This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. After Keekwulee Falls, the trail climbs steeply through a narrow, steeply walled canyon. You are now inside the freeway as the eastbound lanes are about a mile separated from the westbound lanes from here to Snoqualmie Pass. Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. Sort by: Show more photos. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot Is the hike strenuous? After about 2 miles drive on a beautiful forested road along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, pass the Denny Creek Campground. But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. Mariah, 15, and Savannah, 12, had strong reviews. Just keep following the stream until you reach the Rocks. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. Shapiro knew of a more epic slide deeper into the forest. The park also comes complete with a concession. I only watched. Great fun!! 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. Total elevation gain - 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. Melakwa Pass is a 0.5 mile rock scramble up the center of the valley beyond Upper Melakwa Lake. []. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! 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. Anyone been able to slide with this drought. Cool off with a splash or enjoy the suns rays this summer at Brighton Oasis. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Now a few shots of . Whatever the season, youre sure to find an indoor or outdoor park that is perfect for you or for the whole family. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? Aside from running the sprinkler 24/7 and/or camping out in your air-conditioned home, there is another way. For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. Denny Creek was named for Arthur A. Denny, the leader of the Denny Party. Amazing natural water slide. There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. Whirl round and round on the Spacebowl or blast down the Screamin Mimi. 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. 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. 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! In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1aaae3bdd8ce7ed102f72af61a6a0df2. natural water slide colorado. San Isabel is just 25 minutes west northwest of I-25 at Colorado City. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Brave the white waters of the Cimarron River. Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. And the water was c-c-c-c-c-o-l-d! Very beautiful short hike! The trail continues in a thick forest towards the first major point of interest which is the Denny Creek Waterslide. Have you ever driven through a tunnel of trees? The only signs of civilization were a Rockstar Energy Drink can standing against a spruces trunk and a Pringles can littered in a meadow. 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. At mile marker 19, look for the parking lot to the left of the Lake San Isabel dam. The bridge that was once here was washed out in 2009 by avalanche debris from the flood stage creek. 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. Then I crossed the Starrs. You have permission to edit this article. Begin your hike on a connector trail to the real Franklin Falls trailhead. This was a challenge, water half way to knees. Some parks are tucked away in beautiful, scenic areas. 136 Lincoln Avenue . Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool (Eldorado Springs) Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. Soon you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (1.0 miles, 2575 ft). Session 1: The Rise of State Water Planning. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. For even more awe-inspiring nature, check out these 8 Secret Spots In Colorado Where Nature Will Completely Relax You. 4. Ive hiked in another 20 minutes and still havent found it, he said. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. Even though it looks long, this will be faster than taking the steep and windy road down from 190 to 22S83. Amazing natural water slide. Head off up the ridge to the left of Melakwa Lake behind the privy. Lets take a look: So fun, right?! Connected by a lazy river, these pools are surrounded by a grassy plateau and offer incredible views of the mountains above. What is the half mile hike like back to the slide? And What are the costs? Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. but beware of serious shrinkage, that water is coooold ! Essentially no trail in a lot of places. Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake. Stay left and cross FR 58 after 0.1 mile. The view is amazing and the water feels wonderful on hot days!! The water side is amazing and while its very scary, its actually really fun. 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. The trail stretches along the creek, which provides a soothing soundtrack. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. 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 tent caterpillar infestations are more of a temporary problem that . There is more vegetation and easier going as you approach the top of the pass. ^Both are causing problems in various Colorado forests. . The first part is pretty steep going down, and then steep coming back up at the end! Fun slides are just the right size. Thank you in advance! Find Us. The Denny Creek trailhead is at 2550 ft elevation. Right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, the water slides provide an exciting addition to soaking in our outdoor mineral pools. The twisting, thrilling slide will get your heart racing. Belly-flopping into the pool can get painful though. 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. challenging and beautiful. Unlimited rides can be added on to the cost of admission. Several campgrounds are fairly close by, like Quaking Aspen Campground and Redwood Meadow Campground, which is right across from the Trail of 100 Giants. always pack out what you pack in. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? The kids may be back in school, but that doesn't mean that summer -- and all the fun that comes with it -- is over! Even cut-off Levi shorts dry out within a half hour. Showing results 1 - 90 of 93. 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. Your email address will not be published. Info on beta is not accurate. We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Once over Hemlock pass, the trail descends gradually through a heavy forest and small rolling hills to the Melakwa Lake trail junction. 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. I only watched. Steep start/end of hike. 