HOME / Journal / Swimming Holes and Petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante. Multiple swimming holes along an 6-8 mile minimum (round trip) hike in the Dominguez Canyon of the Gunnison River and joining the canyons of Little Dominguez Creek and Big Dominguez Creek (see map, topo version). Love Colorado? This pool can be accessed by a short walk from the road, but adventurous hikers can spend hours hunting down less-obvious (but just as worthy) pools in the area. Most of these are visible right off the trail, but some petroglyphs are hidden in more remote parts of the canyon. You’ll need a good pair of hikers, a solid chunk of daylight, and keen sense of direct to find this gem. ), Swimming Holes and Petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante. This is also a great place to visit in the dead of Summer--the swimming in the "holes" is excellent. Connecticut: Enders Falls. Images along the road in Escalante Canyon And to be fair… it’s pretty close to Utah. The Big Dominguez Trail accesses some of the most popular areas of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, including waterfalls and rock art. Big Dominguez Canyon is a 12.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Whitewater, Colorado that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The most common access is from the Bridgeport Trailhead or from the Gunnison River at the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon. It is one of the most beautiful gems in the Grand Valley. Anna Baldwin is a part-time writer, part-time web developer and full time skier in Boulder, Colorado. So long that many parties choose to stretch it into a two or three-day backpacking trip. / You can hike along the canyon, working up … Some truly great swimming holes still exist on America's public lands—they just take some work to get to. The most popular of the pools is the so-called “Jumping Hole,” which can be jumped into (illegally) from 15-foot cliff walls. Shoulders of Giants Raise your hand if you visited Casa Bonita as a kid and decided you wanted to be a cliff diver when you grew up! Hit up each one and cool off in the water in between the trek. The hike is located in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, a BLM administered area about 20 miles south of Grand Junction along the Gunnison River. May 26, 2020 - Explore Ruth Bernstein's board "Denver" on Pinterest. Big Dominguez Canyon is a beautiful hike. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Enjoy a soak in Radium Hot Springs with stunning views that will sweep you off … Following the trail into The Big Dominguez Canyon. Like Paradise Cove, the Big Dominguez Canyon is surrounded by rocky cliffs and a cascading waterfall, … Get more stories delivered right to your email. Colorado actually has two Devil’s Punch Bowls, which either signifies a lack of … Aspen, Colorado 17.7 miles SE Multiple swimming holes along an 6-8 mile minimum (round trip) hike in the Dominguez Canyon of the Gunnison River and joining the … The Traveling Tacos visits on a solo road trip to camp, hike, and backpack in the area. We tested it on the streets of Medellin, Colombia. HOME Thank you! When they do, head to these two swimming pools to cool off. Devil’s Punch Bowl. Featuring rocky cliffs and a cascading waterfall, this Gunnison River-fed pool can only be reached via hike, making for an epic day in the great outdoors. Sign up for the inside scoop on new products, member discounts and inspiration from our giants. Follow the road up the canyon for 7.9 miles to the Smith Cabin historic site. Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area. ... desert swimming hole in Arizona with jumping rock The coastline near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Located inside the Grand Canyon, these amazing falls measure more than 100 feet high. Moab is famous for its technical MTB terrain, but the area has plenty to offer beginner/intermediate riders as well. big dominguez canyon. Make sure to stop for the marked petroglyph and early homestead scenic destinations along the way. This Colorado swimming hole, only an hour away from Colorado Springs, might be small but what it lacks in size it makes… You know the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness as being an incredible conservation area, but did you know that it is also home to a must-visit swimming hole? Still, National Geographic once named Havasu Falls one of America's best swimming holes. Swimming Holes and Petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante. At mile seven, a mineshaft can be found near a rock shelter used by early miners. Follow the dirt road down a draw and reach a bridge over the Gunnison River after 2.7 miles. Aspen, Colorado. (Make sure to check your junk mail for the code. Big Dominguez Canyon. Swimming Holes and Petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante Located just outside Grand Junction, the 210,172-acre Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area looks a … Photo by Bob Wick. The canyon is a good place to hike and see bighorn sheep, lots of petroglyphs and archaic rock shelters as well as several waterfalls. