Guffey Gorge
Swimming hole in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Creek
Guffey Gorge (also called Guffey Cove) is a Fourmile Creek amphitheater swim west of Colorado Springs near Florissant. Plan a $6 day-use fee (card; confirm on site), a steep half-mile hike, and no restrooms at the water. No lifeguards. Scout depth before any cliff jump; the gravel lot fills on summer weekends.
Typical season: Mid-May to mid-September for optimal
About Guffey Gorge
Guffey Gorge gives you creek swimming access near Colorado Springs in Colorado. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach. Carved by Fourmile Creek over millennia, this dramatic natural amphitheater rewards the adventurous with emerald-hued water, soaring cliff walls, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the ordinary world. The 0.5-mile path to the gorge is short but honest. Steep, uneven, and best tackled in sturdy footwear rather than flip-flops. As you descend, the air cools noticeably and the sound of rushing water rises to meet you. Then the gorge opens up, and the scale of it stops you in your tracks. Towering rock formations press in from both sides, their surfaces streaked with mineral color and draped in mosses, forming a natural cathedral around the creek below. Wildlife is abundant here. Keep your eyes open for birds of prey riding thermals above the canyon rim and the occasional deer picking through the brush along the water's edge. The surrounding plant life thrives in the microclimate the gorge creates, adding splashes of green against the pale stone. No lifeguards patrol Guffey Gorge. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Creek
- Water body
- Fourmile Creek
- Fee
- $6.00
- Nearest town
- Colorado Springs
- State
- Colorado
- Coordinates
- 38.77160, -105.33640
- Best season
- Mid-May to mid-September for optimal .
- Access difficulty
- Moderate: A 0.5-mile hike with steep and uneven terrain requires sturdy footwear and caution.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- No overnight camping allowed at site.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No restrooms or picnic areas onsite; parking available in a gravel lot. $6 day-use fee payable by credit card only.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitMid-May to mid-September for optimal .
- AccessModerate: A 0.5-mile hike with steep and uneven terrain requires sturdy footwear and caution.
- FacilitiesNo restrooms or picnic areas onsite; parking available in a gravel lot. $6 day-use fee payable by credit card only.
- Camping nearbyNo overnight camping allowed at site.
Highlights & features
- Emerald-hued waters of Fourmile Creek
- Thrilling cliff diving opportunities
- Short but steep hiking trail
- Surrounding dramatic rock formations
- Abundant wildlife and plant life
- Natural amphitheater with towering cliffs
- Popular cliff diving spot
- Crystal-clear creek water
How to get there
Guffey Gorge lies in Colorado near Colorado Springs, Florissant, and Guffey. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Guffey Gorge is a popular swimming destination. Use these driving notes to reach the destination: Driving Directions:
Start in Colorado Springs
Begin your journey by taking U.S. Route 24 west toward the town of Florissant. This stretch is about 34.5 miles and will take you through scenic mountain views. In Florissant: Once you arrive in Florissant, turn left onto Teller County Road 1 heading south. Follow this road for about 9.2 miles until you reach a Y-shaped fork in the road. At the Y Fork: At the fork, bear right onto County Road 11 . Continue driving on County Road 11 for about 4.1 miles until you reach a T-intersection At the T-Intersection: At the intersection, turn right onto County Road 112 . Drive along County Road 112 for 2.7 miles
Parking Area
As you approach the crest of a hill, look for a gravel parking lot on the left side of the road. This is the designated parking area for Guffey Gorge. The lot is unpaved but spacious enough to accommodate visitors. Trail Directions (On Foot): After parking, carefully
cross County Road 112 on foot. Locate the foot trail heading north from the road.
Follow this trail for about 0.4 miles to reach the water. The trail is well-marked and leads directly to Guffey Gorge.
Additional Notes
The gravel parking lot is free, but it can fill up quickly during peak times, especially in summer. Arrive early to secure a spot. The trail is moderately easy, but sturdy footwear is recommended as the path can be uneven in places. Pack out all trash and belongings to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. Have a safe visit to Guffey Gorge! Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Guffey Gorge works well as a day trip from Colorado Springs or Florissant. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Queens Canyon Punchbowls (about 26 mi away) or browse more Colorado creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Colorado, see our state directory.
Access & fees
A $6.00 per person fee is required for entry. Exact cash is often recommended. The gravel parking area is free but can fill up quickly on summer weekends, so an early arrival is advised. Facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, or trash cans are not available; practice Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Guffey Gorge a free Colorado swimming hole?
No. Plan about $6 day-use (card; confirm posted rates). There are no restrooms or picnic tables at the water — pack out trash.
How hard is the hike to Guffey Gorge?
Short but steep: about 0.5 mile on uneven ground. Sturdy shoes beat flip-flops. This is not a walk-up beach from the parking lot.
Can you cliff jump at Guffey Gorge?
People do, but there are no lifeguards and depth changes. Enter feet-first the first time; skip jumps after storms. Park rules also ban glass and amplified music.
How far is Guffey Gorge from Colorado Springs?
A mountain day trip west via US-24 toward Florissant, then county roads to the gravel lot on CR 112. Parking fills early on hot Saturdays.
Can you swim at Guffey Gorge?
Yes. Guffey Gorge near Colorado Springs, Florissant, and Guffey in CO is a creek swimming spot on Fourmile Creek. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
How much does Guffey Gorge cost?
Plan for fees: $6.00. Rates and policies change — verify with the land manager before you drive.
How do you get to Guffey Gorge?
Guffey Gorge is in CO within day-trip range of Colorado Springs, Florissant, and Guffey. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Locally referred to as Guffey Cove or Guffey Gulch, the gorge is a beloved destination for outdoor recreation in Colorado's history-rich region.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Regulations include no alcohol, no amplified music, no glass, and leashed pets to protect the environment.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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