Entry No. 14 — the Boulder file — filed under: outdoor
Eldorado Springs Pool
Tucked into the mouth of Eldorado Canyon, this artesian-fed pool has been drawing swimmers since it opened on July 4, 1905 — originally billed as the largest swimming pool in the country. The water flows from a spring whose aquifer reaches 8,000 feet below the Continental Divide, arriving at the surface at a steady 76°F and tasting clean and mineral-bright. Sheer red-and-tan sandstone walls rise on both sides, making every lap feel like swimming inside a canyon. The resort's glory years drew 60,000 visitors a summer, along with Douglas Fairbanks and Jack Dempsey. Aerialist Ivy Baldwin walked a wire stretched 635 feet across the canyon — suspended 582 feet above the gorge — 86 times between 1907 and 1948, his last crossing on his 82nd birthday.
The move: Pack a picnic and arrive early before the canyon fills with day-trippers. Swim in the cold artesian water, then dry off on the rocks while the sandstone walls glow in the afternoon light. The canyon setting does all the ambiance work — bring towels and leave your phones in the bag.
📍 Before you go Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, daily 10am–6pm; weekends only in September. Adults $25, children/seniors $15; late-day rates (4–6pm Mon–Thu) drop to $15/$10. Parking is first-come, first-served and fills fast on weekends — a free Eldo Shuttle runs every 20 minutes on weekends and earns you $5 off admission. No reservations required; tickets at the gate or online. Adults must sign a waiver on arrival.
- 📍 Boulder
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: 294 Artesian Drive, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-11