Denver, Colorado, is known for some of the highest peaks in the world, amazing craft beverages, and a crazy number of professional sports teams. A lesser known fact? The Mile High City is also close to dozens of unique swimming holes and bodies of water. StorQuest paired down the long list to our top four places to take a dip near Denver.

1) Indian Hot Springs

Hidden off I-70 just west of Denver is the Indian Hot Springs – a secret paradise open to adventurers for over 100 years. Escape the noise and soak in all the benefits – literally – of natural mineral water. With huge palm trees and live banana trees, the main swimming pool transports you straight to the tropics. Be sure to also check out the geothermal caves. These were driven into the mountainside in 1903 and feature sunken walk-in hot tubs filled with natural hot spring water. Make a weekend out of it and stay onsite at the resort or bring a few friends along to relax for the day.

2) The Poudre River

There’s nothing like plunging into a cool river on a hot day, and the Poudre River is about to be your new favorite place to do just that. We recommend two of the most classic cliff-jumping spots. Our first suggestion? Picnic Rock. Make the short hike to a small beach and head straight for the biggest rock you can find or tube down the river and take the plunge. Trust us. You can’t miss it. Our second suggestion is Legacy Park which you can get to by taking the Poudre River bike trail. The river is a little slower paced here, so it’s the perfect spot to kick back, soak in some rays, and cool off using the rope swing.

3) Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is everything you want for an epic day out on the lake. This 6.5-mile aquatic playground is just outside of Fort Collins on 2,000 acres of public land. Pick up your boat from storage and spend the whole day cruising, tubing, or catching some air on your wakeboard. Want to take it below the surface? Divers can explore down to 200 feet at the South Bay swim area and Lower Sunrise.

4) Pacific Tarn

Last but not least, the most hardcore spot to take a dip near Denver is Pacific Tarn. Strap on your pack, grab a towel, and bring plenty of water. You’ll have to hike almost 7 miles on the fairly advanced McCullough Gulch Trail in order to get there. Once you make it, the view from 13,435 feet is incredible – but being able to say you’ve swam in the highest lake in all of the U.S. is even more rewarding.

Your Trusted Adventure Partner

For all of your summer adventures, StorQuest is here to help you make it awesome. Find a unit that fits your lifestyle and make it into your all-in-one outdoor gear spot. Call our leasing team to reserve your storage unit today.