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. Denny Creek actually has a number of waterfalls. Did this a few years back, really fun! You can find it, as I did, by parking in the lot nearest the dam stretching over Lake Isabel. 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 slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. I will be camping at Quaking Aspen Campground this summer. There are great views of Chair Peak and Bryant Peak as well as plenty of places to sun and/or swim. Its a steep descent that flattens into a meadow of tall grass and aspen. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. If youre looking for the perfect vacation destination, look no further than Glenwood Springs. Is there water? 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.". Passed the slide but found it on the way back. Children will love the Lesiure Pool which comes complete with a huge tipper bucket, sprayers, and a unique play structure filled with interactive activities. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. Estimated time: 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. If you can find it, then its worth it.. When people mention deadfall, theres no way to exaggerate how AWFUL it was. At 1.3 miles and 2690 ft, a side trail and steps lead down to the creek and slides. 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! Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. Geysers, sprayers, huge water mushrooms, water hoops, tunnels you name it, the awesome spray garden and huge play structure have it all. It goes straight up. The path heads to a creek and continues on the other side. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. I can remember being up there several times between 72-73 sometimes BA sometimes swimming suits and always a blast! 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Take your pet and your lady and make sure they go in water with you! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. A helicopter recovered his body. Thank you! So my family is planning to go camping at Wishon Campground with plan to see the Natural Rock Slide. Rocks are basketball to car sized. Big bummer! pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. Cool down in the lazy river or make a splash in the cool waters of the pools. IF YOURE GOING TO COME HERE, OR ANYWHERE, RESPECT IT!!!! Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. 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. Explore. Now that youve hiked 5 miles to here, its a must to do another 0.3 to Upper Melakwa Lake. All year round to waterslides. 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. Old Town Hot Springs has two exciting 230-foot long water slides that are open seasonally throughout the year. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark features a lap pool with gorgeous clear waters and two thrilling one hundred and eighty two foot waterslides. Winter users need equipment and experience in avalanche prone areas. There were only two on the sunny afternoon I was there the teenagers who made it a date spot. You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Your email address will not be published. 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. Difficulty: Moderate. These NATURAL WATER. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Caught the trail after. In this valley is lots of shade, wild blueberries and olallieberries in season. They were sweet all right. It's the perfect end-of-summer family adventure! The photo at the right above provides a closeup and wide angle view of the area. I hadnt spotted anyone about 30 minutes into my hike. 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. So fun and so cold. 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. The road shortly crosses under the westbound lanes of I-90. It spreads across a wide granite shelf, cascading 30 feet in undulating sheets of water. TripAdvisor/Tom 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. 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. Awesome place to go. Is there still enough water to make the slide fun? We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. Huge down trees block path often & make it impossible to stay on trails. Yes. We wound up at the Natural Slides just down from Lake San Isabel. This is more than a hike. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. 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.. This is more than a hike. Dont take the Melakwa Lake Trail (left turn). Does it still exist? How is the water considering the drought? Trees down all over trail. Then turn right on Forest Road 58 at the stop sign. Not many bugs. Water Slides Daily: 4-7pm. The giant play structures will entertain for hours. Went there today. If all that splashing and swimming has left you ravenous, no problem, Tippers Grill has something to satisfy. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Thank you! For a moderate hike, continue on up over Hemlock Pass to the beautiful Melakwa Lakes. The park also offers swimming lessons, water fitness classes, kids fitness classes and they host birthday parties. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. Kingdom Water Park, Denver. The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. Love Colorado? Several down logs as well. Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. 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. In about 3/4 mile, the trail breaks out of the forest into the first open area and the climbing starts in earnest. 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. 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). [] Sequoia National Forest Waterslide []. Been coming here since I was 7. The water is FREEZING! lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Rye, Colorado. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. Countries; Regions; Cities . 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. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. 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. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. Short, beautiful hike. Dont miss the exciting new interactive Warp Speed slide. 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. peter w busch why is it important to serve your family natural water slide colorado. Wait so it is closed? 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). If you arent a water fan, theres a huge deck area with chairs for lounging. From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. From road it was very steep. I used to go there years ago when it was relatively unknown. Open from Memorial Day until Labour Day, admission to the park is free with a theme park admission purchase. Anyone been in the last couple of weeks? More a moderately trafficked. Whats the best way to get to the slide from the north (kings canyon)? Theres a tube slide and a body slide, each offering over one hundred and fifty feet of adventure, spills and splashes. If you want to come and soak up the sun there are chairs available for tanning. Photo: Dining Guide at Denver International Airport. 