Aspen Colorado Swimming Pools

With so many outlets for recreation in the greater-Aspen area, you may want to just chill out for a while. Fear not: a refreshing dip is closer than you might think!

• Visit an alpine lake, a man-made reservoir or the public pool to beat the summer heat!
• Aspen Recreation Center offers access to two pools, a lazy river and a water slide, in addition to daily scheduled activities. Call (970) 544-4100 for more info.
• Take a hike (short or long) to any one of the area's gorgeous alpine lakes. Call the Aspen Ranger District for information on suggested hikes and current weather conditions (970) 925-3445.
• Ruedi Reservoir and Sylvan Lake State Park, both within two hours of Aspen, offer a plethora of public facilities and on-water activities.

Overview

At high altitudes, temperatures in the Aspen area can soar to sweltering degrees. For those who would like to know where to take a dip, here are some suggestions for day-trips to beat the heat. For any of the out-of-doors variety of swimming holes, prepare for cold water, people! These alpine lakes are fed by melting snowfields. (And, for the record, swimming in the Roaring Fork River is not advisable due to strong currents and a very rocky river bottom.) After days of hiking, biking, fishing and rafting, chill out in any one of these great Aspen-area spots!

Where To Go Swimming

• Aspen Recreation Center (ARC): This public facility boasts two pools (a six-lane lap pool and a deep-water diving pool), in addition to a steam room, dry sauna and hot tub. The facility, also, boasts a two-story slide and a lazy river, so kids can be entertained for hours! There are activities for adults and kids scheduled daily. Call (970) 544-5834 for updated schedule. Daily fees apply. This fee provides access to a climbing wall, fitness facilities, and adult classes at Red Brick Rec Center in addition to ARC swimming facilities. ARC is located at 0861 Maroon Creek Road in Aspen. Call (970) 544-4100 for more information.  
• Ruedi Reservoir: This body of water, created by damming the Fryingpan River, offers recreational access of all kinds with two boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, and seasonal stocking of the waters with trout. Campsites are available by reservation or first-come, first served. Plan a day or plan your weekend at Ruedi Res. For information, contact Aspen/Sopris Ranger District at (970) 963-2266 or 925-3445. Directions from Aspen: Drive 19 miles north on I-82 to Basalt. Take Fryingpan Road about 14 miles to the reservoir. You can't miss it! There is a daily fee for parking. 
• Sylvan Lake State Park: Promoted as "the gateway to the White River National Forest and the Holy Cross Wilderness," Sylvan Lake, located about 2 hours from Aspen, offers access to various recreational activities, including boating, fishing and swimming. A daily pass costs $6, and an annual national parks pass will grant access as well. Camp sites cost $16/night. Cabins and yurts are available at fees ranging from $60-$160/night. Boats are available for rental at hourly or daily rates. Call (970) 328-2778 for information. Directions from Aspen: Take I-82 north to Fryingpan Road in Basalt. Follow this road through the town of Meredith, then head north on Country Road 4A to the park. 
• Crater Lake: Venture into the beautiful Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for a short hike to this emerald-green, alpine lake. The trailhead for Crater Lake is located at the Maroon Lake parking area at the end of Maroon Creek Road. Distance to the lake is approximately 1.8 miles with an mellow grade. Summer season access is restricted on Maroon Creek Road. Roaring Fork Transit Authority provides regular transportation to the trailhead with buses leaving from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. Call the ranger district for more information (970) 925-3445. 
• Cathedral Lake: For those seeking a short-lived challenge with a big reward, the hike to Cathedral Lake is just the ticket. This steep, 2.8 mile hike follows Pine Creek to this pristine lake at high altitude. The trailhead, marked by a wooden sign on the right side of Castle Creek Road, past the ghost town of Ashcroft. Following the sign, drive less than a mile down the rocky, dirt road to the start of the trail. Call the ranger district for more information (970) 925-3445. 
• Conundrum Hot Springs: Perhaps this trip is better suited for an overnight excursion, considering it's almost 9 miles on trail to the destination. Luckily 16 area campsites, in close proximity to the upper and lower pools, provide sufficient area for setting up camp for the night. To get to the trailhead, follow Castle Creek Road for about 5 miles to a right turn onto Conundrum Road, which turns into gravel. Road ends in a parking area at the trailhead. Call the ranger district for more information (970) 925-3445.