Guffey Gorge Day-Use Area

While I can understand the complaints that this place is much busier than it used to be, I was still amazed that something like this exists, let alone that it is open to the public. Even if you just go to enjoy the short hike to the cove, the scenery is beautiful and well worth it. A short walk up the stream will lead to a more desolate area, but the diversity of the visitors added to the appeal to me. I plan on making this a regular part of my summers in Colorado.

To find a place like this, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management, which mean very little in the way of management or improvements, in the middle of nowhere and not visible from the road used to be quite the surprise. Not so much anymore. There used to be enough parking for about 10 cars across the road from where the trail starts. Now, just across the road and a little bit east, there is a porta-potty and more parking in dirt, no gravel or blacktop. The first time we ever found our way there many years ago, we have the place to ourselves. Not this year. Our recent trip found perhaps 30 cars and maybe 60-100 people there. Kids play in the shallow end of the pool on the north side, and jumpers jump into the deep part on the south side of the pool. It is a bit of a tough hike. Be prepared to fall into the stream as you cross it several times and the "bridges" are makeshift log and stone. Now that it has been "discovered" by the general public, it would be a great place to develop an easier trail, a few picnic tables, and some better toilets. Please police up the trash; your own and others. The map attached here is entirely accurate: http://www.everytrail.com/guide/paradise-cove-swimming-hole/map

Paradise Cove? How about Fraternity Cove!! What a disappointment for a family looking for a swimming hole in Colorado. Lots of potential here for a legit, off the path swim area but the underage drinking, pot smoking and nudity exclude any family from participating. Additionally, The cliff jumpers monopolize the complete swim hole making it impossible for others to get in the water unless they are cliff jumping. While our family was looking for something Primitive, this place could definitely use some supervision of some sort to maximize the potential.

Please be careful cliff jumping. I went here today. Wonderful fun place, but I jumped a bit too far out and hit my sacrum on the bottom. Owie.. go have fun, but know that people do get hurt.

Worth the hike back to watch the cliff jumpers, but not an ideal place to swim. The water was freezing and it kind of felt like you would be in the way of the jumpers. But it was beautiful and a great experience!

The location seems a little off by about a mile, but easily figured out from the description. There is a little parking area with the trail across the road. Beautiful place...