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. Could I just drive and head south on 190 then 22S83? The hike is not strenuous its merely a dirt road, though there is a slight incline. For tiny tots theres a splash pad. 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. Also, watch out for sudden rain storms in the summer after 4:00pm. This definitely needs to be changed to HARD until the trail is cleared and safe. Hopefully someone still looks at these comments, I was wondering if there is water flowing down the slide all year long? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! San Isabel is just 25 minutes west northwest of I-25 at Colorado City. There are two drops of 35 feet and then 90 feet below. 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! Climb the ridge until you have to drop down the west side and traverse the base of the cliffs through a scree field. TripAdvisor/Tom About a half mile past Denny Creek, there is a large 60 vehicle parking lot on your right hand side. Finding something new, the girls mother said, thats what were always trying to do., Added their father: The farther you go, the less people.. Climb the steep walls and brave a huge plunge on the Zoomerang. If you go over, it will be the end. It has been closed since last year (now 8-27-21). For a moderate hike, continue on up over Hemlock Pass to the beautiful Melakwa Lakes. The water side is amazing and while its very scary, its actually really fun. And What are the costs? was happy to see people with trash bags helping to keep the area clean. 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. Maybe Ill head up there again! Estimated time: 5-10 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. Passed the slide but found it on the way back. I can't wait until I can go again. I can remember being up there several times between 72-73 sometimes BA sometimes swimming suits and always a blast! If you have kiddos, this is a must! Caught the trail after. For a heart pounding rush theres a body slide ad a tube slide. Nestled in the sprawling million-acre San Isabel National Forest, hikers and thrill-seekers can shoot down this legendary natural waterslide. loved this trail! Lost the trail at times but easy to find it again- had to cross the river a few times. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Big bummer! I camped in the area back in the 80s. The flow is so much better than last year. Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. There are no signs, and you wont find a sign on your way. pigella miraculous ladybug power. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The Upper Pools are included with your day pass and are open daily Memorial Day Labor Day. The lap pool offers eight lanes of cool, clear waters and a diving board. Caught the trail after. Tragedy hangs over the beauty. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. Its got something for everyone. Theres a brand new tot pool for young water lovers. 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. Not many people so we missed it! But I did slip and my foot plunged into the water up to my calf. A natural waterslide, two good sized waterfalls, lots of old growth forest mixed in with open areas with great views, and beautiful Alpine Lakes. Several campgrounds are fairly close by, like Quaking Aspen Campground and Redwood Meadow Campground, which is right across from the Trail of 100 Giants. If you add a couple of water crossings on the way back you can cut out some of the bouldering. Once over Hemlock pass, the trail descends gradually through a heavy forest and small rolling hills to the Melakwa Lake trail junction. Had my 4 y/o along for the hike and it was super scary at times. 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.". Estimated time: 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness and how much time you want to spend there. The sound of the falls will drown out the freeway noise. It drops down and follows the Pratt River down to the Pratt Lakes. Thanks Lynda! We got stuck in a big one that was a bit scary to our kids, we were safe but it was LOUD. If you want to learn how to take to the rushing waters, there are lessons offered at the indoor pool. Are there any tips for me on how to arrive to the water slide from the campground? There is a short boot path which descends steeply to the pools above Keekwulee Falls. You have permission to edit this article. Reservations are not required to soak in the hot 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. 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. When youre ready to leave the waterpark, be sure to check out all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. Essentially no trail in a lot of places. Its about 0.4 miles down, across Forest Road 58 and the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the Denny Creek trailhead. Speaking of summer not being over yet, have you had a chance to ride along the exciting Boulder Creek? Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. 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 water is FREEZING! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Ride the 400 Water Slide Memorial Day Labor Day. When people mention deadfall, theres no way to exaggerate how AWFUL it was. 3. And the water was c-c-c-c-c-o-l-d! 700 W 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, Phone: 719-738-2628 For more cool things to do this summer, take a dip in The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit! 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. Have to cross water several times. Once down it was a blast. 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. VIEW FULL MAP 5 4 84 Reviews Jayme May Natural Water Slide at San Isabel This is more than a hike. 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. At least at the beginning, the trail is fairly well defined. challenging and beautiful. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot Showing results 1 - 90 of 93. Children will love the huge Lagoon Leisure Pool. 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, The Winter Horseback Riding Trail In Colorado Thats Pure Magic, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Colorado Will Make Your Summer Complete, Theres A Little Slice Of Paradise Hiding Right Here In Colorado And Youll Want To Visit, Theres Nothing Better Than Colorados Natural Lazy River On A Summers Day, The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Colorado You Absolutely Need To Visit. Crossing Denny Creek at waterslides can become impossible at high water. Plenty of water coming down, freezing water, nice sunny day. I highly suggest hiking/water shoes. Fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt-biking, atv-ing, natural water slides,are just some of the great options for . In about 3/4 mile, the trail breaks out of the forest into the first open area and the climbing starts in earnest. Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. We did this hike last June. Low water level. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Featured Image Caption: Upper Melakwa Lake Looking Towards Melakwa Pass. 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. The twisting, thrilling slide will get your heart racing. Hey, we never said that the trip would be easy, but trust us: it is WELL worth it. Be prepared to get wet, it is necessary to cross the creek at least once or twice to navigate towards the water slide. You have conquered the larger-than-life waterslides at Water World, made a splash in the pools at Elitches, and have even rafted the thrilling Colorado River so now what? Harder than what it described but super fun!! Countries; Regions; Cities . Amazing time. Descending the other side of Melakwa Pass leads to Chair Peak Lake, Gem Lake and Snow Lake. After about 2 miles drive on a beautiful forested road along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, pass the Denny Creek Campground. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . We just got back from the natural water slide (my second visit). Right across from the main lodge are the Upper Pools. With so many things to do youll want to come back again and again. Just wanted to update this and say we visited the waterslide today and there was still water flowing enough to slide down. The huge Bay pool is just right for splashing and swimming and features a diving board and a drop slide. But in the West, the word "plan" remains a 4-letter word to many supporters of the laissez-faire traditions in water management . I think a lot of people got scared to come out here after that.. From a woman behind a counter of fudge inside a wooden lodge farther west, closer to the destination Id heard about near Lake Isabel. 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). Hey guys. Some harder areas of the trail. Then turn right on Forest Road 58 at the stop sign. pretty easy hike besides the incline up to the road on the way back. Western Divide Ranger District. The 400 Water Slide is family friendly. The Spray Garden is sure to delight both kiddies and adults. Unwind in one of the five adults-only pools, which have sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. More a moderately trafficked. There are a LOT of downed trees so be prepared to climb over and under throughout a good portion of the way. 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). it's beautiful however 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. Been coming here since I was 7. It includes zero-depth entry on one end and a slightly deeper end for older toddlers. 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. 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. The Spa & Club Is Reserved For Overnight Guests And Spa Treatment Patrons Age 16+. Beautiful trail and well worth traversing rocks to get to the slide. Clearing these, you will get a great view of Keekwulee Falls. 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. ^Both are causing problems in various Colorado forests. Or its a 15 mile hike to complete the loop along I-90 back to Denny Creek Trailhead. Comments. Ill be with my 86 year old mother and my daughters 18 month old twins. If you want to come and soak up the sun there are chairs available for tanning. This has some very technical sections where are you basically just have to go off trail and Boulder. Beautiful! I went for it though, and Im glad I did! Get more stories delivered right to your email. Hi wondering if anyones been here lately? I agree with an older review that the trail is mis-classified. The slide area looked really fun but apparently you need to tuck in your head before end where you get dunked. Amazing views but the trail is barely accessible 1/2 the time. Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. Thanks! Pack it in, pack it out & STAY ON TRAIL. Two thrilling slides will have your heart racing. If you are going to Franklin Falls, turn right onto the Franklin Falls Trail. The Lesiure Pool also offers a kiddie slide, zero-depth entry and shallow water area so even small children can enjoy the water. The Denny party were some of the original non-native settlers of Seattle, who had mining claims in the area. So be careful where you step. Some parks are tucked away in beautiful, scenic areas. (7 & 4 years old). Push straight ahead 0.1 mile to Melakwa Lake. These hot springs are unique because they are non-sulfurous. Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? Have a great time. Did this a few years back, really fun! 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! Trailhead is 2550 ft. High point is 3050 ft. at Keekwulee Falls. Beautiful! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for C1910 Circus Athlete Training Water Slide Pool Glenwood Springs CO Vtg Postcard at the best online prices at eBay! Saw a few people rub their heads. Our two 6-year-olds were able to do it and had an amazing time. On a hot summer day, the water is completely refreshing without a wetsuit. Going to head there next week, really excited! 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.. If you have kiddos, this is a must! Right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, the water slides provide an exciting addition to soaking in our outdoor mineral pools. The park also comes complete with a concession. Maybe one day.. Is the hike strenuous? Looks like it might be painful and cold without a wet suite. 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. Crossing the water multiple times due to lack of trail isnt my idea of a moderate trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail and others in the national forest. Thank you! The parking lot is on the right BUT you need to cross the road to go to the dirt fire road. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. Im pretty reckless with nothing to lose and I almost didnt do it. Awesome place to go. Very fun and pretty. If its raining hard, water levels can rise rapidly so consider that as well before crossing. our children ranging from 6 to 14 loved it. If you have never been before, do not be ashamed to ask for help. it's easy to lose track. The north side of the Denny Creek Campground is on your left. not so much a secret anymore as you can tell with the trash situation. 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. This was a fun adventure for us and our youngest kiddos. A hike usually has a trail and this was HARD to keep to a trail. There are great views of Chair Peak and Bryant Peak as well as plenty of places to sun and/or swim. Three thrilling slides will leave your heart pounding. Will there still be water this coming up weekend for Labor Day? As you go a total mile, maybe there will be a few more creek crossings and some awkward maneuvering over boulders. The guy was really well-liked, said Dylan Shapiro, 18, with his girlfriend Roberts at the slide. 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! Harder than what it described but super fun!! The main pool is sixteen hundred square feet for tons of swimming and splashing. Others come packed with tons of dryland adventures. Home Travel Guides United States Colorado (CO) 10 Best Water Parks in Colorado. The hot springs are open to the public every day of the week. 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! Whirl round and round on the Spacebowl or blast down the Screamin Mimi. It's the perfect end-of-summer family adventure! Where is the best place to tent camp? Anyone been able to slide with this drought. Thank goodness for those who helped and gave advice on the way. 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. There was usually about 200 hippies and we all sat around on the edge of the rockslide naked it was quite a scene. Adrenaline seekers will have a blast at the park. 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. No? Be prepared to cross the river several times. We wound up at the Natural Slides just down from Lake San Isabel. The trail passes into a hemlock forest at Hemlock Pass (4.9 miles, 4510 ft). Tucked away within the scenic San Isabel National Forest lies one of Colorado's "coolest" hidden gems: an all-natural water slide!