Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. I can remember being up there several times between 72-73 sometimes BA sometimes swimming suits and always a blast! This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. More a moderately trafficked. Hopefully someone still looks at these comments, I was wondering if there is water flowing down the slide all year long? 94 - 99 F. Hot springs are heated by natural geothermal heat. The flowers are yellow and pink, purple and white, and the butterflies dancing around them are just as varied. Otherwise, continue across the bridge and follow the road 0.25 miles until you reach the Denny Creek trailhead. Definitely not a hike for those that cant rock scramble. Countries; Regions; Cities . 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. The slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. Keekwulee Falls occurs as Denny Creek emerges from a narrow canyon. For a moderate hike, continue on up over Hemlock Pass to the beautiful Melakwa Lakes. Has anyone been to the slides recently? 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. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Rye, Colorado. 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. Or its a 15 mile hike to complete the loop along I-90 back to Denny Creek Trailhead. In a couple of places nearing Keekwulee Falls, you will be able to look nearly straight down into the Denny Creek canyon. Just keep going downstream and you will get to the slide. He fell. 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. Over wide, smooth rock faces, a cold creek rushed, and there was a teenage couple riding the water, their arms raised like they were on a roller coaster. The kids may be back in school, but that doesn't mean that summer -- and all the fun that comes with it -- is over! I can't wait until I can go again. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. For dryland fun theres a giant sandbox with interactive features and shady areas. The photo at the right above provides a closeup and wide angle view of the area. Three thrilling slides will leave your heart pounding. Kingdom Water Park, Denver. Stay away from any rock area sloping down towards the lower falls. Jump onboard a tube and float your way down the lazy river, enjoying a scenic view of the park. 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. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. Connected by a lazy river, these pools are surrounded by a grassy plateau and offer incredible views of the mountains above. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. It drops down and follows the Pratt River down to the Pratt Lakes. Children will love the huge Lagoon Leisure Pool. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Skip the Waterpark & Check Out these Awesome Natural Water Slides. Its not your typical water park experience. As you go a total mile, maybe there will be a few more creek crossings and some awkward maneuvering over boulders. Great trail but very overgrown and impossible to continue past a half mile. The Colorado Springs family had spent the morning at the slide. But at the back of the lot, find the pathways that mar the ground sloping into the forest. Take your pet and your lady and make sure they go in water with you! Is the hike strenuous? Thanks! The falls face southwest and will see direct sunlight for much of the afternoon, often producing rainbows. The natural waterslide area is a must for families. Beautiful! Love Colorado? For the strenuous and hard core folks, you can continue past Upper Melakwa Lake to Melakwa Pass or perhaps try scaling Kaleetan Peak. You can find it, as I did, by parking in the lot nearest the dam stretching over Lake Isabel. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Call something Paradise, kiss it goodbye The Eagles. 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. Be prepared to cross the river several times. Let's change that! Best March thru October. No attempts to get selfies at the lip of the lower falls, please! From splashing in waterfalls to kayaking class IV rapids, there are many ways to experience these natural water parks. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. 105Reviews. I can't wait until I can go again. The trail continues in a thick forest towards the first major point of interest which is the Denny Creek Waterslide. Also, what is the average daily temperature there this time of year? Come for a day or stay for a week, youre sure to find something different to do every day. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. The park also has a zip line for tons more fun. About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. The kiddie areas make for hours of fun. The main pool is sixteen hundred square feet for tons of swimming and splashing. The tent caterpillar infestations are more of a temporary problem that . Did this a few years back, really fun! Theres a tube slide and a body slide, each offering over one hundred and fifty feet of adventure, spills and splashes. Even smaller water lovers will have a blast on the three foot long Seal Slide. In about 3/4 mile, the trail breaks out of the forest into the first open area and the climbing starts in earnest. Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. During the summer the air is so hot and dry you cant wait to get wet. In this valley is lots of shade, wild blueberries and olallieberries in season. Keekwulee Falls is the most significant of the bunch and is one of the prime attractions along the Melakwa Lakes Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. Eight hundred feet of delightful, rushing waters complete with boulders, drops, pools and eddies make for splashing, paddling fun. lots of downed trees, had to cross the water a couple times but the slides and scenery are amazing. If all that splashing and swimming has left you ravenous, no problem, Tippers Grill has something to satisfy. The road shortly crosses under the westbound lanes of I-90. Think good grip and traversing foot deep water in parts. For even more awe-inspiring nature, check out these 8 Secret Spots In Colorado Where Nature Will Completely Relax You. I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. (Even cooler? The trail stretches along the creek, which provides a soothing soundtrack. (Hey; we never said that getting to ride the slide didnt come without a little work!) The zero-depth entry pool is just right for tots. it's beautiful however The St. Charles Creek waterslide can be hard to find, but fortunately, the Greenhorn Valley View offers detailed directions via their website. 