Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Durango, Colorado
7 natural swimming holes
If Durango is home base, you're spoiled for choice: 7 natural swimming holes appear in our listings for this area. Animas River Whitewater Park (Durango) anchors the local list, and Cascade Creek (Durango) rounds out the highlights. Expect a spread: 3 lakes, 2 creeks, and 2 rivers. Plan around June-September — that's the best season named in most local listings. They all fall in La Plata County.
Swimming holes in Durango
- Animas River Whitewater Park (Durango)
The Animas River's whitewater park in downtown Durango, with surf waves, swimming eddies, and a riverside trail.
- Cascade Creek (Durango)
A cascading creek in the La Platas with a series of falls and pools along the trail.
- Florida River
The Florida River's Lime Creek valley, with clear pools and riverside trails.
- Haviland Lake
A small lake on La Plata Canyon Road with a campground and shoreline swimming.
- Lemon Reservoir
A small, pretty reservoir in the San Juans with a campground and easy shoreline swimming.
- Needle Creek
A La Plata Mountain creek with a waterfall and plunge pools on the Colorado Trail near Durango.
- Vallecito Reservoir
A big mountain reservoir north of Durango with shoreline swimming and spectacular San Juan views.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Durango, CO?
Our directory lists 7 natural swimming holes in and around Durango, Colorado, across La Plata County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Durango?
The 7 listings cover 3 lakes, 2 creeks, 2 rivers. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Durango should I try first?
Animas River Whitewater Park (Durango) is a well-documented local listing. The Animas River's whitewater park in downtown Durango, with surf waves, swimming eddies, and a riverside trail. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near Durango?
Local listings most often name June-September as the best season. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions before you go.