These easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado are a great way to experience some of the most scenic lakes without major miles.
I seriously can’t believe that July is over and August is already upon us!! I already felt like this year was going by fast, but this summer has seriously flown by!! I had so many things planned that I wanted to do this year and now I’m scrambling to get a few of them done while it’s still great weather!! The good news is I live in an awesome place so it’s not hard to find something cool to do on short notice! It’s been about a year and a half since moving back to Colorado and we haven’t regretted our decision one time! One of the coolest things for me about moving back to Colorado is finding all the spots I’ve had saved on my Pinterest for years! Hanging Lake, the Ice Castles, Zapata Falls…the list goes on and on!! Paradise Cove is a place I found on Pinterest like three years ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to: a) not see it one but two times, and b) get to have the whole place to myself both times!! Now that’s what I call a Double Rainbow. Paradise Cove is a short and sweet little hike that lies out toward Guffey, CO. I won’t lie to you, it’s a little bit of a drive from Colorado Springs. It feels like it’s not that far away…just past Divide, you tell yourself…but actually (depending on where you’re driving from in the Springs), it’s every bit of an hour to an hour and a half away. So consider yourself forewarned before you make the drive!! This is really a beautiful little spot, but unfortunately, it has gotten itself a bad reputation in the last several years. While this used to be a spot that only locals knew about, it has become somewhat of a teen/young adult party spot. In the summer this spot can get up to 400-500 visitors in one day. I can attest that this area is certainly not set up for that number of people. People come in the summer to swim and cliff dive, even though I’ve heard that every year there are injuries because of it. Young adults have made this a party spot complete with broken bottles on the trail, which is a pretty douchebag move if you ask me. I tell you all this not necessarily to discourage you, but so that you are forewarned. People who are bringing their dogs and children down here would want to know about the possibility of broken glass on the trail. In order to curtail some of the problems, there are new strict rules for use of Paradise Cove, including no alcohol allowed. When I was here both times (April and early May), the place was empty and I didn’t see any broken glass, so hopefully the new rules will help. I’ve been here twice and we only met people when we were almost back to the parking lot. I went in April and early May, and while the water was too cold to swim in, we really enjoyed hiking to the water hole, seeing the waterfall and enjoying the area in solitude and peace. If you really want to see Paradise Cove but don’t want to mess with the “frat party” atmosphere, try to go off-season and enjoy it for the hiking, not the swimming. Directions: From Colorado Springs – Take HWY 24 towards Woodland Park. A little past Divide you will take a left turn on Twin Rocks Rd (or Lower Twin Rocks Rd). Follow this road until it dead ends into County Road 1 (or Gold Belt Tour and Scenic Byway). Turn left onto County Road 1. Follow this road until there is a turn-off on your right for County Road 11. Turn right at County Road 11. Follow this until it dead ends, turn right on County Road 112, there will be signs for Guffey. The parking area will be shortly after this turn on your right. Restrooms: Yes Distance: 0.5 mile one-way 1-mile roundtrip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The descent to the swimming hole is steep and rocky. Pets OK? Dogs allowed on a leash Crowds: Heavy Camping allowed: no overnight camping is allowed Fees/Permits: $6 fee Tips: Bring a hat, shades, water and snacks!! The trail isn’t long but you are in direct sunlight almost the whole time. When you arrive at the waterfall you’ll want to hangout for a little bit, so make sure you bring snacks and something to drink so you stay hydrated! Please respect the Pack In/Pack Out rule. There have been problems with people bringing beer bottles and breaking them on the rocks at the water while hanging out. This is so disrespectful to others trying to enjoy the area. Please don’t be a douchebag. Like I said earlier, try to go off-season to miss the “frat-party” vibes this place gets in the summer. The water may not be enjoyable but we found it to be a lovely hike even though we didn’t swim. If you go during the summer, definitely go early and during the week. The initial descent to the trail and the descent to the swimming hole are definitely tricky for certain populations. It becomes very steep and rocky as the trail switchbacks down into these area. Trekking poles would be useful for those with balance issues, and sturdy shoes are a must for any population. Please remember that cliff diving is dangerous and only do so at your own risk. The trail crosses the creek a few times but we were able to keep our shoes dry. This was probably the worst part of the crossing. First view of the swimming hole It was so nice to sit and enjoy the area without anyone else here!! If you keep walking past the cove a short ways there is more pretty scenery awaiting you!! My sister and cute little baby…back when she would actually keep her hat on her head!! This pic was from our visit in April. It was very windy and still a little chilly. Make sure you check the weather before coming! Overall, I would definitely recommend Paradise Cove, although I myself would not go during the summer. I’m planning on going in the fall to see how crowded it is then. I’ll let y’all know!! Well that’s all for today, hopefully I was able to help those of y’all deciding if this one was worth it! Until next time!!
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