7. Enjoy this stretch before the steeper trail ahead. Watch out for the giant dumping bucket! The Natural Water Slide in San Isabel National Forest, Gov. Climb the ridge until you have to drop down the west side and traverse the base of the cliffs through a scree field. Both water slides provide a turning, twisting, exhilarating ride that ends with a large splash. Here are among the largest natural lakes in Colorado: Grand Lake Dawn sky over Grand Lake. For high adventure, big splashes, heart pounding adrenaline, hours of laughter, and a memorable time, dont miss the water parks of Colorado. RELATED: Before You Visit, Know the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Adventure seekers will love the thirty foot tall water slides. Keekwulee Falls is the most significant of the bunch and is one of the prime attractions along the Melakwa Lakes Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. 24 Jun . Lie back like a pencil or paddle with your hands to accelerate. Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. This is a beautiful hike not too rough at all. Three thrilling slides will leave your heart pounding. The Denny party were some of the original non-native settlers of Seattle, who had mining claims in the area. There was usually about 200 hippies and we all sat around on the edge of the rockslide naked it was quite a scene. Have to cross water several times. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Has anyone been to the slides recently? Have to cross water several times. Be prepared to cross the river several times. a natural water slide. The flow is so much better than last year. Best time to go is early in the year when the water is high!!! As you go a total mile, maybe there will be a few more creek crossings and some awkward maneuvering over boulders. Mchtest du AllTrails auf Deutsch nutzen. The zero-depth entry pool is just right for tots. Stay away from any rock area sloping down towards the lower falls. always pack out what you pack in. 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. There is a restroom at the trail crossing of FR 58. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Guests of all ages will be sure to get wet and have a blast at Walsenburg Water Park. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. From North Bend, take Highway 90 westbound to Exit 47 Denny Creek Tinkham Road. Several down logs as well. 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. Difficulty: Easy. Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark has a ton of different activities that are sure to make for a memorable time. Beautiful! Just wanted to update this and say we visited the waterslide today and there was still water flowing enough to slide down. 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The water gushes over slippery smooth rocks into natural stone pools, making for the natural slide. The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. On the east side of Denny Creek, the view opens up to Hemlock Pass. 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). You can go this way and end up back along I-90 for an 11 mile hike with transportation arranged. The huge pool is always clear and cool and just right for splishing, splashing and swimming. it's beautiful however Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Not an easy trail. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. Theres always something to do! Just returned, water still flowing, and a bit low but great time had by all. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. Started hiking this trail 32 years ago. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. Their aunt, whod ridden it years ago with a boyfriend, led the way. Youll be sure to want to visit again! They rode the stream and dropped with a short waterfall into a pool. We did this hike last June. A Bucket list checked off. You have to cross the water at the bottom to get to anything good really, and its pretty iffy. I want to go in the late summer, but not if it will be dried up by then! The canyon at the falls is steep enough so there are no safe routes down to the base of the lower falls. 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. Total disaster. Temperatures may vary. Ill be with my 86 year old mother and my daughters 18 month old twins. During the summer the air is so hot and dry you cant wait to get wet. The quarter mile course was built for recreational kayaking and canoeing! Not many people so we missed it! It should only be attempted at low water on a dry sunny day in summer. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. Easiest way to get back and forth across the stream is to wade across least strong currents. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. The park is complete with tons of shady areas and a concession. Turn left and cross over the freeway. Total distance (Round Trip) - 4 miles to Keekwulee, 2.6 miles to slides. 07-11-2014, 02:49 PM . Trees down all over trail. If you enjoy nature and hot water, the most obvious benefit from hot springs is simple relaxation. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. For tons of thrills and spills check out one of the many exciting rides. Hey, we never said that the trip would be easy, but trust us: it is WELL worth it. Alot of fond memories. Bring out your inner child and share in your familys delight riding this 400-foot long water slide. I took 4 boys 11-13 yrs old and our dog, we had a blast. Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisors 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States."). Using the natural water slide Start from a standing position at the top of the chute. Thank you! From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Turtle Bay was made just for tots. Getting off the road and down to the slide does require scrambling down a few rocks though. Not to mention all the exciting dryland fun that is still to be had at the amusement park. 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. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Passed the slide but found it on the way back. 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. It has been closed since last year (now 8-27-21). Thanks Lynda! Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. Its possible to find easier hiking along the animal trails where the rocks border the forest on the left hand side.