Guffey Gorge
You’d never know a waterfall, towering canyon walls and a swimming hole will greet you at the end of this ½ mile hike just off the road near Guffey, Colorado.
Known also as Paradise Cove, this was once a local hidden sweet spot, popular with teens, rowdy behavior, cliff jumping and loud music. Now regulated and a perfect little day hike.
How exciting to see it’s being regulated now and is back to its original beauty and charm for all to enjoy.
Just off the road (CR 112) look for a sign that says “Guffey Gorge Day-Use Area”, you’ll begin your short trek from here.
Hiking up and over the first hill, a dazzling, lush meadow with the first sign of wildflowers, is a pleasant surprise!
Hiking along a meandering Creek, crossing over log bridges and taking in views ahead of impressive rock formations makes this short hike a huge treat.
We loved it, felt like little kids on a great adventure…
I can’t stop taking pictures as we hike along West Four Mile Creek and scramble over huge boulders before entering the gorge.
You’ll hike into a ponderosa pine forest and immediately the trail begins a steep descent down, with views along the way of the swimming hole below.
Arriving at the bottom, it’s a magical setting.
Truly a hidden gem like no other. Superb little spot to have a picnic, hang out and relax.
A haven for a memorable family adventure.
We’ve discovered quite a few fun short trails while wandering around Colorado. Two very different, yet very unique hidden gems tucked off major roadways we highly recommend are: Limber Grove Trail and Inter-Laken Trail. Both amazing.
We have a habit of finding stops along our mini road trips to get some fresh air and discover a new trail.
Colorado is filled with little adventures to get outside, no matter which road your traveling on or what age you are!
Be backpack ready! Mine is always in my car…
The trail ends here at the Falls. It’s a small area and is known to be crowded on summer weekends. (just so you know).
NOTE: wear sturdy shoes, rocky rough terrain (not flip flop friendly).
TIDBITS
Day Use Only
Fee: $6 per vehicle
One mile hike out and back
Leased dogs ok
No glass allowed
No alcohol
Elevation: 8,190 ft.
For information: BLM, Royal Gorge Field Office, 719-269-8500.
A GENTILE REMINDER: Venturing off trails damages vegetation, leads to erosion and impacts wildlife.
DIRECTIONS
From Cañon City, travel west on US Hwy 50 for 10 miles turning north (right) onto CO Hwy 9. Travel 9 miles and turn right onto County Road 11 (High Park Road). Continue 18 miles to Teller County Road 112. Turn left onto CR 112 and continue 3 miles.
From Colorado Springs, travel west on US Hwy 24 for about 25 miles. Turn left onto CR 42/Twin Rocks Rd and go 6 miles. Turn left onto Teller CR 1 and go 6 miles again. Turn right onto CR 11 for 4 miles. Turn right onto Teller CR 112 and continue 3 miles. Guffey Gorge is on the right side.
HAPPY TRAILS!
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