Denver Places to Swim and Cool Off

With the steady sizzling heat here in Denver, I thought a list of swimming holes might be appropriate...most of these places require a fee but to beat the heat...why not? Also, you can check out Denver Parks and Recreation for a list of local rec center pools.

(Disclaimer: Please always use caution and awareness when swimming in rivers/creeks; check that it is safe)

Apex Park and Recreation Facilities

Aurora Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake Park

Boulder Reservoir

Boulder Creek(you can tube down this section also...but beware of unpleasant butt bruises! A lot of rocks. :)

Cherry Creek State Park

Chatfield State Park

Confluence Park
(this seems to be more of an unofficial swimming hole but there are usually people kayaking and playing in the water here, behind REI. However, I don't know how clean the water is here....)

Elitch Gardens

Pirates Cove

Water World

Your local Recreation Center!







(original post: 8/1/08; updated on 7/5/14)

Excursion of the week: Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir

I recently explored Fort Collins, Colorado. Fort Collins is about 1-1.5 hours north of Denver. I was really impressed with this cute town. It was such a balance and seemed to fit almost any different type of person. For instance, the town seemed simultaneously rural and urban, small and big.


One of the best parts of my visit was the discovery of Horsetooth Reservoir. Here you can camp, boat, swim, scuba dive, and hike. This is one of the bigger reservoirs in north-eastern Colorado. The water was surrounded by tall red rock walls and veered around in a snake-like structure--unlike several of the circular reservoirs I've seen. There is a campground on the south side of the park, along with several camping cabins.

The park is just a few minutes from town so you can always drive into town and grab a beer at one of the local breweries.

Anyway, so if you travel north of Denver, be sure to check out Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir.



More Links:

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/parks/brochure_horsetooth.pdf

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/PARKS/horsetooth.htm

www.newbelgium.com

Excursion Of The Week.

Excursion Of The Week: Fraser Tubing Hill

One of my all-time favorite things to do in the winter months is to go snow tubing! Usually when I mention "tubing" to my eastcoast cohorts they immediately think of tubing behind a boat or down a river....But here in Colorado, you can go tubing in the summer and the winter!

My favorite place to go tubing is Fraser Tubing Hill, located in the small town of Fraser, just outside of Winter Park.

The hill is a nice size and makes for some decent speeds. They keep the hill groomed, for the most part, so you don't have to worry too much about hitting a big stump or tree. They also have a pulley type of system that pulls you and your tube back up to the top of the hill...if you don't feel like making the trek back up by foot...which is kinda nice!

Also, nearby is the YMCA-Snow Mountain Ranch where you can stay for lodging or other activities, such as an indoor heated pool. There are also several trails for snowmobiling or snow-shoeing (and they provide rentals). There is also a commercialized hot spring nearby called Hot Sulphur Springs, located near Granby.

Hey, it's winter--let's go out and play!