4. Does anyone know if the water is running enough to use the slide today (for July 4th weekend)? Bring your favorite furry canine out for the Doggie Paddle Day, usually held right before the park closes for the season. Very beautiful short hike! 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. If youre looking for the perfect vacation destination, look no further than Glenwood Springs. 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. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Mchtest du AllTrails auf Deutsch nutzen. Steep start/end of hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. Sliding down that slide looks fun, just hope the ground is soft. Towels are available to rent with a deposit. ^Both are causing problems in various Colorado forests. Thats why the Forest Service blocked off the road. From road it was very steep. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. Trees down all over trail. It goes straight up. This is more than a hike. Thank you lynda for the valuable timely update. The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.). Harder than what it described but super fun!! Turn left immediately after crossing the freeway. 8. 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. 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. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. You have permission to edit this article. From a patron at a gas station in Colorado City, off Colorado 165 heading west toward the Wet Mountains. Located at Elitch Gardens, the huge waterpark is a must visit destination. This is definitely a hike to do in hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet because they will!. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. San Isabel is just 25 minutes west northwest of I-25 at Colorado City. The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. Also in the lodge were a man and his young boy, who said I should try the raspberries I find on my way. 07-11-2014, 02:49 PM . Very fun and pretty. Show off your sand castle building prowess at the Beach, the huge sand play area. Then follow the stream up a very short way to Upper Melakwa Lake (elev 4500 ft). Some locals brought inflatable round rafts to slide down, but most people just slid down in their bathing suits. Total elevation gain - 560 ft to Keekwulee Falls viewpoint, 140 ft to the slide. Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? 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. If you enjoy nature and hot water, the most obvious benefit from hot springs is simple relaxation. For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! a natural water slide. 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. Then go back up the ridge to again pick up the trail to the summit. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. While a beautiful spot, consider the risks before trying it. Passed the slide but found it on the way back. Cross over the Melakwa lake outlet on the logs and proceed along the trail on the left shore of the lake. Theres a mini lazy river just for kids, the Clown Around Creek. Chair Peak Lake is just down from the pass so you could include a visit there on this excursion. If you can find it, then its worth it.. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Here are among the largest natural lakes in Colorado: Grand Lake Dawn sky over Grand Lake. 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 pool's heating system). Essentially no trail in a lot of places. Forget the long lines at water parks. The flow is so much better than last year. They were sweet all right. Slide Rock State Park in Sedona boasts a water slide that formed all by itself - absolutely no human intervention. Colorado rocks (see what I did there? Beautiful! Amazing natural water slide. Wait so it is closed? Right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, the water slides provide an exciting addition to soaking in our outdoor mineral pools. Unlimited Water Slides +$7. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. A Bucket list checked off. Tevas didn't have enough grip on the slick parts and my hikers were NOT going in the creek. When people mention deadfall, theres no way to exaggerate how AWFUL it was. Whatever the season, the waterpark is always sure to be the right temperature. Going to head there next week, really excited! 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. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. Brought young kids and they enjoyed the hike in The water was rushing harder than I remember, but it was doable. The water was high and fast, we had to walk in the river to get past some huge rocks. At least at the beginning, the trail is fairly well defined. Would not take someone who has a rough time moving around but for kids and healthy adults you are good. I only watched. Take a few steps to get going and then sit down on the slick moss-covered rock. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . I would like to visit this natural rock slide, but am not familiar with the area. Then it crosses the creek via bridge and passes under the I-90 westbound lanes viaduct (0.65 miles). Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? Open seasonally, the outdoor waterpark has a ton of different activities that are sure to make for a memorable time. Ill be with my 86 year old mother and my daughters 18 month old twins. Relax in the smaller hot pools and enjoy the Colorado outdoors. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. We did this hike last June. 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. Ride the 400 Water Slide Memorial Day Labor Day. Been coming here since I was 7. (7 & 4 years old). You cant go wrong as long as you follow the creek. Complete with play structure, a whole host of wet and wild activities, and dumping buckets, the kids will be sure to keep wet and refreshed. Thanks Lynda! It includes zero-depth entry on one end and a slightly deeper end for older toddlers. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. Temperatures may vary. Cool down in the lazy river or make a splash in the cool waters of the pools. This is more than a hike. Shapiro knew of a more epic slide deeper into the forest. After about 2 miles drive on a beautiful forested road along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, pass the Denny Creek Campground. 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!! Tragedy hangs over the beauty. 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. The Denny Creek trail follows the creek through old growth forest for 0.4 miles. 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. I only watched. Old Town Hot Springs has two exciting 230-foot long water slides that are open seasonally throughout the year.