/2 the time. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. 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. I was at the slides over the weekend and they were low but still a lot of fun. Sliding down that slide looks fun, just hope the ground is soft. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. (Hey; we never said that getting to ride the slide didnt come without a little work!) It goes straight up. Forget the long lines at water parks. The bottom portion of the course is for the more experienced paddler. Its one of those places, Kayla Roberts, 18, said beside the creek in the forest, rock cliffs towering around her and her boyfriend, both from Pueblo. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. 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. Not many people so we missed it! Melakwa Pass is a 0.5 mile rock scramble up the center of the valley beyond Upper Melakwa Lake. Keekwulee Falls is the most significant of the bunch and is one of the prime attractions along the Melakwa Lakes Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. And What are the costs? Your email address will not be published. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. The park is complete with tons of shady areas and a concession. it's easy to lose track. Descending the other side of Melakwa Pass leads to Chair Peak Lake, Gem Lake and Snow Lake. Session 1: The Rise of State Water Planning. The main pool is sixteen hundred square feet for tons of swimming and splashing. 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. (Even cooler? Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. The Denny Creek trailhead is at 2550 ft elevation. You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Explore. You first hit the lake at the logjam over Melakwa Lakes outlet to the Pratt River. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot Been coming here since I was 7. Free shipping for many products! 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. The lap pool offers eight lanes of cool, clear waters and a diving board. Saw a few people rub their heads. Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. Beautiful! Maybe one day.. Dont miss the exciting new interactive Warp Speed slide. Ive hiked in another 20 minutes and still havent found it, he said. It has been closed since last year (now 8-27-21). Is the water flowing well enough to go down now- 7/16/2018.Anyone go down recently? 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. Hey, we never said that the trip would be easy, but trust us: it is WELL worth it. Even cut-off Levi shorts dry out within a half hour. For tons of thrills and spills check out one of the many exciting rides. On a hot summer day, the water is completely refreshing without a wetsuit. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. You are now inside the freeway as the eastbound lanes are about a mile separated from the westbound lanes from here to Snoqualmie Pass. Hot Spring Day Passes may not be purchased in advance. 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. but beware of serious shrinkage, that water is coooold ! The quarter mile course was built for recreational kayaking and canoeing! And yes, the water was still shockingly cold! Not an easy trail. Theres a brief sighting of Snowshoe Falls through the trees at 2.8 miles, 3520 ft. Snowshoe Falls dries up later in the summer and you wont see it. Total distance (Round Trip) - 4 miles to Keekwulee, 2.6 miles to slides. Have a great trip! Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. Guests of all ages will be sure to get wet and have a blast at Walsenburg Water Park. During the summer the air is so hot and dry you cant wait to get wet. Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. The natural waterslide area is a must for families. Caught the trail after. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Does anyone know is the slides are dry right now? If you are wondering which of our many attractions are a must-visit, take our advice and visit all 12 of these incredible places in Colorado: Please note, Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool is temporarily closed for renovations. ^Both are causing problems in various Colorado forests. 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.
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