Sort by: Show more photos. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Head off up the ridge to the left of Melakwa Lake behind the privy. You can go this way and end up back along I-90 for an 11 mile hike with transportation arranged. Lots of either climbing up & down or wading through the water. That water was so cold the first time down. Showing results 1 - 90 of 93. If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. 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. As a life coach I always look for new things and places to grow and have fun to increase my positive awareness!!! Then follow the stream up a very short way to Upper Melakwa Lake (elev 4500 ft). The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! Great trail but very overgrown and impossible to continue past a half mile. Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. More a moderately trafficked. Named in 1916 by a party of mountaineers, Keekwulee is a Chinook word meaning to fall down. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! TripAdvisor/Tom Had a blast. This makes the hot springs odorless. Harder than what it described but super fun!! Very fun and pretty. Chair Peak Lake is just down from the pass so you could include a visit there on this excursion. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Have a great trip! 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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. Unwind in one of the five adults-only pools, which have sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. Thats why the Forest Service blocked off the road. Want to report conditions for this trail? [] Sequoia National Forest Waterslide []. Climb the ridge until you have to drop down the west side and traverse the base of the cliffs through a scree field. Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. Harder than what it described but super fun!! If you have kiddos, this is a must! Will there still be water this coming up weekend for Labor Day? Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. Amazing views but the trail is barely accessible 1/2 the time. The Bay Aquatic Park is sure to delight people of all ages. 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. 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.". You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. The trail stretches along the creek, which provides a soothing soundtrack. Amazing natural water slide. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. If you have never been before, do not be ashamed to ask for help. Thank you in advance! Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. Rocks are basketball to car sized. 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. No Reservations Required. These hot springs are unique because they are non-sulfurous. Did this a few years back, really fun! 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. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. If you arent a water fan, theres a huge deck area with chairs for lounging. I will be camping at Quaking Aspen Campground this summer. If you want to come and soak up the sun there are chairs available for tanning. pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. 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. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. Youll be sure to want to visit again! A bar gate blocks the road. Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. The zero-depth entry pool is just right for tots. 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. Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. Watch out for the giant dumping bucket! Ride the 400 Water Slide Memorial Day Labor Day. Just off the trail (2.0 miles, 3050 ft) is a viewpoint of the falls from an outcropping of rocks. Theres a brand new tot pool for young water lovers. So be careful where you step. The park also comes complete with a concession. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. Forget the long lines at water parks. 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. Check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies to distract from the steep climb in the heat. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. challenging and beautiful. Your momentum and the force of the water will push you down the slide. But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. If you want to learn how to take to the rushing waters, there are lessons offered at the indoor pool. The Denny party were some of the original non-native settlers of Seattle, who had mining claims in the area. The trail continues in a thick forest towards the first major point of interest which is the Denny Creek Waterslide. Have to cross water several times. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. For a unique and scenic experience nestled right in the heart of nature, visit Clear Creek White Water Park. Went there today. 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. Stay left and cross FR 58 after 0.1 mile. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark features a lap pool with gorgeous clear waters and two thrilling one hundred and eighty two foot waterslides. Lie back like a pencil or paddle with your hands to accelerate. The Spa & Club Is Reserved For Overnight Guests And Spa Treatment Patrons Age 16+. You first hit the lake at the logjam over Melakwa Lakes outlet to the Pratt River. Steep start/end of hike. The kiddie areas make for hours of fun. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. 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. The slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. This is more than a hike. 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. Is the water flowing well enough to go down now- 7/16/2018.Anyone go down recently? Soaking Pools Experience our pools, fed by an all natural hot spring right in downtown Steamboat Springs. Open from Memorial Day until Labour Day, admission to the park is free with a theme park admission purchase. Soon you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (1.0 miles, 2575 ft). Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Alpine views from Upper Melakwa are absolutely stunning. Western Divide Ranger District. Some harder areas of the trail. It was tons of fun! The twisting, thrilling slide will get your heart racing. Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day Labor Day. You arent dreaming folks these photos are of a REAL place in Colorado! Old Town Hot Springs has two exciting 230-foot long water slides that are open seasonally throughout the year. Hey, we never said that the trip would be easy, but trust us: it is WELL worth it. 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. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. Push straight ahead 0.1 mile to Melakwa Lake. Theres always something to do! After about 2 miles drive on a beautiful forested road along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, pass the Denny Creek Campground. 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. Ive hiked in another 20 minutes and still havent found it, he said. Recommend the slides for teens and adults but the hike was doable with small children. 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. From splashing in waterfalls to kayaking class IV rapids, there are many ways to experience these natural water parks. Relax in the smaller hot pools and enjoy the Colorado outdoors. Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. You have permission to edit this article. There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. 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). I used to go there years ago when it was relatively unknown. Estimated time: 5-10 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. 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. The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Just keep following the stream until you reach the Rocks. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. They were sweet all right. 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. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). 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.. So fun and so cold. The road shortly crosses under the westbound lanes of I-90. Not many bugs. Tragedy hangs over the beauty. We wound up at the Natural Slides just down from Lake San Isabel. Very beautiful short hike! 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. The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. Some parks are tucked away in beautiful, scenic areas. From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. Children and adults alike will enjoy the sprayground complete with a ton of interactive features. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. High point is 4600 ft. at Upper Melakwa Lake. Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. 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. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Then you will love the 2,744-step Manitou Incline and its 2,000-foot elevation gain. Stay away from any rock area sloping down towards the lower falls. Is there still enough water to make the slide fun? On a hot summer day, the water is completely refreshing without a wetsuit. The water side is amazing and while its very scary, its actually really fun. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Find Us. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. 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. Connected by a lazy river, these pools are surrounded by a grassy plateau and offer incredible views of the mountains above. He fell. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. 8. When the Upper Pools are not open to the public the 400 Water Slide is available to rent for private soaks, pool parties or intimate poolside dinners. Going to head there next week, really excited! 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. Where is the best place to tent camp? You can find it, as I did, by parking in the lot nearest the dam stretching over Lake Isabel. Both water slides provide a turning, twisting, exhilarating ride that ends with a large splash. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. a natural water slide. The Colorado Springs family had spent the morning at the slide. Explore. Otherwise, continue across the bridge and follow the road 0.25 miles until you reach the Denny Creek trailhead. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! Great fun!! The flowers are yellow and pink, purple and white, and the butterflies dancing around them are just as varied. Beautiful! Shapiro knew of a more epic slide deeper into the forest. Beginning in Aspen and running through Crested Butte (or vice versa), West Maroon Trail is difficult (gaining an elevation of a whopping 2,312 feet and running nearly 13 miles), but is completely worth it to get both a glimpse and a whiff of these colorful and oh-so fragrant blooms! Have to cross water several times. Children will love the huge Lagoon Leisure Pool. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Children will love all the fun kiddie areas including the new, interactive Fun H2Ouse. Cool off with a splash or enjoy the suns rays this summer at Brighton Oasis. Colorado rocks (see what I did there? Continue down the road (not FR 58) a short bit to the Franklin Falls trailhead on your right. The water side is amazing and while its very scary, its actually really fun. 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. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. 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. Theres a ton of fun features and soakers that are sure to leave you wet. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Or grabbing that dusty longboard and kick . The natural waterslide area is a must for families. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. 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. (Hey; we never said that getting to ride the slide didnt come without a little work!) This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. In this valley is lots of shade, wild blueberries and olallieberries in season. Not many people so we missed it! Big bummer! The giant slides at the park are more than thirty feet high, including one enclosed water slide and one open slide. No? 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. in the year-round, natural outdoor hot spring pools at Old Town Hot Springs, right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. By Sydney Paschall | June 6, 2022. Estimated time: 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Short, beautiful hike. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Awesome place to go. 