A Beloved Natural Swimming Hole Hides On The Other Side Of Colorado's Two Buttes Reservoir

While there are some incredible swimming holes around the world, Colorado is brimming with options for travelers looking to take a dip surrounded by wide-open canyon views. In the Southeast corner of the state, there's a reservoir called Two Buttes, and if you venture to the back side, you'll find the "Black Hole"— a natural pool of water that's become the stuff of legend. It's also a favorite swimming hole that attracts locals looking to cool off as well as adventure seekers who love the thrill of cliff diving.

This swimming hole sits in a rocky gorge carved out by flash floods and erosion, and it's tied to some interesting stories. The name perfectly describes the dark and deep water — it's estimated to be between 30 to 40 feet deep, but the water level can vary. There's even said to be an old piece of road equipment sunk at the bottom that was carried there during a 1965 flood. Visitors might come across the name Monroe High etched into the sandstone walls of the Black Hole. According to YouTuber Canyon Journeys, High fell from the cliffs into the Black Hole in 1911 while trying to get back to his campsite, and his name is carved near the place where he died.

Two Buttes Reservoir State Wildlife Area is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and while it's open to the public, it's primarily known for hunting, fishing, and camping — not exactly swimming. That means there are no designated swimming zones or maintained trails to the Black Hole. But that hasn't stopped adventurous visitors from making it a summer tradition.

Getting to Two Buttes Reservoir can be a bit tricky, so get directions and a map from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, which also offers exact coordinates for getting into the recreation area. Cell service may be spotty out here, so map your route in advance. The recreation area offers parking, boat ramps, and restrooms. Dispersed camping is available in the area, but don't expect any camping areas packed with amenities. Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and be ready to pack out whatever you pack in per the Leave No Trace principles. Flash flooding can also be a danger, so always check the forecast and avoid visiting during storms or heavy rains. If you plan on doing any fishing or hunting, be sure to get the proper licenses ahead of time to avoid fines.

The Black Hole is a popular site for adrenaline-seeking cliff jumpers, with the highest jumping point called "The Granddaddy" at around 80 feet above the water. With the water level deep enough, many visitors feel it's usually safe to cliff jump from the lower points — but a lifejacket is always recommended.

That said, cliff diving is one of many extreme sports that can kill you. An avid cliff jumper, Eben Bartholomew, died at the Black Hole in 2021. In 2022, someone else sadly died after jumping from the cliffs, and authorities have said injuries aren't uncommon at the Black Hole. The hole is so deep that, in both cases, a submersible drone was used to recover the deceased. So, remember that swimming and diving are at your own risk.

For travelers looking to escape the usual mountain-lake loop and discover a wilder, lesser-known side of the state, this hidden swimming hole delivers. The area is tucked between the small towns of Springfield and Lamar. It's not very touristy, which is part of the charm. You won't find snack bars or paddleboard rentals here — just quiet trails and views of the Colorado landscape and wildlife.

The best base is Lamar, about 40 minutes north, where you'll find hotels, gas, groceries, and a few roadside diners. It's also home to a state welcome center that offers brochures and info on just about everything you need to know for exploring Colorado. And if you're up for a side quest, it's a great bird watching destination — Two Buttes Trail is part of the Colorado Birding Trail. While in town, don't miss the petrified wood building, a former gas station constructed of petrified wood in 1932 that once graced the strange pages of "Ripley's Believe It or Not."

Then there's the even more remote town of Two Buttes. Founded in 1911 alongside the dam's construction, Two Buttes was once home to around 2,000 residents. But today, it's one of Colorado's smallest incorporated cities, with only about 50 people living in town. But it's a great spot to visit for history buffs. In early 2010, some local teens were poking around in the town's trash dump when they randomly uncovered documents detailing the history of Two Buttes, including letters and historical legislation. This extensive archival collection is now housed in the local museum and library, which travelers can visit on Fridays. Just over 20 miles south, there's another museum in Springfield filled with info about the county's history as well as relics from Native American and Cowboy culture.