Post-Climb Swimming Holes
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There are few things that top off a day of climbing properly: cold beer, red meat seared on a hot grill, and plunging into fresh cool water. For the latter there are a few places are gaining popularity thanks to the facility of the Google search: Paradise Cove in Colorado, Mill Creek in UT and Split Rock in NY. We’ll save you the trouble.
Mill Creek, UT
Mill Creek is a short hike to a nice pool with some shorter cliff diving, making it a popular destination. If you’re truly adventurous, treat yourself and hike further up the canyon to another pool. It does not have the sheer cliffs of the lower pool, but it is much more secluded. If you climb up the small waterfall at the end of the pool you can walk around to a small natural water slide. The waterfall is the destination for most, but continuing up canyon provides a nice hike in a beautiful setting. Climbing areas nearby: All the awesomeness near Moab. Getting there: From downtown Moab, head east on Center Street, turn right on 400 E, then left on Mill Creek Dr. Follow Mill Creek Dr. when it bears right at Sand Flats Rd. Finally, left on Powerhouse Lane until it ends at a dirt parking area. From the pullout you will see the trail heading east on the south (right) side of the stream. Less than 5 minutes from the car is a sandstone gorge below a small dam that provides a great place to hangout a short distance from the car. For the more adventurous, continue heading up canyon, staying on the well-used trail. The trail crosses the stream a few times, so don’t be afraid to get your feet wet right from the start.
Paradise Cove, CO
Paradise cove used to be a word-of-mouth, locals-only hangout. Today it’s much easier to find this retreat, thanks to blabby writers like us. Here you’ll find sheer rock leading down to a very respectable pool. The pool is deep enough that only the truly brave touch bottom, and the water is free of obstacles. There is something for everyone -- from the tame 16 foot jump to the crazy 100 footer. There are also plenty of sun-soaked rocks to warm up on. Year round the water is brisk at best. Best visited on really hot days. Climbing areas nearby: Eleven Mile Canyon. Everything else in the South Platte Getting there: From Colorado Springs, drive west on U.S. Highway 24 for 26 mi. About a mile past Divide, turn left onto Twin Rocks Road. Drive 5.8 miles until the road dead ends at Teller County Road 1. Turn left and drive 5.9 miles to a fork in the road. Veer right on Teller County Road 11 and continue 4 miles until the road dead ends. Turn right onto Teller County Road 112. Drive 2.7 miles to a dirt parking lot on the left at the top of a small rise. The trail to the cove starts across the road. Follow a clear a half a mile to the pool.