WESTERN
WATER HOLES(Western US States are all shown on one map below) |
Click here to see our home page and learn about swimming holes in other states
ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map.
See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in these states.
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, GHIRARDELLI SQUARE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.807292, lon=-122.423542(source:DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | San Francisco Bay |
TYPE | Spring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | In the heart of San Francisco, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is Aquatic Park: a small beach on a lagoon in the San Francisco Bay which is a historic swimming place and is still used and open to the public. The water is not pristine (and sometimes real cold) but some folks swim year around. There are at last two clubs (open to the public for a small fee) for people who swim here. For photos and information, see: DOLPHIN CLUB , SOUTH END CLUB. For other information see: GORP , FROMMERS .
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AREA | Golden Gate National Recreation Area GGNRA |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes - see web sites above |
FACILITIES |
Changing facilities, bathrooms in Dolphin and South End club facilities. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | (415)561-4700(GGNRA) |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | Take cable car to Ghirardelli Square then walk b=north to Aquatic Park (parking very limited).
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ODESSA, PECOS, ALPINE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=30.944350, lon=-103.783258(source: By Another) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | San Solomon Spring |
TYPE | Spring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | The park's main attraction is a large (77,053 sq. ft.) artesian spring pool that is open daily and fed by San Solomon Springs. The pool differs from most public pools in several respects: the 1 3/4-acre size, the 25-foot depth and the 72 to 76 degree constant temperature. It also has a variety of aquatic life in its clear waters. With a capacity of more than 3 1/2 million gallons, the pool has plenty of room for swimmers, while offering a unique setting for scuba and skin diving. See web site for details: BALMORHEA S. P.
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AREA | Balmorhea S. P. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes - see web site |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities in State Park |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Scuba Diving |
PHONE | 1-800-792-1112(State Park) |
CAMPING | At site, reservations available. There is also a historic "court" - like a motel. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Odessa, take I-20 west then I-10 east. The park is located 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. Take the Balmorhea exit off I-10 (exit #206); FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; State Highway 17 east 4 miles to the Park. From I-10 eastbound, take Toyahvale/Ft. Davis exit (exit #192); Ranch Road 3078 east approximately 12 miles to the park.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, MARIN, BOLINAS |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.9507, lon=-122.7645(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Bass Lake |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Hike 2.6 miles (each way) to escape the crowds in Point Reyes National Seashore and join the bathing-suit-optional, laid back folks at Bass Lake. No real beach here and sometimes a bit muddy but good swimming, a great ambiance and a rope swing to play on. Even when it is foggy on the road, it is often clear at the lake. See web sites for more info:NATIONAL SEASHORE , GORP , NUDE BEACHES OF MARIN COUNTY.
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AREA | Point Reyes National Seashore |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Rope Swing |
PHONE | (415) 663-1092 (National Seashore) |
CAMPING | Walk-in, primitive camping (only) at the National Seashore |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (very!) |
DIRECTIONS | From San Francisco, take RT 101 across the Golden Gate then RT 1 north. Just past Bolinas Lagoon, turn left at the exit to Bolinas (may be unsigned). Follow the road along the lagoon until it ends then take Olema-Bolinas Road to the stop sign at Mesa Road. Go right on Mesa Rd. and go about 4 miles where it turns to dirt and ends at a parking area. There is a sign at the trailhead by the lot which will direct to Palomarin Trail. When you come to a grass meadow walk to the lake - there are 3 paths.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PORTLAND(OR), VANCOUVER(WA), BATTLE GROUND (WA) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=45.8211, lon=-122.4518(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | WA |
WATER | East Fork of the Lewis River |
TYPE | River/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places,some offical some not, on the East Fork of the Lewis River neat Battle Ground, which is just northeast of Vancouver, WA. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
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AREA | County Parks and Gifford Pinchot N. F. |
SANCTION | Varies |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities at some county parks |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | In Vancouver (WA) from I-205, take exit 30 then RT 500 north. Where RT 500 turns east (right) keep straight onto RT 503. Follow RT 503 north though Union, Bush Prairie and Battle Ground. Then: | LEWISVILLE COUNTY PARK [LEWI]: Official swimming place in East Fork of the Lewis River in county park. Bathing suits for sure. Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, continue north on RT 503 past Battle Ground and see signs for park. Swimming place is in river in park. Park Web Site LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.82044, lon=-122.53519(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007. MOULTON FALLS COUNTY PARK [MOUL]: Official swimming place in East Fork of the Lewis River in county park. Bathing suits for sure. Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, continue north on RT 503 past Lewisville County Park (above) and turn east (right) onto NE Rock Creek Rd (if you get to Fargher Lake you have gone too far), then continue onto NE 152nd south then onto NE Lucia Falls Rd. east. Follow Lucia Falls Rd past Lucia Falls (don't know about swimming there) to Moulton Falls County Park and see signs for park. Swimming place is in river in park. Park Web Site LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.83148, lon=-122.38910(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007. SUNSET FALLS [SUNS]: Unofficial swimming place at foot of falls in Gifford Pincot N. F.. Apparently some jumping and sliding also - CHECK DEPTH AND CURRENTS BEFORE JUMPING! Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, just past Moulton Falls park turn east (right) on NE Sunset Falls Rd.. Continue on this road past Horseshoe Falls (don't know about swimming there)into the National Forest to Sunset Falls Recreation Area right near the National Forest boundary. Swimming place is at bottom of falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.8189, lon=-122.2531(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/2/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, MONTEREY, BIG SUR |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.24828, lon=-121.77803(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | At the heart of the wild and remote Big Sur is the deservedly-popular Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park, through which courses the Big Sur River just before it empties into the Pacific. Of course, you can swim in the Pacific nearby (at Andrew Molera State Beach) but there are also several fresh water swimming holes in the Big Sur River in Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P.. South of here, along the coast, is Eslen hot springs and other swimming holes. For details see DIRECTIONS below.