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. Several down logs as well. For the kids theres a zero-depth entry pool complete with an awesome slide and a unique rain tree fountain. Thanks! The Spray Garden is sure to delight both kiddies and adults. On the east side of Denny Creek, the view opens up to Hemlock Pass. The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. This is more than a hike. Even cut-off Levi shorts dry out within a half hour. I went for it though, and Im glad I did! Geysers, sprayers, huge water mushrooms, water hoops, tunnels you name it, the awesome spray garden and huge play structure have it all. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. With plenty of space and an equal amount of lounge chairs the upper pool provides accommodations for any crowd. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Grab a tube and blast down one of the two Canonball Falls slides or the Gangplanks slides. always pack out what you pack in. If you enjoy nature and hot water, the most obvious benefit from hot springs is simple relaxation. As of late July 2015 there was still plenty of (very cold) water for the waterslide. It was so fun! It spreads across a wide granite shelf, cascading 30 feet in undulating sheets of water. It goes straight up. Then cross a talus field (3.3 miles) into a sparsely treed open area (3.5 miles, 3785 ft) where the trail ascends steeply and is quite rocky. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. For tons of thrills and spills check out one of the many exciting rides. How is the water considering the drought? Had a blast. I was at the slides over the weekend and they were low but still a lot of fun. Get more stories delivered right to your email. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. 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. Temperatures may vary. These NATURAL WATER. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. Skip the Waterpark & Check Out these Awesome Natural Water Slides. 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 . The Natural Water Slide in San Isabel National Forest, Gov. Natural Water Slide at San Isabel Moderate 4.3 (105) San Isabel National Forest Photos (93) Directions Print/PDF map Length 1.6 miElevation gain 255 ftRoute type Out & back Head out on this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Rye, Colorado. Anyone been able to slide with this drought. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisors 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States."). Thanks Lynda! I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Also, one of my favorite homemade youtube videos is an ode to this slide:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtzYaTNlxpQ. The park also has a zip line for tons more fun. Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. Hey guys. Love Colorado? At mile marker 19, look for the parking lot to the left of the Lake San Isabel dam. Anyone been in the last couple of weeks? For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! It really should be marked as hard. 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. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. The lap pool offers eight lanes of cool, clear waters and a diving board. 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. Info on beta is not accurate. 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. lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. This is a must do trail for my family at least 2 times a year! Its got something for everyone. And the water was c-c-c-c-c-o-l-d! For tiny tots theres a splash pad. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! While a beautiful spot, consider the risks before trying it. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Once down it was a blast. Not an easy trail. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett, Colorado Springs Gazette. Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. Winter users need equipment and experience in avalanche prone areas. Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. There are no signs, and you wont find a sign on your way. 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. 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! In a couple of places nearing Keekwulee Falls, you will be able to look nearly straight down into the Denny Creek canyon. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? I am 52. This is the Franklin Falls parking lot which is also used for the Denny Creek Trail now that the Denny Creek / Melakwa Lake parking is closed. Take your pet and your lady and make sure they go in water with you! Your email address will not be published. it's easy to lose track. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark has a ton of different activities that are sure to make for a memorable time. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Countries; Regions; Cities . 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. Keekwulee Falls occurs as Denny Creek emerges from a narrow canyon. Its so worth it. 700 W 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, Phone: 719-738-2628 A Bucket list checked off. There is a restroom at the trail crossing of FR 58. You are now inside the freeway as the eastbound lanes are about a mile separated from the westbound lanes from here to Snoqualmie Pass. Experience the high speeds of the Acapulco Cliff Dive, the sixty-five foot tall high thrill ride. 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! pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. 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. It was so fun! was happy to see people with trash bags helping to keep the area clean. The water gushes over slippery smooth rocks into natural stone pools, making for the natural slide. Be prepared to cross the river several times. 7. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. If all that splashing and swimming has left you ravenous, no problem, Tippers Grill has something to satisfy. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! Jump on your mat and ride the six giant turns emptying into the cooler 75-degree pool. Total distance (Round Trip) - 4 miles to Keekwulee, 2.6 miles to slides. 105Reviews. Total disaster. 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. Maybe one day.. Then go back up the ridge to again pick up the trail to the summit. I went in mid august and water was a little low but plenty to slide! The park is complete with tons of shady areas and a concession. Youll follow the very upper reaches of the Pratt River for the first part of the way up. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. (7 & 4 years old). I went for it though, and Im glad I did!

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