Here Are 12 Nevada Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic
Nevada is not only the hot spring capital of the world, but we’re also home to some pretty epic swimming holes. These Nevada swimming holes flow in the form of whitewater parks, spring-fed pools, creeks, and scenic reservoirs.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a summer day with family or friends, consider taking a dip in any of these Nevada swimming holes. Some may require a road trip or a hike. Others are located in your neighborhood. All are a refreshing way to cool off from the heat of summer.
With a beach and a designated swimming area with lifeguards, Sparks Marina Lake is among Nevada's popular swimming holes. There are even areas for non-power boats, fishing, and walking.
A swimming pool fed by a natural spring, McGill Pool has a slide, diving boards and a sandy beach. This swimming hole is located 12 miles north of Ely on RT 93 at Dairy Road and Main Street.
McGill Swimming Pool, US-93, McGill, NV 89318, USA
People of all ages enjoy swimming and playing at this 11-pool Truckee River attraction, located in the middle of Reno. Explore the waters by kayak, canoe, raft or tube; or cool off and make a splash.
Downstream from the Reno Whitewater Park, Whitewater Park at Rock Park in Sparks offers five drop pools for kayaking, tubing, and rafting. Located at 1515 S. Rock Blvd., it also features safe water play areas for children and families.
Rock Park, 1515 S Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431, USA
The 32-acre Cave Lake reservoir makes a fantastic Nevada swimming hole. Fishing, boating, hiking, camping and picnicking are also popular activities here. The park is located eight miles south of Ely off U.S. 93.
Cave Lake State Park, US Highway 93-Success Summit, Ely, NV 89301, USA
6. Diver's Cove at Sand Harbor Beach – Incline Village, Lake Tahoe
With 20 years as a state park, Big Bend is part of the Colorado River. It is beautifully situated among the mountains at 4220 S Needles Hwy 3. A great place to swim, the water is usually warm and there are tons of beaches, making it one of the best natural waterparks in Nevada!
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, 4220 Needles Hwy, Laughlin, NV 89029, USA
This natural spring is located about one mile down the Oak Creek Trail at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area (and is typically only full due to rainfall or melting snow). Take the Scenic Loop to Oak Creek Trail. It’s the last turn-out in the 13-mile, one-way loop.
Deepest in the spring (with levels varying, and sometimes empty, depending upon rain and snow fall), First Creek's swimming hole includes a waterfall. It is located outside of the Red Rock Canyon Park entrance, between the park and Spring Mountain Ranch. The hike is about two miles round-trip.
While the water may be cold, you can swim with gorgeous views of the surrounding cliffs or follow the hiking trails to find other Nevada swimming holes. Located in the East Humboldt Mountain Range, the area includes many campgrounds and picnic spots.
Just downstream from Hoover Dam, this swimming hole is normally accessible at the end of a four-mile trail past Goldstrike Hot Springs. It’s a small rocky beach with clear water that’s great for swimming. The trailhead is located off Exit 2 (for Hoover Dam) about 0.3 miles past the Hoover Dam Lodge on US 93/95. The trail is closed May through September, but the river (part of the Black Canyon Water Trail) is still accessible for swimming near an old mining town in Eldorado Canyon.
Colorado River Boulevard, Colorado River Blvd, Reno, NV 89502, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Nevada Swimming Holes
July 18, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Nevada?
Nevada is home to some of the most gorgeous lakes in the country. Jet skiing, water skiing, boating, and fishing are just a few of the fun activities you can enjoy in Nevada’s many lakes. Now that summer is upon us, here are 10 of the best lakes in Nevada you should definitely check out. Among those on the list, we're partial, of course, to Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States, and it was formed approximately 2 million years ago. In Tahoe, just one visit to the lake's Sand Harbor Beach will have you seeing why this is one of the most popular swimming spots in the state. Sand Harbor's secluded Diver's Cove Bay offers shade from the sun and, as the name suggests, it's perfect for diving, too. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful paradise in the Silver State that we never tire of visiting!
Another marvelous swimming lake in Nevada that's truly a hidden gem is Stella Lake. The jaw-dropping Wheeler Peak looms over the lake, and the landscape really couldn't be more tremendous. This lake, along with Teresa Lake, are both accessible via the three-mile-long Alpine Lakes Trail, one of the many stunning hiking trails situated within Great Basin National Park. Both lakes are considered alpine lakes, meaning they were created by water left behind by retreating glaciers. During the winter, the water is frozen over, and it maintains a chilly temperature during the summer. Both lakes are estimated to be only about 20 feet deep, making them perfect for those willing to take the plunge on a hot summer's day!
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