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AREA | Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P./ Los Padres N.F. / Esalen Institute |
SANCTION | Varies |
FEE | Yes |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities in Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming/Hot Tubbing |
PHONE | 831-667-2315 (Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park), (831)667-3000 (Esalen) |
CAMPING | At Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P., extremely popular, must get reservations early, call (800)444-PARK (Mistix) |
BATHING SUITS | Varies - see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Monterey, go south on RT 1, then: |
GORGE [GORG]: Also in the Pfeiffer - Big Sur State Park: For a spectacular swimming hole setting, go to the far eastern end of the road along the river in the park then hike upstream along the Big Sur river for about 10 minutes, some scrambling over rocks and wading in water is required, to get to the gorge. Here a deep pocket of cold water is surrounded by massive smooth rocks. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . A report from a visitor:"The large swimming area quickly became overcrowded while we were there. However, the downstream area offers a fine area for Jacuzzi soaking, splashing and swimming in a smaller, more intimate setting. I was amazed to see that virtually everyone was overlooking the river portion as they walked to the main pool upstream". LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.24815, lon=-121.76988(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Bathing suits for sure. For good swimmers only, it can be difficult to find a place to scramble out on the boulders. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/15/2005. ESALEN HOT SPRINGS [ESAL]: While you are in the neighborhood, go further down RT 1 for a late night visit to the beautiful hot springs at Esalen Institute. Natural hot water is led into stone pools above the thundering Pacific. (The old pools were destroyed in mud slides in 1998, but are now rebuilt - as of 9/04.) Unless you are staying at Esalen, you can only use the pools from 1AM to 3AM (yes, AM!), for which you pay $20.00 a person and for which you MUST make reservations ahead, either in person or by calling (831)667-3000. Bathing suits are not necessary. Outstanding experience, worth losing a little sleep over, don't miss it! LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.126250, lon=-121.641742(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. (Lots of mind-expanding workshops at Esalen too; see their web site at www.esalen.org ). To get here from Pfeiffer; continue down Rt 1 to signs for for Esalen Institute. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/15/2005. SALMON CREEK FALLS [SALF]: Awesome waterfall near the south end of Big Sur area (Los Padres N.F.) with great swimming hole in pool at the bottom. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . Bathing suits may be optional. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.81601, lon=-121.35673(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . To get here, go way south on RT 1, 7.5 miles south of Gorda. There is a tight turn in the road with a large parking spot on the east side of the road. You can see the waterfall from the road. Park and look near the south side of the bridge for the Salmon Creek trailhead (you may have to hunt a bit for this but it is marked). Follow the trail for about 5 minutes until it comes to a clear area like a campsite and follow one of the small trails down to the creek. (Alternately, simply follow the sound of the water, and you will arrive at the base of the falls.) To get to the base of the large falls will require you to either get wet by navigating through the river or to climb over a very large rock buttress. Climbing over the rock involves a few awkward maneuvers, but can be done, even by children. For more info and maps see Water Falls West . Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/5/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Varies-see above |
VERIFIED | Varies-see above |
DATE UPDATED | 12/15/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CARSON CITY (NV), BRIDGEPORT (CA) |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Buckeye Creek/Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | Here is another hot-cold combo; two hot springs and a cold creek in close proximity to each other. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
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AREA | Toiyabe N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Picnic tables, Toilets near Buckeye at campground. None at Travertine. |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Wading |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | There is camping at Buckeye in a National Forest campground.
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BATHING SUITS | Optional (very) |
DIRECTIONS | Both Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs are south of Reno and Carson
City NV. on RT 395 near Bridgeport in CA. To get there: | TRAVERTINE [TRAV]: Travertine is a hot spring only, but a very interesting one with a great view of the Sierra-Nevada mountains (if you can overlook the dusty quarry yards nearby.) The hot springs are in travertine pools, rock hard and white as snow. PHOTO . To get there: Take RT 395 south from Carson City to Bridgeport (CA). Continue about .3 miles south of Bridgeport then go east (left) on Jack Sawyer Rd. (paved). Where the road turns right, continue straight onto an unpaved road. Pass the quarry site, up a hill to the hot springs site. There are both lower and upper pools. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=38.24569, lon=-119.20494(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. BUCKEYE [BUCE]: Buckeye is a great hot spring alongside Buckeye Creek where you can cool off (not deep enough to swim) and camp within walking distance. To me, this place has it all! To get there: Take RT 395 south from Carson City to Bridgeport (CA). Just before you get into Bridgeport on RT 395, turn west (right) on Twin Lakes Rd. about 7 miles to FR 017. Turn north (right) onto FR 017 for 3 miles until after you cross the creek for the second time and you meet FR 038. If you go left here, you get to Buckeye Campground. For the hot springs, continue straight up to the top of the hill where there is a flat parking area. Park here. The hot springs are down the trail toward the creek, some on the hillside and some right down by the creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=38.23881, lon=-119.32633(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. CARSON HOT SPRINGS RESORT [CARS]: While you are in the Carson City area, check out the Carson Hot Springs Resort. The new owner says, "We have bought this small hot spring resort in Carson City, Nevada. The location is in Carson City and offers some unique experiences. The facility has been in use since 1849. Take a look at our web site. www.carsonhotspringsresort.com""
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 11/13/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ST. GEORGE, ZION N.P., BRYCE CANYON N.P., ESCALANTE |
STATE | UT |
WATER | Calf Creek |
TYPE | Creek/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | America's newest National Monument is an awesome desert
landscape and it sure is hot about half the year. Fortunately, in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante N.M. is Calf Creek with camping, pools and falls to cool the fevered brow. Take plenty of drinking water and respect the land (and look in your boots to be sure a scorpion hasn't taken up residence while you were swimming!) (See also ZION AREA and CAPITOL REEF AREA nearby.) See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. |
AREA | Grand Staircase-Escalante N.M. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Day use fee |
FACILITIES |
Rest rooms, picnic tables (in campground) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site in Calf Creek Campground. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary, may be optional at Upper Falls (very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From Bryce Canyon N.P. take RT 12 to the northeast until you get to Calf Creek Recreation Area (well signed). Then: | CALF CREEK CAMPGOUND [CALC]: There is a pretty nice swimming hole with rope swing in Calf Creek right in the middle of the campground. Nice family place, lots of kids, easy access. May be shallow late in season. Park at campground (may be crowded on weekends)and pay day use fee. Swimming place is near the rest rooms. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.79324, lon=-111.41449(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. CALF CREEK - LOWER FALLS [CALL]: Beautiful falls which drop 126 feet into a cool (cold?) desert swimming pool. LINK TO PHOTO. . PHOTO . Three mile hike each way. Not much elevation change but it can be hot and much of it is on a sandy trail which is tiring. Popular hike, lots of people on weekends. Park at campground (may be crowded parking on weekends)and pay day use fee. Follow the well-marked trail north about 3 miles (each way) to the waterfall. May be shallow late in season. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.8290 , lon=-111.4209(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. CALF CREEK - UPPER FALLS [CALU]: (Description and directions from BLM document:) "A short, steep, strenuous hike to a lush desert oasis of thick stream-side vegetation, hanging gardens, deep pools, and the 87-foot high Upper Calf Creek Falls." Some or all of the pools may be too shallow to swim late in season. PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.8557, lon=-111.4530(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. "To get to trailhead, continue on RT 12 east (past the Calf Creek Recreation Area/Campground, above). Before you get to Boulder, look sharply for the unmarked dirt road to the trail head located on the north (left) side of the road between mile markers 80 and 81. A good landmark indicating that you have the right road is a large black boulder with a wide white stripe that sits on the right side of the entrance to the road. It is less than 0.25 mile to the trail head on the dirt road which is very rough, sandy, and recommended for high clearance vehicles only". Park and walk if this road is too rough. "The hike begins on the canyon rim and makes a 500-foot descent down steep slickrock to a sandy trail visible at the bottom of the slope. As you approach the creek, the trail splits. The left side of the fork follows a trail down slickrock ledges and leads to the base of the falls. The right fork stays high and leads to the top of the falls. For more information, detailed maps, and current conditions contact the nearest GSENM visitor center. Day hike. Route is a well-worn sandy path; occasional rock cairns mark the slickrock sections.1.0 mile one-way with a 500-foot elevation change" (Footing seems precarious when you first go out on this slickrock, but if you have good footwear, avoid loose gravel and the rock is dry, the grip is actually pretty good. Follow the cairns across the slick rock face.) SAFETY: "Very steep slickrock at the beginning and end of the hike. Several rocky ledges to negotiate on the section of trail that leads to the base of the falls. Use caution near cliff edges along the section of trail to the top of the falls. Hikers need to watch their footing on steep slickrock to avoid falls, especially when wet. The return hike up the steep slickrock is very strenuous and can be extremely tiring, especially in hot weather. Heat exposure and lack of water are safety concerns along this route. Heat-related injuries and dehydration could be potential problems. Hikers must carry adequate water. Calf Creek is a sensitive riparian area and requires special "Leave No Trace" principles. Camping and fires are not permitted near the falls."
