Here’s the historic Eldorado Springs Pool before its remarkable renovation. While the facility has been beautifully updated, its stunning canyon setting remains timeless.

Tucked beneath the towering sandstone walls of Eldorado Canyon, just 15 minutes south of Boulder, sits one of Colorado’s most beloved summer traditions. For more than 120 years, generations of families have escaped the summer heat by diving into the cool, mineral-rich waters of the historic Eldorado Springs Pool. The remarkable part? It’s still welcoming swimmers in 2026, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind Colorado experience where history and recreation come together.

A “Coney Island of the West” Is Born

The story begins on July 4, 1905, when the resort opened as Moffat Lakes Resort and quickly earned the nickname “Coney Island of the West.” Visitors arrived by train on the Colorado & Southern Railroad or by horseback to enjoy the refreshing artesian spring waters nestled beneath the dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Popularity exploded almost immediately. A second pool was added later that same year, and the grand concrete pool that still welcomes swimmers today opened in 1906. At the time, it was advertised as the largest swimming pool in the United States. Two years later, the elegant Eldorado Hotel opened, offering overnight accommodations for as little as $2.50 per night.

Vintage Postcard Eldorado Springs, Colorado

The resort quickly became one of Colorado’s premier summer destinations. Guests enjoyed dance pavilions, carnival games, fishing in South Boulder Creek, and thrilling performances by legendary tightrope walker Ivy Baldwin, who completed an astonishing 86 crossings high above the canyon between 1906 and 1948. Summer attendance regularly topped 60,000 visitors, and notable guests included heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey and President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower.

Like many historic destinations, Eldorado Springs weathered its share of challenges, including devastating fires, the destructive 1938 flood, and changing travel habits. The Fowler family owned the property for most of its first 78 years before the resort entered a new chapter in 1983, when the three founding partners of Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. purchased both the property and its valuable water rights, preserving the area’s rich history while continuing its famous bottled spring water business.

After several years of extensive renovations, the historic pool reopened in 2024, celebrated its first full season in 2025, and is once again welcoming visitors throughout the 2026 summer season.

The Pool Today: History You Can Swim In

What makes Eldorado Springs Pool truly special is the water itself. Fed directly from a natural artesian spring, the water has spent approximately 6,000 years filtering through layers of sandstone before emerging crystal clear and naturally mineral-rich. It receives only light chlorination to meet modern health standards while preserving its refreshing character. Water temperatures typically range from a comfortable 79 to 82 degrees, making it ideal for both relaxing and swimming laps on warm summer days.

Unlike a typical municipal pool, swimming here feels like stepping into living Colorado history, surrounded by towering canyon walls that make every visit unforgettable.

Following its renovation, the pool now features an ADA-accessible lift, certified lifeguards, a snack bar serving local treats and the resort’s famous spring water, and a beer garden offering Colorado beer and wine for guests 21 and older, with a three-drink maximum.

While the beloved Big Red slide was retired during renovations, longtime visitors will be happy to know the diving board remains a favorite attraction. Families also enjoy the shallow baby pool, expansive grassy lounging areas, and the relaxed atmosphere that has drawn generations back year after year.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Planning Your Visit in 2026

The Eldorado Springs Pool is located at 255 Artesian Drive in Eldorado Springs, about a 15-minute drive south of Boulder via Highway 93 and Eldorado Springs Drive.

The pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day, followed by Sunday-only operations through September. Admission is $25 for adults ages 13 and older, while children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 60 and older pay $15. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted admission Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Season passes are available, along with discounts for educators, first responders, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.

To make the most of your visit:

• Arrive early on weekends, as the pool frequently reaches capacity.
• Parking is first come, first served and fills quickly. The free Eldo Shuttle operates on weekends and holidays and includes a $5 admission discount.
• The pool is privately operated and separate from Eldorado Canyon State Park, which may require timed-entry reservations during busy periods.
• Bring your own cooler with food and nonalcoholic beverages. Glass containers and outside alcohol are not permitted inside the main pool area.
• Life jackets are available, children under 12 require close adult supervision, and all guests ages 18 and older must complete a liability waiver.

Swim Through Colorado History

Few places in Colorado allow visitors to literally swim through more than a century of history. Eldorado Springs Pool is far more than a place to cool off—it’s a living piece of Boulder County’s heritage that continues creating new memories every summer.

Whether you’re watching your kids leap from the diving board, swimming peaceful laps beneath the towering canyon walls, or simply relaxing in the refreshing spring-fed water, you’ll quickly understand why this remarkable destination has remained a favorite for generations.

Many Boulder residents remember spending childhood summers here, and today a new generation is discovering why this historic spring-fed pool continues to be one of the area’s most treasured warm-weather destinations.

The 2026 season is in full swing, making now the perfect time to experience this timeless Colorado landmark. Plan your visit, check current hours, seasonal updates, and any early closures before you go at the official Eldorado Springs Resort website.

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