Adventures in Park County: Hiking, Swimming, and Cliff Jumping at Guffey Gorge (Paradise Cove)
Guffey Gorge—better known as Paradise Cove—is one of the most renowned swimming holes in Colorado. This magnificent swimming hole is an hour outside of Colorado Springs and just over a half-hour outside of Woodland Park. People travel from all over Colorado to experience this beautiful oasis, which boasts refreshing swimming and sunbathing opportunities, breathtaking views, and, of course, cliff jumping.
Parking at Guffey Gorge
When you arrive, you can park in one of the designated lots by the trailhead or just across the street. Park only in designated areas, pay the $6 daily parking fee, and place the parking pass on your dashboard to avoid receiving tickets or being towed! The park is open 365 days per year from dawn until dusk, but parking fees are generally only required during summer months. There are two bathrooms at the main parking lot, but these may be closed during the winter months.
(Note/update: Guffey Gorge only accepts credit card payments for parking at this time, so be sure to bring your card! Parking payments are generally only required May through September, but always double check the signs by the trailhead to confirm.)
The Hike In/Out
The hike to the Gorge is a moderate 1-mile out-and-back hike (about a ½ mile each way). The trail does cross the creek a couple times where there are no bridges. There are rocks to step across, but they can be slick, so be prepared for your shoes to get wet! Near the Gorge, there is a steep incline and a steep decline going both ways, but there is a well-kept trail with chain guards/handrails. Learn more on AllTrails.
Cliff Jumping, Swimming, and Sunbathing
In the canyon during the summer, you will often find many people sunbathing, swimming, laughing, and playing. On weekends, expect for there to be a large influx of people from Colorado Springs, Denver, and other surrounding towns. When swimming, be aware of people who are jumping from the high ledges above!
There are a variety of rocks faces that visitors jump from, ranging from 12ft-high boulders to cliff faces that are more than 50ft high. From our estimations, the water near the cliffs is 9-11ft deep, but the water level does vary throughout the year, so be sure to check for yourself. Many people report their feet brushing the ground when they jump from the higher ledges. Please exercise extreme caution if you choose to jump. Cliff jumping can be very dangerous!*
This is a lovely destination for a summer adventure. If you travel to the Guffey Gorge, please follow leave-no-trace policies, and leave this beautiful space better than you found it. Additionally, please follow all regulations and be respectful of neighboring property owners. Most of all, have fun, and enjoy basking in this wonderful Park County Adventure!
Looking for things to do near Guffey Gorge/Paradise Cove?
Just 15 minutes down the road from the trailhead is the town of Guffey, Colorado. Here you will find an antique store, and a few small businesses that serve food and drinks, including Wild Spirit!