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | See above |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAMP VERDE |
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | In the creeks around Camp Verde, northeast of Phoenix, in the Coconino N. F., there are numerous swimming holes. See DIRECTIONS below for a few of these. |
AREA | Coconino N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
At the Clear Creek and Beaver Creek campgrounds |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at the Clear Creek and Beaver Creek campgrounds. |
BATHING SUITS | Some optional (some are very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 287 (RT 260) near Camp Verde. Directions below are given from this interchange. | BULL PEN [BULL]: Short hike to a deep swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here from the interchange above, go east on RT 260, bypassing Camp Verde, then a few more miles to FR 618 on the left. Go about 2 miles north on FR 618 then turn east (right) on FR 215 and go about 3 miles to a gate that is locked. Park and hike about .5 miles to West Clear Creek where you will see the swimming hole. There is said to be another swimming hole upstream from here about 1.5 miles more. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.5397, lon=-111.6960(source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. CLEAR CREEK CAMPGROUND [CLEA]: Nice Forest Service campground with a swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here, continue east on RT 260 past the turnoff for FR 618 (above) a short way to a sign for Clear Creek Campgound. Go toward the campground and follow signs to the Day Use Area. Park (pay fee) and follow a short trail down to the creek (you will have to cross an irrigation ditch on the way). LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.5134, lon=-111.7640 (source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. WET BEAVER CREEK [WETB]: Hike about 7 miles round trip on the popular and scenic Bell Trail to several swimming holes in Wet Beaver Creek. To get here from I-17 exit 287, continue north on I-17 to exit 298 at RT 179. Take RT 179 east a short way toward Beaver Creek Campground. Follow signs to the Visitor Center but park in the lot just before the visitor center for the Wet Beaver Creek trailhead. Follow this well-developed trail across the desert landscape (sunscreen recommended) and into the canyon to the Bell Crossing where the trail crosses Wet Beaver Creek - about 3.3 miles total. The first swimming holes is just upstream of Bell Crossing. There are said to be more swimmingholes upstream of here within 1.25 miles of the crossing. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.6741, lon=-111.6592(source: topozone) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. BEAVER CREEK CAMPGROUND [BEAC]: Very inviting, large and deep swimming hole at the Beaver Creek Campground. Rope swings (watch for shallow water here) and picturesque red rock bluffs on the far side. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here, continue past the Wet Beaver Visitor Center (above) and park at Day Use Area, across the road from Beaver Creek Campgound. Walk across the road and follow the sign to the creek side trail (dont go into the campground if you aren't camping). The swimming hole is just a short walk down this trail. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.6691, lon=-111.7123(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 10/17/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ST. GEORGE, CEDAR CITY, ESCALANTE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.28467, lon=-111.20586(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | UT |
WATER | Fremont River/Freemont Falls |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Utah RT 24 goes east out of the Capitol Reef along the Fremont River, going toward Hanksville. As it comes out of the reef, the river tumbles over a waterfall making a large pool below. A great swimming hole with a smooth chute which you reach from a ledge hidden behind the falls. (See also "CALF CREEK AREA" nearby.) |
AREA | Capitol Reef N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at Fruita. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From the town of Escalante (about 100 miles east of Cedar City),
take RT 12 to the northeast to RT 24 to the Capitol Reef Visitors Center. To reach the waterfall and swimming hole from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center take RT 24 east for 6.6 miles to mile marker 86.5. There is a large paved pull-out on the north side of the highway with several information signs. The waterfall is next to the parking area. The river tumbles over a waterfall making a large pool below. CAUTION- DO NOT SWIM HERE IN HIGH FLOW CONDITIONS! | We received this very helpful email from a park ranger in 4/2006:"...regarding the Capitol Reef swimming hole. There's no fee to enter the park as long as you stay on the main highway and not head south down the waterpocket fold area. The main highway includes the swimming hole. there are no facilities at the swimming hole, just a pull off beside the road and then several trails down to the water. just wanted to remind everyone that as this is the desert, the vegetation and soil is very delicate and shouldn't be trampled on at all. please stay on paths. Especially stay off the biological soil crusts!"
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAREFREE, CAVE CREEK |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.9678, lon=-111.912(source: measured-p) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Cave Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Three mile (one way) desert hike above a creek along a saguaro-
lined hillside to a deep, compact pool enclosed by several large rocks in the shade of small trees.
|
AREA | Tonto N.F., Seven Springs Rec. Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None (Picnic tables, Toilets nearby) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at either of two free campgrounds- Seven Springs or
the CCC Camp- each beside the creek (but with no drinking water.)
|
BATHING SUITS | Optional (very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | In the Seven Springs Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest.
To get there, take I-17 north from Phoenix to Exit 223. Follow the Carefree Highway east to
Cave Creek Rd. north. DO NOT turn off at signs to the "Cave Creek Recreation Area", which is
a local park near here. (Make sure you get drinking water as there is none further up.) Stay on Cave Creek Rd. for many miles, through the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, past numerous
subdivisions, to the sign for the Cave Creek Ranger District office. STOP AT THIS RANGER
STATION FOR MAPS AND INFORMATION. Continue up Cave Creek Rd. as it changes to
FR 24, a dirt road which has some washboarding but negotiable with a passenger car. About 9
miles past the ranger station you will see the Seven Springs picnic area. Park here and
hike. | Hike from the Seven Springs picnic area. A network of five trails originates in this area; the one along Cave Creek to the swimming hole is known prosaically as "Trail Number 4". (SEE THE TRAIL MAP YOU PICKED UP AT THE RANGER STATION) The trailhead for #4 is just a short walk up Cave Creek Road (FR 24) from the campground, on your left after you splash through the creek on a low water bridge. The trail descends and heads west, closely following Cave Creek. It meanders initially through fragrant juniper stands, then up onto the canyon slope high above the water. Stop and enjoy the view: Saguaro cactus standing sentinel over clumpy prickly pear all the way down the canyon. As you cross through the creek the second time, about 3 miles in, the swimming hole is just downstream behind some rocks. There are said to be other swimming holes along this trail as it continues beyond this point for a total length of 9.9 miles, eventually coming our on another forest road (FR 1533 and FR 48).
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2000 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN, KERRVILLE, FREDERICKSBURG,
JOHNSON CITY |
STATE | TX |
WATER | Varies (see below) |
TYPE | Varies (see below) |
DESCRIPTION | There are numerous swimming holes in the areas of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and the nearby "Hill Country". See DIRECTIONS below for details. More are included in links in our RELATED LINKS section on CENTRAL TEXAS SWIMMING HOLES LINKS.
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AREA | Varies (see below) |
SANCTION | Varies (see below) |
FEE | Varies (see below) |
ACTIVITIES |
Varies (see below) |
FACILITIES |
Varies (see below) |
PHONE | Varies (see below) |
CAMPING | There are several Texas State Parks in this area with camping. To make camping reservations: Texas State Parks. These are some very popular State Parks in season so consider reservations. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | All directions are from San Antonio or Austin. | BARTON SPRINGS [BART]: The most well-known centerpiece of all the Central Texas swimming holes is Barton Springs, in Zilker Park, right in downtown Austin. A huge, spring-fed pool (cool, 70 degree water) with concrete sides and natural bottom. Diving boards. Fee to swim $3.00 (2007). Barton Springs info and photos . To get here: from downtown Austin, take Lamar Boulevard (RT 343) south across town lake then turn west (left) on Barton Springs Road. At Robert E. Lee Drive, you have two options. You may turn left onto Robert E. Lee, go up a hill for about a quarter of a mile, and just past a baseball field, next turn into a gravel parking area. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.26386, lon=-97.77133(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 7/22/07. BLUE HOLE WIMBERLEY [BLUW]: A multi-generation local treasure (and preserved as such), the Blue Hole at Wimberley has recently re-opened as a city park and Blue Hole Campground. Blue-green Cypress Creek flows under Cypress trees through a naturally beautiful, shaded area with swimming and a rope swing. Unknown if there is a fee to swim. Friends of Blue Hole - information and photos . To get here, from San Antonio, take I-35 northeast to San Marcos then Ranch 12 northwest to Wimberley. In Wimberley, take Deer Lake Rd. (Old Kyle Rd. ?)east (right turn) the Blue Hole Lane north (left turn) to the Blue Hole Campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.00431, lon=-98.09053(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. BLUE HOLE GEORGETOWN [BLUG]: Traditional swimming place on the San Gabriel River right in downtown Georgetown. Dams create the pools and there is a cliff to jump from and small rapids to tube and play in. You can swim here and walk into downtown. To get here from Austin, take I-35 north to Georgetown and take Exit 259 and take South Austin Ave. through downtown. At the north end of town, just before you cross the bridge over the South Fork San Gabriel River, turn west (left) on 2nd Street and follow signs to the Blue Hole Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.64314, lon=-97.68144(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. LLANO SLAB - KINGSLAND [LLAS]: Traditional swimming place on the Llano River in Kingsland. Here, the river is wide and mostly shallow with a few deep places to cool off in. If you go, TAKE YOUR TRASH OUT WITH YOU! To get here from Austin, take RT 290 west to Johnson City then RT 281 north (right turn) to Marble Falls then FM 1431 west (left turn) through downtown Kingsland then turn west (left) on Ranch 3404 and go to the Llano River hwere the swimming hole is. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.68231, lon=-98.48369(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. KRAUSE SPRINGS [KRAU] This is a privately owned swimming and camping place in Spicewood. Features a waterfall covered in ferns with a swimming hole below the falls and a spring-fed swimming pool. A rope swing under shady cypress trees. LINK TO KRAUSE SPRINGS INFORMATION Fee is $4.00 to swim (in 2007). Has picnic tables, toilets - swimming, jumping. To get here from Austin: take RT 71 west, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.48061, lon=-98.14550(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 7/22/07. LUCKENBACH [LUCK]: Swimming place in the South Grape River in Luckenbach near the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast. No further details. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 northeast to Fredericksburg. In Fredericksburg, take RT 290 east then RT 1376 southeast to Luckenbach. Look for the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast and the South Grape River. The swimming place is here. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.17894, lon=-98.75506(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. PEDERNALES FALLS S. P. [PEDE] To get here from Austin, take RT 290 west through Dripping Springs and Henley the Ranch 3232 north (right turn) to Pedernales Falls S. P.. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.3392, lon=-98.2566(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Several fine swimming places: There is a pretty, staircase falls in the Pedernales River river here. Swimming is allowed in the river downstream of the falls, but no swimming at the falls itself. A nice camping area too, well wooded with small scrub trees. Swimming in the river behind camping area also. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P.-RIVER HOLE PHOTO For a very secluded little swimming place here, there is a trail to "primitive camping", a nice easy wide trail. On this trail, at about 3/4 mile (pass the .5 mile sign, ight at the 6.5 mile sign in opposite direction) off to the left of the trail is a creek with a little ravine and nice cozy secluded deep pools at the bottom good for swimming. Mountain biking is popular on this trail, you can also primitive camp back in there. