Paradise Cove Swimming Hole

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Colorado Springs, Co

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(2 votes, 1 review)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: Paradise Cove (also known as Guffey Cove) is a hidden little swimming hole near Cripple Creek. The cove is a short, but sometimes steep 1/2 mile (one way) hike. You will be rewarded for your modest effort with an afternoon of fun, and a whole lot of good stories to tell your friends. The cove itself is a small but deep pool, fed by a small waterfall. The pool is surrounded by steep granite cliffs that provide diving platforms for the adventurous. There are three different heights, each providing different levels of thrills and danger.

Aside from swimming and cliff jumping the site is very scenic and a fun place to just hang out.

Disclaimer: cliff jumping is very dangerous and should never be attempted by anyone ever. If you do decide to participate Everytrail and this author cannot be held responsible for any injuries.

Tips: Don't bring glass bottles, they are prohibited and I have seen sheriffs ticketing for this.

Bring along a trash bag to pack out your trash, along with any other trash you find at the cove.

Points of Interest

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Parking Area

From Colorado Springs, follow RT 24 to the town of Florissant (34.5 miles). From Florissant, follow Teller County Road 1 south for about 9.2 miles, until a Y fork, and bear right, into County Road 11. Follow County Road 11 for 4.1 miles, until a T intersection, and make a right turn at the intersection, into County Road 112. Follow County Road 112 for 2.7 miles, and where the road crests on top of a hill, park in the gravel lot on the left. On foot, cross the road and follow a foot trail in direction North for about 0.4 miles to the swimming hole.

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Stream Crossing

As you hike the trail you will cross Guffey Creek Several Times. None of the crossings are bridged.

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Paradise Cove

After a short hike you will come to the cove. The top of the cove is marked with a sign warning of the danger of jumping. The trail down to the swimming hole is short and steep. There are some nice rocks and a small beach area to hang out on. You can take a dip in the jade colored pool, or if your feeling adventurous take a plunge from one of the granite outcroppings.

Pictures in this guide taken by: colokeith

Keith Ganger (2011) All Rights Reserved

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This is an amazing place to visit. Be warned, however, the water is very cold, as it doesn't see too much sun.
Visited on Aug 01, 2011

by sevenfooter1 on Nov 02, 2011 at 03:17:54 pm