Guffey Gorge, also known as Paradise Cove, is a half-mile scenic hike that follows a mountain stream leading to a small cascading waterfall surrounded by a natural granite gorge. Use at the site has increased dramatically in recent years resulting in parking issues and visitor conflicts. Please read through the “Need to Know” section to ensure a quality visit for your group and others. Expect the site to be extremely busy with limited parking availability during daytime hours in summer months. Consider visiting outside of these times. The site is open during daylight hours only, no overnight use is allowed.
The Recreation.gov pass must be purchased on-site (no advanced reservations available) and is good for one vehicle to park at the Guffey Gorge/Paradise Cove trailhead for the day of your visit. This fee helps cover the maintenance costs of the site.
The preferred method of payment is via Scan & Pay using the Recreation.gov app (a service fee applies). This requires downloading the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival due to limited connectivity. Learn how Scan and Pay works before you arrive on-site.
FEE PAYMENT:
A $6 fee per vehicle fee is required to park at Guffey Gorge between May 15 and September 30.
• The preferred method of payment is via the Recreation.gov app (a service fee applies). THIS REQUIRES DOWNLOADING THE RECREATION.GOV APP PRIOR TO ARRIVAL DUE TO LIMITED CONNECTIVITY.
• Cash and check payment is also available at the site.
• Failure to display proof of payment in the vehicles windshield may result in a citation.
PARKING:
Please note that parking is limited at the site. It is illegal to park along the county road and visitors have been known to be ticketed and towed by Park County Sheriff’s office.
• When the parking lot is full, the site is full, please visit at another time.
• Please visit during off hours and seasons to ensure you have a legal place to park while visiting.
SAFETY:
There are a number of accidents including emergency rescues at the site; please observe the following recommendations:
• The hike is moderately challenging with steep slopes, loose rock and slippery footing; wear appropriate footwear.
• The pool has shallow water with frequent changes in depth. Jumping or diving is not recommended. Injury or death may occur.
SITE RULES:
In order to provide a quality recreation experience for all visitors we ask that visitors observe the following rules:
• alcohol, glass, amplified music and marijuana are not allowed at the site;
• pets must remain on a leash at all times;
• Please stay on the trail and do not shortcut switchbacks.
• Pack out all trash and bring it home with you.
• The site is open during daylight hours only, no camping is allowed.
• No open fires (including charcoal briquettes) are allowed at the site. Gas grills only.
COVID-19 CONCERNS:
Pursuant to 43 CFR 2933.31, all persons covered by this permit must comply with the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidance concerning wearing masks and maintaining physical distance. This requirement applies when the CDC's guidance concerning wearing masks and maintaining physical distance is in effect.