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P. - CREEK HOLE PHOTO Verified. Very confident. BLANCO STATE PARK [BLAN] This is right in "downtown" Blanco, where the whole town comes out on hot days to picnic, fish and swim. Camping too. The Blanco River is dammed up (well, actually, a low water bridge where the river goes over the top) making a deep swimming place. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.089, lon=-98.424(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get there: From San Antonio, go about 45 miles north on RT 281 to the town of Blanco. Can't miss the river. BLANCO S.P. PHOTO 1 - BLANCO S.P. PHOTO 2 Verified. Very confident. HAMILTON POOL [HAMI] A most beautiful swimming place in a natural spring in a remote box canyon, with ferns all around and clear, clean, cool water. Waterfalls and cascades. Owned by Travis County. See web site HAMILTON POOL 1 , HAMILTON POOL 2. Is occasionally closed to swimmers - call ahead (512)264-2740. Parking lot holds only 75 cars and when it's full you have to wait until somebody leaves. That happens a lot on weekends, so come early. LINK TO VIDEO. We received this caution from a visitor in 2005:"...there are LARGE amounts of some sort of "scum" floating in the water. There are birds that roost all along the rim of the waterfall/cliff formation and the birds poop falls into the water, this really looks to be the scum that is floating - bird poop! It gets in your hair and on your skin, not pleasant. And, an odor abounds. Also, the water clarity is compromised..." Unfortunately, doesn't sound good. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.342, lon=-98.126(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Austin, take RT 71 west 38 miles, through Bee Cave, then turn left on Hamilton Pool Road. The park entrance is thirteen miles. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/06. SAN MARCOS [SANM]: Not exactly in the hill country, but between San Antonio and Austin, on I-35, is the town of San Marcos and the spring-fed San Marcos River. In the city of San Marcos there is Sewell Park with tube rentals and man-made falls. The water is crystal clear and very cool. One of the most popular sections is the Cheatham Street Dam (Rio Vista Falls) in Rio Vista Park LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS (may take a minute to load). From Aquarena Springs to the interstate highway, the San Marcos River is a great swimming hole and float trip. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.89008, lon=-97.93400(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. NEW BRAUNFELS [NEWB]: A traditional German town, right on the Guadalupe River, with lots of river tubing and water park activities and other tourist attractions. Mostly commercial, with a fee. Some of the commercial parks and outfitters are: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Rio Rafting, River Sports Tubes. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.705, lon=-98.153(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident.
KERRVILLE [KERR]: Downtown Kerrville has a park right along the Guadalupe River. There is hiking, picnicking and swimming in very deep water (good swimmers only) behind a dam here at the river right in the midst of town. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 then into Kerrville. Take RT 16 south in the downtown, cross the bridge over the river then take an immediate right into Louise L. Hay Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.04636, lon=-99.14297(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. No camping at the site, for camping right near Kerrville, try the Kerrville-Schreiner S. P., just 3 miles from downtown, also along the Guadalupe River, with boat launching and swimming in the river. Has cabins also. To get to the camping place, take loop 534 just southeast of Kerrville. KERRVILLE PHOTO 1 - KERRVILLE PHOTO 2 Verified. Very confident. DEVILS WATER HOLE [DEVI] In Inks Lake S. P., there are many small falls fed by Spring Creek and a part of the dammed-up Colorado River where one might jump into the deep water. Inks Lake S. P. . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.7322, lon=-98.3739(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from San Antonio, go 95 miles north on RT 281 to Burnet, then 9 miles west on RT 29 then 3 miles south on Park Road 4 to Ink Lake S. P.. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 6/22/07. INGRAM DAM [INGR]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. The dam gets mossy and real slippery and folks slide down the dam face into the pond at the bottom. To get here, from Kerrville (above) take RT 27 west to Ingram. In Ingram, go left on Riverview Rd. and right on River Park Rd. (I think) and find the dam and you are there. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.06928, lon=-99.23336(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/12/06. HUNTS CROSSING [HUNT]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Has rope swing, county park and boat launch. Also known as "Schumacher's Crossing". To get here, from Ingram (above) continue west on RT 39 toward Hunt. (You will be running alongside the Guadalupe River and there may be other swiming places along here.) Just before you come into Hunt, RT 39 crosses the river and below this bridge is the park and swimmingplace. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.06935, lon=-99.32270(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/12/06. MEDINA [MEDI]: South of Kerrville, further south on RT 16, a bridge crosses the Medina River near Medina where there's a great swimming hole. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 then into Kerrville. Continue on RT 16 south past Medina. Swimming hole is at a low-water crossing of the Medina River on RT 16 between Medina and Bandera. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.73614, lon=-99.12208(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. COLORADO BEND S. P. [COLO] Very remote State Park in central Texas. Said to be "a spring-fed oasis of lush green vegetation and crystal clear water. Like driving out of West Texas, blinking your eyes and finding you're in Jamaica." Several very fine swimming holes, in spring fed creeks. Also features spectacular cave tours and a waterfall tour (ranger-led tours only, reservations recommended.) Ask at the office about the swimming places. All facilites are at the State Park, including very beautiful camp sites at site. Phone 915-628-3240. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=31.0977, lon=-98.5111(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Austin: take RT 183 northwest to Lampasas. The park is west of Lampasas, southeast of San Saba. From the intersection of US Highways 281 and 183 in Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. From San Saba, take US Highway 190 about 4 miles to FM 580 and follow the signs 13 miles to Bend; follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. The headquarters and main camping are 6 miles past the entrance on the gravel road (unmarked County Road 442). (Access road subject to flooding.) Very confident. Not verified. Updated 10/2/04. SAN FELIPE SPRINGS [SANF] Spring-fed pool in Horseshoe City Park in Del Rio. Link to photos and information. Unknown if there is a fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=29.37350, lon=-100.88367(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from San Antonio: take RT 90 west about 160 miles to Del Rio. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 6/22/07.
