Reservations are not required to soak in the hot springs. Had a blast. Have a great time. 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. Low water level. Amazing natural water slide. For a unique and scenic experience nestled right in the heart of nature, visit Clear Creek White Water Park. Belly-flopping into the pool can get painful though. Very fun and pretty. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! From road it was very steep. Dont miss the exciting raft rides including the SlideZilla, Splashdown (for families) and the Tub Top, the huge swirling funnel slide. Low water level. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. A short walk to the top of the water slide and you are ready to go. Even smaller water lovers will have a blast on the three foot long Seal Slide. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. The Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), also known as the Office of the State Engineer, administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, approves construction and repair of dams and performs dam safety inspections, issues licenses for well drillers and assures the safe and proper . Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). Connected by a lazy river, these pools are surrounded by a grassy plateau and offer incredible views of the mountains above. 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. From a woman behind a counter of fudge inside a wooden lodge farther west, closer to the destination Id heard about near Lake Isabel. Thank you! The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. Then go back up the ridge to again pick up the trail to the summit. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. He fell. Great fun!! Whats the best way to get to the slide from the north (kings canyon)? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. Dont miss the exciting new interactive Warp Speed slide. Climb the ridge until you have to drop down the west side and traverse the base of the cliffs through a scree field. Also in the lodge were a man and his young boy, who said I should try the raspberries I find on my way. But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. After Keekwulee Falls, the trail climbs steeply through a narrow, steeply walled canyon. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. Total elevation gain - 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. But in the West, the word "plan" remains a 4-letter word to many supporters of the laissez-faire traditions in water management . Wait so it is closed? Lets take a look: So fun, right?! Now a few shots of . Check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies to distract from the steep climb in the heat. Hopefully someone still looks at these comments, I was wondering if there is water flowing down the slide all year long? Bring out your inner child and share in your familys delight riding this 400-foot long water slide. Skip the Waterpark & Check Out these Awesome Natural Water Slides. If its raining hard, water levels can rise rapidly so consider that as well before crossing. Now the trail has two long switchbacks up exposed rockslides (1.7 mi). Thanks! 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. always pack out what you pack in. always pack out what you pack in. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. Denny Creek actually has a number of waterfalls. 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! In the right hand photo, the pools are just below the upper cascade at the top of the photo. Total distance (Round Trip) 4 miles to Keekwulee, 2.6 miles to slides, Total elevation gain 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. The huge pool is always clear and cool and just right for splishing, splashing and swimming. Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1aaae3bdd8ce7ed102f72af61a6a0df2. Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. Be prepared to cross the river several times. Hope you enjoy. Your momentum and the force of the water will push you down the slide. Very fun and pretty. Brave the white waters of the Cimarron River. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. 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. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. I camped in the area back in the 80s. Thank you! Thanks for the information. Beautiful! Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. JK Elitches, we love you, too, and await your grand re-opening! If all that splashing and swimming has left you ravenous, no problem, Tippers Grill has something to satisfy. The climbing wall will test your strength and the water basketball activity makes for hours of fun. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. 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. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Forget the long lines at water parks. Sort by: Show more photos. 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. The trail stretches along the creek, which provides a soothing soundtrack. Come and create a memorable day at Pirates Cove. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. Natural Water Slide at San Isabel Moderat 4.3 (104) San Isabel National Forest Fotos (92) Anfahrt Drucken/PDF-Karte Teilen Mehr Lnge 2,6 kmHhendifferenz 78 mRoutentyp Hin & zurck Erlebe diesen 2,6-Kilometer langen Hin- und Rckweg in der Nhe von Rye, Colorado. I was at the slides over the weekend and they were low but still a lot of fun. The quarter mile course was built for recreational kayaking and canoeing! The Natural Water Slide in San Isabel National Forest, Gov. Push straight ahead 0.1 mile to Melakwa Lake. 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. Was wondering if there was any water left? Ive hiked in another 20 minutes and still havent found it, he said. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. Rocks are basketball to car sized. Is there still enough water to make the slide fun? Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. Winter users need equipment and experience in avalanche prone areas. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area. Free shipping for many products! []. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. Seth, going to the area for the first time this summer. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Then it crosses the creek via bridge and passes under the I-90 westbound lanes viaduct (0.65 miles). Not many bugs. The north side of the Denny Creek Campground is on your left. 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. The Lesiure Pool also offers a kiddie slide, zero-depth entry and shallow water area so even small children can enjoy the water. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. 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! The sound of the falls will drown out the freeway noise. The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day. Get more stories delivered right to your email. When youre ready to leave the waterpark, be sure to check out all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Very beautiful short hike! Have a great trip! Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. It spreads across a wide granite shelf, cascading 30 feet in undulating sheets of water. There are two drops of 35 feet and then 90 feet below. 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. Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. Several down logs as well. In about 3/4 mile, the trail breaks out of the forest into the first open area and the climbing starts in earnest. This is the destination of many of the trail users, especially in the summer. Ill be with my 86 year old mother and my daughters 18 month old twins. The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day Labor Day. The Spray Garden is sure to delight both kiddies and adults. Alot of fond memories. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. Let's take a look: The St. Charles Creek waterslide can be hard to find, but fortunately, the Greenhorn Valley View offers detailed directions via their website. Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. was happy to see people with trash bags helping to keep the area clean. Several down logs as well. We did this hike last June. 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. You can find it, as I did, by parking in the lot nearest the dam stretching over Lake Isabel. From splashing in waterfalls to kayaking class IV rapids, there are many ways to experience these natural water parks. You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. Jump onboard a tube and float your way down the lazy river, enjoying a scenic view of the park. The water gushes over slippery smooth rocks into natural stone pools, making for the natural slide. Will there still be water this coming up weekend for Labor Day? Harder than what it described but super fun!! Adventure seekers will love the thirty foot tall water slides. A journey down to the natural waterslides near Isabel lake in San Isabel, CO (Saint Charles creek)7-29-16Follow me on Instagram @ outdoors_inspired#getoutdoo. Recommend the slides for teens and adults but the hike was doable with small children. Follow the right side (ascending) of upper Melakwa Lake to the valley beyond. Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool (Eldorado Springs) Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. . And yes, the water was still shockingly cold! Connected by a lazy river, these . Youll follow the very upper reaches of the Pratt River for the first part of the way up. I went today 10/3/14. Just keep following the stream until you reach the Rocks. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As you go a total mile, maybe there will be a few more creek crossings and some awkward maneuvering over boulders. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Comments. From road it was very steep. 105Reviews. (Even cooler? There was usually about 200 hippies and we all sat around on the edge of the rockslide naked it was quite a scene. How is the water considering the drought? Been coming here since I was 7. . Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. Your email address will not be published. If you want to come and soak up the sun there are chairs available for tanning. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake.