NEDERLAND — With temperatures reaching above 90 degrees in the mountains this summer, making way to the creek has become pretty much imperative. Obviously, a lot of folks have this idea in common, but due to the multiple sprawling creeks in the area, there are several different waterways to visit without having to go too far or fighting a big crowd.

As a Nederland resident myself, I’m a frequent visitor to Boulder Creek. There are several different spots I like to visit. For just a quick cool off after work, Chipeta Park is the perfect entry point for some cool mountain water. With grass growing right up to the creek bed, it’s a super comfy spot to put a blanket down and dip your toes in. 

Although that spot at Chipeta is easy access, right now it’s more on the shallow side, so it’s nice for a quick splash and wade but doesn’t have much space to submerge. That being said, you can walk right up to it from pretty much anywhere in town proper, which makes it easy and great for spontaneous plans if you’re in Nederland. 

If you’re looking for somewhere that features more of a natural scene, there are many spots in Boulder Canyon you can ride up to and park. One spot in particular that I like to frequent nears the top. Look for a gigantic rock formation covered in rock climbers on the left side if you are coming down from Nederland, and you’ll see a dirt pull off that wraps around. 

If you follow that dirt road, you’ll see tons of different spots to enjoy the creek, many of which have little holes allowing you to get in all the way. The highway is slightly visible from some spots, but you’re primarily surrounded by trees, flowers, and mountain water. Be sure to go mid-day if you want to be in direct sun, as there’s only a small window where the sun hits inside the canyon. 

If you’re further north on Peak to Peak Highway, another water source with lots of access is St. Vrain Canyon. If you follow the Peak to Peak Highway to Highway 7 and follow that down, you’ll be riding through magnificent St. Vrain Canyon. 

The rock formations in this canyon are wildly unique. They are somehow rounded, yet cubical, with a more brown and reddish hue, making the lime green lichen growing up the sides really pop. There are pull-offs with lovely spots to lounge all along, but the best places for swimming are within the last few miles. 

Right when you get to the entrance to Lyons from Highway 7, on your right is the Lyons Memorial Labyrinth. A beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives in the flood of 2013, this beautiful piece of art is adorned with enough jewels and trinkets to discover something new every time. In fact, it might be new, as people still add art to the labyrinth in memory. 

If you drive just a bit further into the heart of Lyons, you’ll see droves of river rats taking their tubes up and down St. Vrain Creek from Laverne Park. If tubing isn’t your thing, there are multiple different spots on the creek built out with flagstone, making for super easy access and a great spot to get comfortable by the water. 

There is such a short window for us to be able to truly enjoy the mountain waterways. At the beginning of spring, the water is far too cold and typically too high in the creeks. Then by September and sometimes even late August, it gets cold enough at night that the water is just too cold to really enjoy. Whether it’s after work, or on the weekend, now is the time to get out and enjoy our world of water!

Most importantly, please remember to pack out whatever you pack in, and be respectful of the wildlife and mountain flora. Avoid damaging plants or trees, moving river rocks (they are someone’s habitat!) or leaving any trash. We can protect our precious waterways while enjoying them, too.