CONFIDENCE | Varies, see above |
VERIFIED | Some, see above |
DATE UPDATED | 6/22/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, OREVILLE, CHICO |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | There are an abundance of swimming holes near Chico, some even right in town and others north and east of there - some in the Plumas N.F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
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AREA | Plumas N.F. (some) |
SANCTION | Varies-see below |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | There are several campgrounds, some east of Oroville and others near Storrie in the N.F.. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Sacramento, take I-5 about 150 miles north to Oreland then RT 32 east to Chico. Then: | BIDWELL PARK[BIDW]: There is a long, linear park along the Big Chico River, beginning in the town of Chico and going to the northeast. Lower Bidwell Park is right in Chico and is accessed from downtown via Vallambrosa Avenue and there are several swimming holes here in the Big Chico River. Some of these are called "The Bank" (near Manzanita Avenue, has a rope sometimes), and "One Mile" (One Mile may have lifeguards). To get to Upper Bidwell Park, take Wildwood Rd. north out of town and follow signs to the park. Here, the swimming holes, going from south to north along the Big Chico, are called "Bear Hole", "Salmon Hole" and "Browns Hole". Brown's hole seems to be the best - somewhat remote and with fewer crowds. CAUTION ON SALMON HOLE In June, 2007, a man tried to jump into Salmon Hole from a cliff at the south end of the hole and was fatally injured when he hit the bank instead. Do not jump from this cliff. For more info on Bidwell Park, see: BIDWELL PARK , MAP (with some holes) , VISITOR INFO . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.7622, lon=-121.7923(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/4/2006. BUTTE CREEK[BUTT]: East of Chico, along Butte Creek, are more swimming holes - said to be more family-friendly than along Big Chico. From town, take Skyway Rd east then go left (east) on Honey Run Rd. to the parking area (pay fee) near the Honey Run Covered Bridge or park along the road (completely off the road or you may be ticketed). The water is easily accessible with flat rocks and sandy areas. GO further up Honey Run Rd. and you may find more solitary (bathing suits optional) swimming areas. Much of the land along the creek is private property - obey "no trespassing" signs. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.72900, lon=-121.70528(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. KIMSHEW FALLS[KIMS]: From Chico, take Skyway Rd east (as above, but don't turn on Honey Run Rd) continue east on Skyway. Stay on Skyway Rd. for many miles, through Paradise and through Magalia to Sterling City. As you enter Stirling City, take the first right then the first right again. You will now be going south on (I think) a gravel road (may be known as "P&R Line Rd." or "Retson Rd.) then very shortly go right (or continue straight) onto Robley Point Rd. (also known as "P Line Rd."). Keep right if you come to a fork and continue about 5 miles into the Plumas N.F. to a bridge over Big Kimshaw Creek. Kimshew Falls, with a large swimming hole at the bottom, is near this bridge. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8794, lon=-121.5072 (source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. The following places are best accessed from Oroville, which is a bit southeast of Chico: FEATHER RIVER [FEAT]: There are a number of swimming holes in the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas N.F. northeast of Oroville. No specific information, just look for folks enjoying the river. From Oroville, take RT 70 northeast into the N.F. and look for places down the embankment in the river. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8576, lon=-121.3904(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. FEATHER FALLS [FEAF]: This is about an 8 mile round trip hike in the Plumas N.F. to 640 foot high Feather Falls, which has a which has an observation deck with a great view. The swimming holes are NOT at the bottom of the falls, but BEFORE you get to the observation deck on this trail, the trail will fork and you take the right fork uphill and in about .25 miles you will come to the Fall River (which feeds Feather Falls) and several swimming holes. TO get here, from Oroville, take RT 162 east (Olive Hwy) for 6.7 miles, turn right on Forbestown Road for 6.3 miles, turn left on Lumpkin Road for 11.4 miles to the signed turnoff for Feather Falls. Turn left at sign and drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.64306, lon=-121.27333(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 11/24/2007. GRIZZLY CREEK [GRIC]: Continue on RT 70 along the Feather River (as above) and go about 1 mile past the Arch Rock Campground to where Grizzly Creek joins the Feather River and park on the right. Walk upstream on the right, through tunnels, to the first pool which is about a 10 minute walk past the second tunnel. If you scramble upstream about another 20 minutes or so there is another pool. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8611, lon=-121.3628(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. ROCK CREEK [ROCK]: Continue on RT 70 along the Feather River (as above) and go about 1 mile past the Cresta Dam to the area where Rock Creek comes in from the north to join the Feather River. There are several swimming holes near here. To get to the first, park at the first wide spot and scramble upstream (not much of a trail) on the right side of Rock Creek for about 20 minutes to small waterfall and swimming hole. For another, easier to get to, a drive about another .5 miles to another parking spot and walk north about .25 miles along an old road to where there is a water slide into a large pool and a number of other smaller holes nearby. If you continue to walk upstream from here, on the left bank, and squeeze between some boulders, there is yet another hole. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.9078, lon=-121.3636(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/24/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ALPINE, MARFA, PRESIDIO | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=30.0238, lon=-104.6473(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | Hot spring |
TYPE | Hot spring |
DESCRIPTION | Beautiful commercial hot springs with camping, lodging and food. Day use of springs also (fee). see website . |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official, commercial |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot tubbing |
PHONE | 432-229-4165 |
CAMPING | Camping at site, lodging also. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown (probably optional) |
DIRECTIONS | From Alpine, take RT 90 west to Marfa then RT 2810 (Pinto Canyon Rd.) south then see map on website for further directions. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/28/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, AUBURN | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.9293, lon=-121.0385(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | American River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | There are a number of swimming holes along the North Fork of the American River outside of Auburn in the Auburn State Recreation Area . Clark's Hole is one of the best. A short but steep trail down to the hole with rugged cliffs around. This is just above where the Middle Fork American joins the North Fork American - it is generally not recommended that you swim in the Middle Fork, which is a challenging whitewater rafting river. The Recreation Area stretches for miles along both forks. |
AREA | Auburn State Recreation Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | 530-885-4527 |
CAMPING | There are several camping places along the river. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Reno, NV go west on I-80 west to Auburn, CA and take RT 49 south. Keep on Rt 49 through Auburn. In about 3 miles RT 49 will cross the American River. Park near here and follow the trail upsrteam on the North Fork. In about .5 miles of hiking you will pass under a highway bridge (Forrestville Rd) and in about another .25 miles you will come to Clark's Hole, big and deep. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/28/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | FLAGSTAFF, WINSLOW | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.96825, lon=-110.64450(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Clear Creek |
TYPE | Creek/lake |
DESCRIPTION | Picnicing, camping, swimming and canoeing on a beautiful clear stream and/or lake through rock canyon just outside of Winslow at/near McHood Park. If you bring a canoe, you can paddle through this beautiful canyon too. |
AREA | McHood Park |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | Unknwon |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables, Toilets |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site - no hook ups - may be free camping. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Winslow, take RT 87 south a short way then RT 99 east (left turn) about 4 miles to McHood Park. Also, if you go a mile or two upstream, there are great jumping places into deep, clear water. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/280/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | TEXARKANA, MAUD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.32606, lon=-94.38214(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | Crystal Springs |
TYPE | SPring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | Spring-fed swimming place, commercial, with water rides and a 350-foot-long beach of white sand. See web site for fees, photos and hours. CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH WEB SITE .
