The Punchbowls (Camp Creek)
A set of unofficial creek swimming holes on Camp Creek near Colorado Springs, reached via a hike-in with no developed
Colorado
Yampa River Core Trail swimming spots
Multiple swimming and tubing access points along the Yampa River, connected by Steamboat Springs’ paved Core Trail through town.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
A rustic, multi-pool natural hot springs destination outside Steamboat Springs — note that after dark, the site has a long-standing
Boulder Creek (Eben G. Fine Park / Boulder)
One of the most popular tubing spots near Denver, flowing right through downtown Boulder — fun and easy to reach,
Boulder Reservoir
‘The Rez’ to locals — a sandy-beach reservoir with a dedicated, LIFEGUARDED swim area (unusual for this region), concessions, and
Boyd Lake State Park
A full-service reservoir just over an hour north of Denver with a designated swim beach, marina, and nearby camping.
Chatfield Reservoir (Chatfield State Park)
A 1,500-acre reservoir just south of Denver popular for swimming, boating, and birdwatching (200+ species recorded) — note a fatality
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Cherry Creek State Park)
A convenient, calm-water reservoir swim beach within the Denver metro area itself — one of the most accessible options without
Aurora Reservoir
One of Aurora’s largest park and open-space sites, with a sandy beach for swimming/sunbathing and an on-site education center about
Bear Creek Lake Park (Big Soda Lake)
A close-to-Denver lake within Bear Creek Lake Park offering a classic beach-day setup without a long drive.