Looking to cleanse your soul in the river or cure your ailments in healing spring waters? In the summer you can wash away your troubles in these stellar swimming holes near Denver, provided by man and Mother Nature herself. Take a dip (and chips); relax on the shoreline or the sandy "beaches," and bask in the sunshine and beauty that is Colorado. We're a truly fortunate bunch to live in the midst of such richness and vibrancy, so go out and take the plunge!

1. Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek is a 31.4-mile-long creek that travels through the city of Boulder, making it a hot spot to cool off on a hot day. Since a good portion of it is in the metro area, residents of the town flock to the water during spring and summer. The nearly 32-mile Boulder Creek draining the Rockies west of Boulder turns into a lively "adult" playground come summertime. It's a popular spot for taking a cool dip, tubing, fly fishing, wading...and indulging in general mirth and cheer. Bring your Chacos, your towel, and your free-wheeling attitude and have a ball!

2. Aurora Reservoir

As one of the city's largest park and open space sites, the Aurora Reservoir in the city of Aurora boasts over 800 acres of water for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating, plus a sandy beach for sunbathing. It is definitely among the best natural swimming spots near Denver. Another fun thing to do here is to check out their AWQUA Lounge to learn how the reservoir's water becomes Denver's drinking water.

3. Chatfield Reservoir

With a 1,500-acre surface area and an expansive swim beach, the Chatfield Reservoir located at Chatfield State Park is a grand place to recreate or relax this summer. Swim or engage in a number of other available activities, such as boating, horseback riding, and bird watching. There are over 200 bird species here, including bald eagles, white pelicans, and burrowing owls.

4. Grand Lake

At the headwaters of the Colorado River lies Grand Lake, Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake (and its namesake town). The lake is roughly a mile in length and width, with a maximum depth of 265 feet. There's a private yacht club, public boat ramps, a public dock, and publicly and privately owned marinas. And they even host sailing races. As swimming holes near Denver go, this is one of the most popular. (FYI: The Ute Tribe called it Spirit Lake and believed that departed souls dwell in its chilly waters.)

5. The Cache La Poudre River

The Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins just may boast the best, most authentic swimming holes near Denver! Rope swing into this paradise near Legacy Park or at Picnic Rock up the Poudre Canyon northwest of town. And as you can imagine, Picnic Rock has picnic tables and BBQ grills, as well as restrooms and a "beach" area. (Note: Be VERY aware of appropriate water levels, as they are often dangerously high in the spring and early summer).

6. Cherry Creek Reservoir

Want to feel the sand between your toes while marveling at the beauty of the surrounding scenery? Head over to the Cherry Creek Reservoir to the beautiful white sand beach and take a plunge! It may not be the coast, but it's close enough for Denver.

7. Mount Princeton Hot Springs

See those lovely little turquoise pools in the Chalk Creek Canyon at the base of the surrounding Collegiate Peaks? That's the glorious Mount Princeton Hot Springs, complete with soaking pools, an exercise pool, creekside springs, and a historic Bath House that was established in 1867. If you're looking for the best natural swimming spots near Denver, this one definitely needs to be on your bucket list! Make it an overnight venture by staying in one of their many lodging options, or head into the neighboring towns of Salida and Buena Vista for more quality exploration.

8. Horsetooth Reservoir

On a superbly hot and sunny day, take a hike or bike at the scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, then cool off in the Horsetooth Reservoir

and have a leisurely lunch on the shoreline. On the South Bay, there is a great swim beach, picnic area, and facilities. It's splendid!

9. Glenwood Hot Springs

Even though it's a bit of a jaunt from Denver, it would be remiss of me not to mention the home of the "World's Largest Hot Springs Pool" created by Mother Nature herself - Glenwood Hot Springs. This spring has been delivering soothing, restorative waters rich in minerals to heal those who soak in them since 1888. Go take a nice long dip in Mother Nature's magical, powerful soaking sanctuary. (Fun fact: Three and a half million gallons of water still flow from the spring every day)!

10. Big Soda Lake

This popular swimming hole at Bear Creek Lake Park with its stellar scenery, sandy swim beach, and a 400-foot lap swimming lane is a great place to savor a day with friends and family this summer. Also on site is a playground for kids, volleyball courts, a concession stand, and boat rentals that include canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and paddle boards. You can even wakeboard or waterski! Yippee!

Do you agree these are some of the best natural places for swimming near Denver? Want to share your secret places to swim in Denver with the rest of us Mile Highers? We'd love to hear about them in the comments!

If you're looking for other great things to do in the Denver area, be sure to check out these 8 free outdoor activities.