Raise your hand if you visited Casa Bonita as a kid and decided you wanted to be a cliff diver when you grew up! raises both hands If you are like me, you probably realized at one point that this was not a viable career path and moved on to something else (like writing articles about the great state of Colorado)… but just because you chose a different job doesn’t mean you can’t still swim amidst a tropical waterfall, which is exactly what you will find at this Western Slope swimming hole that is sure to make your summer complete. The Big Dominguez Canyon swimming hole is perhaps the very best swimming hole in Colorado.
Near Grand Junction lies the jaw-dropping Big Dominguez Canyon; a stunning conservation area that features butt-busting hikes, dramatic cliffs, and even a collection of fascinating Indian rock art petroglyphs.
J Chase/Google Local
The hike can be accessed via the Bridgeport Trailhead, which is located approximately 20 miles south of Grand Junction via Route 50.
Bill Treush/Google Local
You’ll be impressed by the incredible views you see along the way. Although the trail is rated easy, it’s quite long. The trek is 12.3 miles in length out-and-back.
Kyle White/Google Local
It’s absolutely worth it, though. You’ll see incredible views along the way.
Randall Douty/Google Local
While the historic significance of the area and incredible scenery are both a must see, our favorite aspect of the Big Dominguez Canyon is that of this beautiful swimming hole!
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
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.
Flickr/Glenn Merritt
As you can see, this hike is incredible and this swimming hole is amazing. This is, without a doubt, the best waterfall swimming hole in Colorado. Your hike to the Big Dominguez Canyon swimming hole is an adventure that you will never forget.
J Chase/Google Local
Bill Treush/Google Local
Kyle White/Google Local
Randall Douty/Google Local
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Flickr/Glenn Merritt
Make an even bigger splash by visiting these 11 Little Known Swimming Spots In Colorado That Will Make Your Summer Awesome.
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Address: Big Dominguez Creek, Whitewater, CO 81527, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking and Swimming in Colorado May 08, 2022 Christy What is the best time of year to visit the Big Dominguez Canyon swimming hole? If you wish to swim, summer is the best time to visit this beautiful place. The water will be cool and refreshing even if the weather is hot, but it will be too cold to enjoy in other seasons. However, if you just want to view this waterfall and enjoy the hike, it’s lovely at any time of year. Remember, this hike is in a desert environment. It will be very hot during the summer months so be sure to bring lots of water and dress appropriately for the weather. On the other hand, this area does get some snow in the wintertime, so dress warmly if you attempt it then. What should I bring on my hike? Be sure to bring water, your swimsuit, a towel, a camera, and some snacks. Remember to pack out what you bring in! This place is too special to become littered and polluted. Be a responsible hiker and have a great time. Where should I stay for this hike? If you want to camp, the Big Dominguez Campground offers nine maintained tent sites and a group campground during the summer months. On the other hand, if you would like to stay in a hotel, Grand Junction is not far away.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking and Swimming in Colorado
May 08, 2022
Christy
What is the best time of year to visit the Big Dominguez Canyon swimming hole? If you wish to swim, summer is the best time to visit this beautiful place. The water will be cool and refreshing even if the weather is hot, but it will be too cold to enjoy in other seasons. However, if you just want to view this waterfall and enjoy the hike, it’s lovely at any time of year. Remember, this hike is in a desert environment. It will be very hot during the summer months so be sure to bring lots of water and dress appropriately for the weather. On the other hand, this area does get some snow in the wintertime, so dress warmly if you attempt it then. What should I bring on my hike? Be sure to bring water, your swimsuit, a towel, a camera, and some snacks. Remember to pack out what you bring in! This place is too special to become littered and polluted. Be a responsible hiker and have a great time. Where should I stay for this hike? If you want to camp, the Big Dominguez Campground offers nine maintained tent sites and a group campground during the summer months. On the other hand, if you would like to stay in a hotel, Grand Junction is not far away.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you wish to swim, summer is the best time to visit this beautiful place. The water will be cool and refreshing even if the weather is hot, but it will be too cold to enjoy in other seasons. However, if you just want to view this waterfall and enjoy the hike, it’s lovely at any time of year.
Remember, this hike is in a desert environment. It will be very hot during the summer months so be sure to bring lots of water and dress appropriately for the weather. On the other hand, this area does get some snow in the wintertime, so dress warmly if you attempt it then.
What should I bring on my hike?
Be sure to bring water, your swimsuit, a towel, a camera, and some snacks. Remember to pack out what you bring in! This place is too special to become littered and polluted. Be a responsible hiker and have a great time.
Where should I stay for this hike?
If you want to camp, the Big Dominguez Campground offers nine maintained tent sites and a group campground during the summer months. On the other hand, if you would like to stay in a hotel, Grand Junction is not far away.