|
AREA | Crystal Springs Lake |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes- see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding, diving |
PHONE | 903-585-5246
|
CAMPING | Camping at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Texarkana, take RT 67 west 20 miles (through Maud); Crystal Springs will be on the right side of the highway.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/2/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LAS CRUCES, SILVER CITY, FAYWOOD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=32.5542, lon=-107.9942(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NM |
WATER | Faywood Hot SPrings |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | NOTE: As of 2007, Faywood was closed and for sale. Faywood Hot Srings has long been enjoyed, first by native Americans and now by all. It has been very nicely developed as a commercial facility with many outdoor public and private pools and other tastefully-done amenities. There are both clothed and clothing optional areas. See their web site for all the information. WEB SITE |
AREA | Faywood Hot Srings |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking |
PHONE | 505-536-9663 |
CAMPING | Nicley developed camping at site. Also very nearby at the fantastic City of Rocks S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From Las Cruces, take I-10 west to Deming then RT 180 north and then RT 61 northeast to the signs for Faywood Hot Springs.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 11/06 |
DATE UPDATED | 12/12/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BOISE, MOUNTAIN HOME, FEATHERVILLE |
STATE | ID |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Another great western hot/cold dip and camping combination within just a few miles of each other in the Sawtooth N. F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
|
AREA | Sawtooth N. F. |
SANCTION | Varies-see below |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Facilities at the nearby camgrounds |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Hot Springs |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At both sites, see below. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Boise, take I-84 southwest to Mountain Home the RT 20 north to the area of Dixie. Then take RT 61 northwest toward Pine and Featherville. In Featherville, turn east on RT 227. Then: | WILLOW CREEK [WILL]: Primitive hot spring - soaking spots alongside a trail along Willow Creek in the Sawtooth N. F. with developed N.F. campground nearby. To get there: from Featherville, go 7 miles east on RT 227 to Forest Rd 008. Turn left and go past the Willow Creek Campground about 1.5 miles to the end of the road where there is a horse camp. From here, follow the trail about .5 miles up Willow Creek to the hot springs area. There are a number of diffferent hot soaking pools of different temperatures here. Bathing suits optional, no fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=43.6402, lon=-115.1293(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 1/4/2006. BAUMGARTNER [BAUM]: Somewhat developed hot spring (National Forest) and informal swimming place near Baumgartner Campground. To get there: From Willow Creek (above) continue about 4 more miles east on RT 227 to Baumgartner N. F. Campground. Nearby this campground there is both a swimming hole and a hot spring. The hot spring is led into a concrete pool and managed by the Forest Service - there is a parking fee here. Not sure exactly where the swimming hole is but it is very nearby. There is camping at the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=43.60583, lon=-115.07528(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 1/4/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | STANLEY, SALMON, NORTH FORK
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STATE | ID |
WATER | Hot Spring/ Salmon River |
TYPE | Hot Spring/River |
DESCRIPTION | Another outstanding hot-cold pair, nearby each other in central Idaho. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
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AREA | Salmon N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | There is very little level land at Goldbug site for primitive camping, likely to be full during busy times. There is established camping nearby Goldbug at Williams Lake. For the Salmon hole, on FR 030, past the Salmon swimming hole, there is camping in the National Forest at Corn Creek (may be full due to rafting). Go south from FR 030 on FR 055 (Panther Creek Rd.) to camp at Deep Creek on Panther Creek, much less crowded than Corn Creek.
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BATHING SUITS | Optional at Goldbug, Salmon hole is pretty exposed. |
DIRECTIONS | | From RT 93 in Salmon: GOLDBUG HOT SPRINGS [GOLD]: At Goldbug Hot Springs, hot waterfall drops through several rock pools in a lush green crevice of a desert hillside. Very beautiful, not sulfurous. Requires a 2 mile hike (each way), steep in parts, but well worth the trip! A hot shower with a spectacular view. To get there: From Salmon, take RT 93 south for 23 miles to mile marker 282. Then go east (left) on a short gravel road to the parking area. Climb over the fence on the south side of the parking area and follow the well used trail. Walk across the footbridge then the trail begins heading uphill. In all, about a 2 mile hike up a canyon, steep at times, following a well established trail. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=44.9050, lon=-113.929(source: Web Site) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. PHOTO , LINK TO VIDEO . Verfied. Very confident. SALMON HOLE [SALM]: If the current isn't too strong, it is a real treat to swim in the legendary Salmon River. Here's remote spot with a fantastic view all around. with a nice sand beach, easy access. BE SAFE, DON'T SWIM IN STRONG CURRENT. To get there: From Salmon, take RT 93 north to North Fork. Go west (left) on FR 030 past Shoup and past the bridge where Panther Creek Road (FR 055) goes off to the left (south). Continue on RT 030 west to where the road crosses a bridge over the Salmon River. Just past this bridge, still on FR 030, there is parking on the left and a large sandy beach on the Salmon River where you may swim in the river IF THE CURRENT IS NOT TOO STRONG. If the beach is under water, you can be sure THE CURRENT IS TOO STRONG! GO down to Goldbug and soak! LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=45.322644, lon=-114.418036(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. No photo.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 11/17/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MISSOULA, KALISPELL | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=48.6203, lon=-113.8732(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | MT |
WATER | Lake McDonald, McDonald Creek |
TYPE | Lake/Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places along the famous "Going-to-the-Sun" road in Glacier N.P.. Some in a lake, some in a stream. Cold water most of the summer. See DIRECTIONS below for details. For a map: Glacier N. P.- click on "map".
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AREA | Glacier N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Fee to enter park |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Jumping, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | "Going-to-the-Sun" road goes entirely across Glacier, from the west to the east entrance. This report from an avid swimming holes fan:"Beginning from the west end and going east, the beginning/lower section of this road begins by following the shore Lake. McDonald. There are several spots along the lake with pull-outs and pebble beaches that are very nice for swimming. After the road leaves the lake (still going east), it starts ascending. For several miles, it parallels a stream (McDonald Creek). Again, there are numerous pullouts because there are many fantastic views. Several of those pullouts have excellent swimming areas. Only caveat is the cold water. We were there in mid August and our kids (and their parents) loved it. After the "top," the road begins descending. At some point, it crosses a small bridge, with a waterfall & hiking trail also crossing the road. There are pullouts on both sides of the road there. We hiked downstream to a waterfall (no swimming there). The trail then continued to a relatively remote lake where we also found very nice swimming."
