Ten miles outside of Aspen and remotely hidden is the natural water hole that’s become known as Devil’s Punchbowl. This gem is a beautiful pool with green and blue waters surrounded by geological rock formations. Visitors enjoy this area for swimming, but also for those that are brave enough to participate in a bit of cliff jumping.
Header Photo: Michele Cardamone/ Aspen Chamber
Even when you are visiting during the summer months, the waters of Devil’s Punchbowl are always brisk, so prepare yourself. There are a few other things to do in the area that you’ll want to do as well when you are visiting. Here’s more on what you can come to expect when you visit this naturally-made pool.
What to Expect at Devil’s Punchbowl Colorado
Devil’s Punchbowl provides you with several different activities that your family can do in the area. Swimming and cliff jumping are amongst the most popular to do, but there are also picnic areas, birdwatching opportunities, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking trails.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl Waterfall trail is a popular 2.2-mile there-and-back hiking trail. It features a waterfall and is very rocky, but still suitable for all different skill levels. The hike to Devil’s Punchbowl itself also isn’t difficult, but the road to get there is a bit long and dangerous, also requiring a 4-wheeler. If you’re still looking for more hiking, Marble, Colorado and the Historic Crystal Mill is a bit further up the road.
Cliff Jumping
With high cliffs directly above the bowl’s deep waters, it’s no wonder cliff jumping is a popular activity to do there. It’s about a 25-foot drop down into the water that’s an average of 12 feet deep. Just be aware that cliff jumping is extremely dangerous and not condoned by local law enforcement, as well as the Forestry Service. If you still intend on jumping anyways, make sure that you aren’t alone and that nobody is directly beneath you.
Getting to Devil’s Punchbowl, Colorado
There are no signs that will point you to the natural attraction of Devil’s Punchbowl so you’ll need to pay close attention. You can find the pull-off when you’re traveling towards Aspen on Independence Pass and you come across mile marker 50. You won’t see it immediately off the road, because it’s still a little ways off to your left. Depending upon the timing of your visit, there may already be a few cars lining the road, letting you know that you’re in the right area.
About Devil’s Punchbowl
Visiting Devil’s Punchbowl should be a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon while you’re there. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use extreme caution in the meantime. That’s because it’s an area that has led to many deaths over the years. The area is out on the middle of nowhere and does not have lifeguards to keep an eye out for you and your children. Make sure that you wear appropriate footwear as well.
The next time you’re in the Aspen or Independence Pass area of Colorado, this may be a unique place you want to explore.