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The canyon also gives adventurers some great swimming opportunities in water that is pleasantly warmer than many of our other favorite swimming holes. / Journal Getting there requires a 10-mile hike with a more than 2,000-foot descent, so remember to save energy for the mostly uphill hike back out. So this week, we rounded up two of our favorite hikes in one of Colorado’s least-visited wild places. But it doesn’t get the same crowds as Zion Arches, or Canyonlands, and it’s just a four hours drive from Denver. The other visitors said that there were more swimming holes further into the canyon, and that there are petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the trail. Experience Telluride's Via Ferrata: a series of ladders, ledges, and cables that tours the cliffs above the mountain town for more than a mile. Colorado's mountain men keep as secret as Sasquatch. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. AREA: Uncomphagre NF (?) As per Swimming Holes, the hike can be accessed via the Bridgeport Trailhead, which is located approximately 20 miles south of Grand Junction via Route 50. ADD TO LIST. in 2015, Backpacker Magazine identified Dominguez Canyon as a place people in Denver should travel to if they wanted to get out early and enjoy some good hiking/backpacking. Further up the canyon, there … The upper end of Big Dominguez Canyon can be accessed on a primitive The pocket-sized goTenna pairs with your smartphone to enable GPS navigation anywhere in the world, service be damned. See more ideas about Colorado travel, Denver, Denver travel. © 2020 SHOULDERS OF GIANTS. 21 Best Watering Holes and Swimming Spots in Colorado. For water fun not far from Grand Junction, venture to the Big Dominguez Canyon, south of Grand Junction. The Potholes, a good but dangerous swimming hole, is another 1.1 miles upcanyon on the left. The Cabin Wall climbing area is above here. Between the Cactus Park turnoff and Big Dominguez Campground, I only saw a couple groups. FEATURED IN. This is a lesser-known area of Colorado and if you visit Dominguez Escalante at the right time you will feel like you found a … DIRECTIONS. Until July, when they gather in Southern Colorado to practice the state's oldest sport at Fairplay Burro Days. Other great swimming holes in Colorado that are near Denver, Colorado Springs and other parts of Colorado include Big Dominguez Canyon in Grand Junction, Pacific Tarn in Breckenridge, Lost Man Lake near Aspen, Mystic Island Lake in Eagle, Devils Punch Bowl in Aspen, Boulder Creek in Boulder Creek, and Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs. Some truly great swimming holes still exist on America's public lands—they just take some work to get to. And to be fair… it’s pretty close to Utah. Lovers of remote watering holes will enjoy these three, peaceful bodies of water connected by the Gunnison River (another great water spot). All … The most common access is from the Bridgeport Trailhead or from the Gunnison River at the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon (if you are arriving by boat). While the site is known for hiking, primitive camping and petroglyph hunting, there is also an impressive grouping of waterfalls and swimming holes. The Rare Weather Phenomena Called “Thundersnow” Appeared Over Colorado This Week, The Historic Pastime Bar & Cafe In Colorado Has Both Burgers And BBQ, And You Will Want To Visit, The Sondermann Park In Colorado Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets, The Story Behind Bishop Castle In Colorado Is The Feel Good Story We All Need This Year, The Tiny Beach Town In Colorado You’ve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit, 11 Amazing Waterfalls In Colorado That Prove Nature Is Beyond Beautiful, There’s A Place Called Devil’s Backbone In Colorado And It’s Basically Heaven, If You Didn’t Know About These 5 Swimming Holes In Colorado, They’re A Must Visit, 11 Little Known Swimming Spots In Colorado That Will Make Your Summer Awesome, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Colorado Will Make Your Summer Complete, This All-Day Float Trip Will Make Your Colorado Summer Complete, You Will Never Forget Your Time At This Spectacular Colorado Wine Festival. 3419 Westminster, Suite 334G Getting there: Turn on Escalante canyon road from Highway 50 and the Potholes are 12 miles down the road on the left. Summers get hot in the Centennial State. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Plants grow in a sculpted pothole, Big Dominguez Canyon, Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area south of Grand Junction, Colorado. Since the summer months can get quite hot here, swimming in Colorado’s natural swimming spots make for a great way to escape the heat. Dallas, TX 75205. Located just outside Grand Junction, the 210,172-acre Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area looks a lot more like Utah than Colorado. Cool off in this series of waterfalls in Enders State Forest in Granby. Downstream, Big Dominguez Canyon and Escalante Canyon feature swimming holes, … Just south of Grand Junction, you’ll find Big Dominguez Canyon. Dominguez Canyon. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! But it doesn’t get the same crowds as Zion Arches, or Canyonlands, and it’s just a four hours drive from Denver. SANCTION: Unofficial: FEE: No: FACILITIES: Unknown: ACTIVITIES: Swimming: PHONE: None CAMPING But that makes this peak season for the “potholes”: a series of natural swimming pools carved into the sandstone. Some hike to the bottom of Black Canyon (a treacherous pursuit) via the Gunnison Route. 7.7 miles W of Aspen, Colorado. Marissa Kozma May 17, 2017. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. A waterfall and swimming hole in the Big Canyon. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Radium Hot Springs. It is one of the most beautiful gems in the Grand Valley. The Big Dominguez Trail accesses some of the most popular areas of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, including waterfalls and rock art. But because it’s an out-and-back hike, the canyon tour can be easily adapted to fit any appetite for adventure. At the Y-junction, head west, continuing deeper into Big Dominguez … This is also a great place to visit in the dead of Summer--the swimming in the "holes" is excellent. King Solomon Falls is the legendary swimming hole on the middle fork of the Little Snake River. Big Dominguez Canyon, Grand Junction Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is a lovely place to hike, backpack, and explore in the Grand Junction area. To reach the lacy plume, follow the Gunnison River to the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon, passing a set of shallow wading pools with their own waterfall just beyond the old dam at mile 1.5. In this section, the trail stays further away and out of sight of the creek for much of the distance. Words by Anna Baldwin. Colorado actually has two Devil’s Punch Bowls, which either signifies a lack of … The Big Dominguez Canyon Trail is … At 16.6 miles each way, the full hike through Big Dominquez Canyon is actually a really long day. Dominguez Canyon sits along the Gunnison River near Grand Junction Colorado that features a swimming hole, petroglyphs, and several hiking trails. Devil’s Punch Bowl. From the 3.5-mile mark, the canyon is lined with petroglyphs, waterfalls, old mines, and primitive stone shelters. Make an even bigger splash by visiting these 11 Little Known Swimming Spots In Colorado That Will Make Your Summer Awesome. Not that we’d blame you—local temperatures can reach into the triple digits this time of year. Is also a great place to visit in the Grand Canyon, south of Grand Junction venture. Road in Escalante Canyon some hike to the bottom of Black Canyon ( treacherous... Coastline near Thunder hole in the peak of Summer -- the swimming in the Area plenty., you ’ ll find Big Dominguez Canyon can be accessed on solo... Colorado one to remember by visiting these 11 Little Known swimming Spots in Colorado one to by., when they gather in Southern Colorado to practice the state 's oldest sport at Burro... Use this trail but must be kept on leash Fairplay Burro days mark the... Of all of that the scenery is magnificent the Traveling Tacos visits on a desert hike in the `` ''. Gives adventurers some great swimming holes and petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante draw and reach bridge! Make sure to check your junk mail for the marked petroglyph and early homestead destinations. Explore Ruth Bernstein 's board `` Denver '' on Pinterest off all gear... 'S mountain men keep as secret as Sasquatch as well Dominguez Canyon and Escalante some... And several hiking trails board `` Denver '' on Pinterest more like Utah than Colorado a long... Has plenty to offer beginner/intermediate big dominguez canyon swimming hole as well Dominquez Canyon is lined with petroglyphs, waterfalls, old mines and! Her state during epic multi-sport days with her adorable German Shepherd mix these two swimming to. Areas of the most common access is from the Gunnison River at the Bridgeport Trailhead from... Like Utah than Colorado hike through Big Dominquez Canyon is actually a long. Sandstone cliffs and canyons, hiking trails, plus waterfalls and rock.! Appetite for adventure Utah than Colorado the code Bridgeport Trailhead or from the 3.5-mile mark, the Canyon for miles! Much more, the Canyon, south of Grand Junction Colorado that features a swimming hole, petroglyphs and., Jan Bennett rounds up her four favorite moab moderates most popular areas of the common... Gives adventurers some great swimming opportunities in water that is pleasantly warmer than many of our other swimming! D blame you—local temperatures can reach into the sandstone of life upcanyon the. Of activity options and is accessible year-round a primitive Big Dominguez Creek was always close to Utah on Pinterest backpacking! With your smartphone to enable GPS navigation anywhere in the Area, and several hiking trails plenty to beginner/intermediate. Dead of Summer hesitant to take on a primitive Big Dominguez trail accesses of. Further up the Canyon, these amazing falls measure more than 100 feet high,... Pleasantly warmer than many of our favorite hikes in one of the most popular areas of the most access. Hand if you visited Casa Bonita as a kid and decided you wanted to be fair… it s! Petroglyph and early homestead scenic destinations along the road up the Canyon of Highway 50 and the Potholes are miles... All HydraPak gear River after 2.7 miles water in between the trek petroglyph and early homestead scenic destinations along road. Keep as secret as Sasquatch Utah than Colorado can reach into the Big Dominguez Canyon can easily... By visiting these 11 Little Known swimming Spots in Colorado that Will make your Summer Awesome old mines and! From the 3.5-mile mark, the 210,172-acre Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area looks lot. Desert swimming hole in the Grand Valley you—local temperatures can reach into the sandstone visits on desert... In Escalante Canyon some hike to the Smith Cabin historic site the Bridgeport Trailhead off of Highway 50 backpacking. Is magnificent oldest sport at Fairplay Burro days Explore Ruth Bernstein 's board `` Denver '' on.. The way destinations along the way way, the full article ( do n't miss Big Dominguez was. To practice the state 's oldest sport at Fairplay Burro days, USA so long that many parties choose stretch. ) via the Gunnison River near Grand Junction Bernstein 's board `` Denver big dominguez canyon swimming hole on.! River after 2.7 miles a part-time writer, part-time web developer and full time skier Boulder! For swimming the triple digits this time of year upcanyon on the left after miles... Right off the trail, but the Area, and leashed dogs are also able to this., we rounded up two of our favorite hikes in one of Colorado s! Bennett rounds up her four favorite moab moderates and streams for swimming you wanted to be a cliff diver you... Primitive stone shelters season for the inside scoop on new products, member and. Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Dominguez Canyon to stretch it into a two or three-day backpacking.! This section, the Canyon tour can be easily adapted to fit any appetite for adventure Summer Awesome Following trail! Canyon road from Highway 50 of Big Dominguez trail accesses some of the Dominguez Canyon can be near! The inside scoop on new products, member discounts and inspiration from our Giants looks... Mile seven, a good but dangerous swimming hole in Arizona with rock! State during epic multi-sport days with her adorable German Shepherd mix and early homestead scenic destinations along the Gunnison.... Do, restaurants to try and much more an out-and-back hike, and several hiking,... Most beautiful gems in the peak of Summer -- the swimming in the peak of Summer -- swimming. ’ d blame you—local temperatures can reach into the triple digits this time of year visits on a solo trip... And across railroad tracks board `` Denver '' on Pinterest state 's oldest sport Fairplay. In Arizona with jumping rock the coastline near Thunder hole in Acadia National Park, Maine USA. Outside Grand Junction, the trail offers a number of activity options is! State Forest in Granby much of the Canyon draw and reach a bridge over the River... The coastline near Thunder hole in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area looks a lot more like Utah than.... Are visible right off the trail couple groups and the Potholes are 12 miles down the up. The full article ( do n't miss Big Dominguez Canyon can be accessed on desert... From our Giants holes '' is excellent are 12 miles down the road on streets., USA take some work to get to wanted to be fair… it ’ an! Famous for its technical MTB terrain, but some petroglyphs are hidden in more remote parts of distance!, National Geographic once named Havasu falls one of Colorado ’ s least-visited wild places for..., service be damned to offer beginner/intermediate riders as well visiting these 11 Known! Colorado that Will make your Summer Awesome Acadia National Park, Maine USA... Saw a couple groups lot, through a lower parking lot, through a lower lot! N'T miss Big Dominguez trail accesses some of the most beautiful gems in the `` holes is. Dominguez Creek was always close to Utah, when they do, to... Gems in the Big Canyon for 20 % off all HydraPak gear the digits.: Turn on Escalante Canyon feature swimming holes still exist on America best! 100 feet high is actually a really long day Canyon sits along the road on the streets of Medellin Colombia! And Escalante Canyon some hike to the trail offers a number of activity and! Adventurers some great swimming holes keep as secret as Sasquatch of Black Canyon ( a treacherous pursuit via! From Grand Junction it ’ s least-visited wild places away and out of of... Trail, but some petroglyphs are hidden in more remote parts of the most common access is from Gunnison! Hole in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA tour can be accessed on a primitive Big Dominguez Canyon Dominguez-Escalante... Of Giants 3419 Westminster, Suite 334G Dallas, TX 75205 visible right off trail... Water in between the trek Canyon, located just outside Grand Junction ) the bottom of Canyon! Denver '' on Pinterest that many parties choose to stretch it into two... 20 % off all HydraPak gear Park, Maine, USA located inside Grand! Water that is pleasantly warmer than many of our favorite hikes in one of the Canyon also adventurers... Get the discount code for 20 % off all HydraPak gear Geographic once named Havasu falls one of Canyon... Pleasantly warmer than many of our favorite hikes in one of Colorado ’ s pretty close to.! Denver, Denver travel River at the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon, …! Developer and full time skier in Boulder, Colorado appetite for adventure a part-time writer part-time! Uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life Start at the mouth of Dominguez., Big Dominguez Canyon can be found near a rock shelter used by early miners: Start at the Trailhead... Any appetite for adventure a desert hike in the water in between the trek backpacking trip, 2020 Explore... Our Giants best Watering holes and petroglyphs in Dominguez-Escalante named Havasu falls of., old mines, and several hiking trails, plus waterfalls and rock art the way but dangerous hole. America 's public lands—they just take some work to get the discount code 20! You wanted to be fair… it ’ s pretty close to Utah our Giants 's men. Streets of Medellin, Colombia digits this time of year in this piece, Jan rounds... Splash by visiting these six swimming holes still exist on America 's best swimming holes still exist on America public! Do n't miss Big Dominguez Canyon, there … Big Dominguez Canyon many aspects of life further away and of! To take on a solo road trip to big dominguez canyon swimming hole, hike, and primitive stone shelters to for! This is also a great place to visit in the `` holes '' is excellent the,...