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/24/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | GREAT FALLS |
STATE | MT |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes in Great Falls and nearby. See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREA | Varies - see below. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Varies - see below |
CAMPING | Primitive camping at Sluice Boxes S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknwon |
DIRECTIONS | From Great Falls: | BROADWATER BAY [BROA]: Popular swimming place in the Missouri River in Great Falls - with a beach and a dock. From downtown, take River Drive south to where the Applebee's restaurant is. Broadwater Bay is across the street from Applebee's. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=47.49336, lon=-111.31200(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. WHITE BEAR ISLAND [WHIT]: Another swimming place in the Missouri River in Great Falls. Continue south on River Drive to 4250 Lower River Road in Great Falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=47.49336, lon=-111.31200(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. SLUICE BOXES S. P."[SLUI]: South of Great Falls, Belt Creek goes through a canyon where it is paralleled by a trail that follows an abandoned rail track. There is great scenery and many swimming places along this trail. NOTE: The trail requires crossing the creek numerous times with no bridges, passable only during the dry season, about mid-July through September. WEB SITE . PHONE: 406-454-5840. Lat=47.19211, lon=-110.94125(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: From Great Falls, take RT 87 southeast to Armington then RT 89 south for 15 miles until you see a sign marked "Sluice Boxes State Park." Take a right at the sign and west over a bridge until you see a parking lot on your left. There are many places to swim, including at the bridge and along the trail. Another approach to the Sluice Boxes is via the Primitive State Park - instead of turning off into the lower state park continue on the road a couple of miles until you see a parking area on your left and a sign for Primitive State Park. From the parking area follow the pretty steep path for about a mile and it will go down to a swimming area. The primitive state park has high cliffs, a middle level cliff, a nice beach, and a large swimming hole. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. CONFIDENCE Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/17/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, WILLIAMS, MIDDLETOWN | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.78767, lon=-122.65556(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Harbin Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | Harbin Hot SPrings is a well-established, nicely developed commercial hot springs with multiple pools, overnight facilities, conference facilities, courses, meetings and other activities. Clothing optional in some places. Fees apply, reservations required. WEB SITE . DIRECTIONS AND MAP . |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Courses, COnferences |
PHONE | 707) 987-2477
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CAMPING | Camping at site - fee |
BATHING SUITS | Optional in many places |
DIRECTIONS | From Sacramento drive North on I-5 for 58 miles to the town of Williams. Exit West on CA 20 for 37 miles. Turn Left onto CA 53, which turns into CA-29 south, into Middletown. Arriving in Middletown turn right onto Hwy 175. Drive three short blocks to Barnes St. (Big Canyon Rd.) and turn right.
Drive 1.2 miles to Harbin Springs Road, turning left at the fork at the top of the hill. Follow road for 2 miles to the gate house. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | By another |
DATE UPDATED | 1/6/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | FLAGSTAFF, KINGMAN, PEACH SPRINGS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.2563, lon=-112.6991(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP IF YOU HAVE GOOGLE EARTH, CLICK HERE
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Havasu Creek (tributary to Colorado River) |
TYPE | Waterfalls |
DESCRIPTION | These are primo swimming holes in blue-green pools at bottom of Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls on the Havasu Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon area. It is about an 8 mile hike (1600 feet down) and you must have reservations to camp or stay at the lodge. DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT RESERVATIONS and make them well in advance! Call 602-448-2111 for the lodge or 602-448-2121 for general information and camping reservations. For a small fee the Native Americans will haul your camping duffle down canyon by mule or horse. Also, Havasu Creek goes another 10 miles into the Grand Canyon from Havasu and there are many swimming holes along the way. The reservation enforces bathing suits in the pools around Havasu. |
AREA | Havasu Indian Reservation |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee |
FACILITIES |
All facilities at lodge and campground |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, rope swing |
PHONE | 602-448-2121 |
CAMPING | Camping at site, requires reservations |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Flagstaff, go west on I-40 to exit 149 then west on RT 66. At Nelson, turn north on on RT 18 and go 64 miles to Hualapai Hilltop, where the road ends. From here, hike about 8 miles (4 hours) to Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, both of which have spectacular blue-green swimming holes at the bottom, at within hiking distance of here. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/9/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | HAWAII - KAILUA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=19.675, lon=-155.578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | HI |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes on the "Big" Hawaiian island of Hawaii. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
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AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Uknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | Directions are from Keahole Aiport, Hawaii: | KONA POOL [KONA]: A little-known state-owned saltwater swimming hole fed by the ocean waves. To get here: from Keahole Aiport: Turn right onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway 19. At second stoplight about 5 miles down, turn right onto Palani Drive. Follow Palani Drive until it changes to Alii Drive. On Alii Drive, between Kona-By-The-Sea and Kona Isle is a 100-yard access trail that leads you to the saltwater pool. The pool is right by the ocean and tere's a smaller tide-pool to the left. If you want to swim in seawater but are hesitant to go into the ocean, here's your chance. The pool occasionally gets funky if the ocean doesn't splash over it for a while. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=19.63, lon=-156.0(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/21/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | COLORADO SPRINGS, CANON CITY, CRIPPLE CREEK | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.84717, lon=-105.24844(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CO |
WATER | Hay Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | One mile hike to local swimming hole in creek with low cliff to jump from. Be careful if you jump, the deep area is not large - best to follow a local who knows the place to land. |
AREA | Mueller State Park and Wildlife Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | none |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Jumping, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Canon City, take RT 50 west out of town then RT 9 north for about 21 miles then take RT 102 off to the right toward Guffey. Follow RT 102 about 17 miles then turn north (left) on RT 11. In about 4 more miles, go left (north) on RT 1 (Cripple Creek-Florissant Rd.) (away from Cripple Creek). (Directions become uncertain at this point - please tell us if you find this place. It may not even be Hay Creek.) Go about 2 miles, over a hill, then park in an area on the left side which has a sign about rules for the area. Walk across the road then down a trail which follows a small canyon and a small stream, for about 1 mile to Hays Creek and the swimming hole. |
CONFIDENCE | Very uncertain |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/24/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SALT LAKE CITY, PARK CITY, HEBER
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.52323, lon=-111.48801(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | UT |
WATER | Homestead Crater Hot Spring |
TYPE | Hot Spring |
DESCRIPTION | A 65 foot deep hot spring inside of a cave where you can snorkel or
scuba in 90 degree water has brought visitors here for over a century. Now it is a commercial
resort with hotel, restaurants, tennis, sauna, et.al.. The hotel rooms are $120-$170 per night, but it looks like you can just go to the Crater Hot Spring for $10. It is at 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway, UT 84049, 435-654-1102, 800-327-7220. Visit their web site at WEB SITE |
AREA | Homestead Resort |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | $10.00 |
FACILITIES |
Yes |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Soaking, Snorkeling, Scuba | |
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