Until recently, Southern Colorado’s Paradise Cove was one of the state’s most closely-guarded secrets. Unmarked on any map, the swimming hole and cliff-diving spot was known only to a handful of local outdoor die-hards.
The word has since gotten out, but Paradise Cove is still one of the coolest natural pools west of the Mississippi. Carved by what was once a towering waterfall and surrounded by smooth sanstone cliffs, the cove looks like something straight out of a summer daydream.
Getting there: From Colorado Springs, head west on Highway 24 for 26 miles, then turn right on Twin Rocks Road. Follow Twin Rocks for about five miles to T-junction turn left. After another six miles, head right at a fork in the road. Drive another four miles to another T-junction and turn right. In less than three miles, park in a dirt lot on the left. From here, hike half a mile on an easy trail to the Cove.
The Devil’s Punchbowl in Aspen