Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Silverton, Colorado
4 natural swimming holes
Our directory lists 4 natural swimming holes in and around Silverton, Colorado. Every one sits in San Juan County. Highlights include Columbine Lake and Highland Mary Lakes. Local listings point to July-September as the best swimming season. They're all 4 lakes — this is lake-country.
Swimming holes in Silverton
- Columbine Lake
A deep blue lake beneath the Grenadier Range, reached by a long trail from Molas Pass.
- Highland Mary Lakes
A chain of high tarns above Silverton reached by the Highland Mary Lakes trail, with old mining ruins for atmosphere.
- Ice Lake
A turquoise jewel at 12,500 feet, Ice Lake is one of Colorado's most photographed alpine swims.
- Island Lake (San Juan Mountains)
Ice Lake's quieter neighbor, a smaller tarn with the same impossible color and fewer crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Silverton, CO?
Our directory lists 4 natural swimming holes in and around Silverton, Colorado, across San Juan County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Silverton?
The 4 listings cover 4 lakes. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Silverton should I try first?
Columbine Lake is a well-documented local listing. A deep blue lake beneath the Grenadier Range, reached by a long trail from Molas Pass. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near Silverton?
Local listings most often name July-September as the best season. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions before you go.