Just Outside Of Colorado Springs Is The State's Paradise Swimming Hole With Unmatched Beauty

Tucked into a canyon near the tiny town of Guffey, Paradise Cove offers a gorgeous swimming hole that only requires a short hike. Also known as Guffey Gorge, this secluded area is surrounded by tall, rocky cliffs carved into the hills, with a small, cool cascade of water filling the natural pool. Just an hour west of the budget-friendly western city of Colorado Springs, it's a picture-perfect spot for a day trip, especially for those wanting to spend more time playing and less time hiking.

The trail is just a mile out-and-back, so most can get to the swimming hole in less than 15 minutes, making it a comparatively short hike for such a big payoff. The hike is moderate, but there are steep sections, so wear sturdy hiking shoes. And, of course, to keep beautiful places like this in pristine condition, always follow the Leave No Trace principles.

For the best views and swimming conditions, plan your visit from May to September. However, keep in mind the popularity of the trail means you'll probably have company, especially on the weekend. For the best conditions and smaller crowds, a September weekday is your best bet. Looking for more water? Head to the nearby Eleven Mile Canyon, a local favorite for fly-fishing, kayaking, and camping, or detour to Eleven Mile State Park for pretty views of Lake George and shoreline hikes.

Paradise Cove is popular among cliff jumpers, but that activity comes with a fair amount of risk. There are signs posted warning visitors of potential injury or death, and about a dozen people are seriously injured cliff jumping in the cove each year. Besides the risk of falling too far and fast, like one woman in 2017 who had to be airlifted to the hospital, the water depth can fluctuate. That said, if you are going to take the leap, never do it alone, and be sure to have a plan in case someone gets hurt. It's also wise to check the water depth and that the area is clear of rocks. The cliffs range from about 20 to a little over 80 feet, so jumping from further down is safest.

Because of its popularity, land management has put several rules into place. So before choosing this spot for summertime tailgating, think again. Alcohol, loud music, and portable grills are all prohibited. Overnight camping and glass containers are also banned. Dogs are welcome, but keep your furry bestie on a leash. Unlike some more remote and lesser-known natural areas, rangers do patrol around Guffey Gorge — so breaking the rules is likely to get you fined.

Visitors also need to pay a $6 fee to enter, which goes toward maintaining the cove — you can pay on arrival or digitally via the Recreation.gov app. There's a small parking lot, but you may want to arrive early during busy weekends — parking on the road is illegal and will get your car towed.

Getting to Paradise Cove is easy from Colorado Springs (about an hour drive) and Denver (just under three hours). But once you've cooled off in the cove and explored the surrounding area, don't just head home — you're in one of the most scenic corners of southern Colorado. If you're interested in small-town charm, consider exploring the nearby towns of Guffey and Cripple Creek. Guffey is known for its old-West vibes and historical buildings. Cripple Creek, a former gold-mining-hub-turned-casino-town, is a great place to grab lunch, tour a historic mine, or catch a scenic ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

About 20 minutes north outside the small town of Florissant, nature and history lovers won't want to miss the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This geological site is home to ancient fossil deposits and petrified redwoods as wide as 14 feet — remnants of the late Eocene period over 30 million years ago. The interconnected trails and visitor center make it a great stop for all ages, and the entrance fee is just $10. History buffs should also check out the historic Hornbek homestead built by one of the first women homesteaders back in the late 1870s.

Road trippers exploring the best of Colorado shouldn't miss Pikes Peak along the way — it's the inspiration for the famous "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates. The hike to the summit is challenging, so this area is worth carving out at least a day to fully explore. To save time, hikers can even catch a ride down from the summit back to the trailhead with Rocky Mountain Ride — just be sure to reserve a day in advance.