Quick FactsOverview
About Eldorado Springs Pool
Eldorado Springs Pool, Colorado is a paid seasonal outdoor pool at 255 Artesian Drive in Eldorado Springs, fed directly by a 6,000-year-old artesian spring and open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with weekend operation into September. The pool sits 5 miles south of Boulder at the entrance to Eldorado Canyon State Park, surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Water enters the pool at 76 degrees Fahrenheit from the spring and is heated to around 79 to 82 degrees. An ADA lift is available for pool entry.
The pool opened on July 4, 1905, when it was reported as one of the largest swimming pools in the country and became known as the Coney Island of the West. Notable historical visitors included President Dwight Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, who spent their honeymoon at the resort in 1916. The pool closed for an extended period and reopened in August 2024 after extensive renovations.
The spring water originates as rain and snowmelt east of the Continental Divide, percolating through an aquifer at a depth of around 8,000 feet and emerging with a characteristic deep blue-green hue. Health regulations require chlorination. The Eldorado Springs bottled water brand uses the same spring source. The pool is a popular summer destination for families looking for hot springs near Boulder in a historic canyon setting.
Location & Access
Getting to Eldorado Springs Pool
Eldorado Springs Pool is at 255 Artesian Drive, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025, about 5 miles south of Boulder and 30 minutes from Denver. From Boulder, head south on CO-93 and turn west onto CO-170 at the stoplight. Follow CO-170 west approximately 3 miles to the pool on the right, just before Eldorado Canyon State Park. The drive from downtown Boulder takes about 15 minutes.
From Denver, take US-36 west toward Boulder then CO-93 south, turning west onto CO-170. Total drive is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends. A free shuttle called the Eldo Shuttle operates on weekends and runs every 20 minutes; riders receive a discount on pool entry. Use of the shuttle is strongly encouraged on peak weekend days to avoid parking difficulties.
Eldorado Canyon State Park is immediately adjacent and requires a separate timed-entry reservation on weekends and holidays from May through October. Pool visitors do not need a park pass simply to use the pool, as the pool is operated by the resort. For visitors looking for family hot springs near Boulder, Eldorado Springs Pool is the closest spring-fed option to the city and combines well with a visit to the adjacent canyon trails and climbing areas.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Eldorado Springs Pool Suits
Eldorado Springs Pool suits families, children, and visitors of all ages looking for a refreshing outdoor swimming experience in a historic canyon setting near Boulder. Children 12 and under must be accompanied in the pool by a parent or guardian. All visitors 18 and over must sign a waiver on entry. An ADA lift is available for pool entry, and dedicated accessible parking spaces are on site.
The pool temperature of around 79 to 82 degrees is closer to a warm outdoor swimming pool than a traditional hot spring, making it comfortable for extended swimming and suitable for active swimmers and children. The pool has a slide and diving board. The setting within Eldorado Canyon, with sandstone cliffs rising above and South Boulder Creek nearby, gives the visit a distinctive natural quality. For those seeking family hot springs near Boulder in a scenic outdoor setting, this is the most accessible spring-fed pool in the area.
The pool is seasonal, open only from Memorial Day through Labor Day plus weekends in September, so winter visitors must plan accordingly. A snack bar sells food and beverages. No outside food or drinks are permitted in the pool area. Changing rooms are available. Swimwear is required at all times. Season passes are available on the resort website for frequent summer visitors.
Safety & Etiquette
Eldorado Springs Pool Safety Tips
Eldorado Springs Pool is generally safe for most visitors. The pool temperature of around 79 to 82 degrees is well below the thresholds associated with heat risk in traditional hot springs, making it appropriate for extended swimming and all ages. Standard pool safety rules apply: children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and all adults must sign a waiver on entry.
The pool water is fed from an artesian spring and chlorinated to meet public health requirements. The property aims to keep chlorine levels as low as safety standards permit. Visitors with chlorine sensitivity may wish to rinse off after swimming. The spring water has a neutral pH of around 7.1, which is gentle on skin compared to heavily treated pools.
The pool has a slide and diving board. Standard safety rules apply: one person at a time on the slide, and check pool depth before diving. The pool reaches a maximum depth of approximately 4.5 feet. Children should be supervised near these features at all times.
Eldorado Canyon State Park is immediately adjacent. Visitors combining the pool with hiking or climbing in the park should note that the park requires a separate timed-entry reservation on weekends and holidays from May through October. Parking at the resort fills quickly; the free Eldo Shuttle on weekends is the most practical way to avoid the congestion. Sun exposure is significant in the open canyon; sunscreen is advisable particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during summer months.
