Posted July 16, 2026
The new Summit Canyon area at Water World, Colorado’s first and largest waterpark, will open to guests on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:30am.
The 2.5-acre area is Water World’s largest renovation since the 1980s and features four new waterslides, leisure and activity pools, an expansive children’s play area, expanded food and beverage options, and special after-hours events.
“We’ve been working since August of last year to bring this area to life,” explained Bob Owens, Deputy Director of Enterprise Services, “Summit Canyon offers something for everyone in the family, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it firsthand.” The outdoors-themed area includes:
New Thrill Attractions
Guests ascend the 60-foot-tall “Lookout Tower”, the highest point in the waterpark, to reach two tube attractions and two body flumes. Riders braving Aspen Falls enter a clear capsule and await a countdown before dropping and speeding through more than 425 feet of slide. Guests can also enjoy the body flume Columbine Cascade, which features clear fiberglass for more than half of the 520-foot ride. Marmot Mayhem is one of the first HIVE waterslides in the world with two open-air, 360-degree helixes; guests can ride solo or with a friend as they experience G-force spirals and panoramic views. The fourth waterslide is Runoff Rapids, a high-speed tube ride which guests can ride by themselves or with a friend as they traverse two switchbacks with near-zero G’s.
Family-Friendly Experiences
Water World’s youngest guests can enjoy Critter Cove, an approximately 7,500-square-foot pool with five nature-themed slides and spray and tipping play features. Older children and adults can traverse rope vines, floating logs, and lily pads in the over-water obstacle course Creekside Crossing or shoot hoops with three in-water basketball hoops at Puddle Dunker. Adults can also unwind in Emerald Lake, a pool designed specifically for relaxation with pool floats, in-water seating, and a soothing waterfall feature. Universal restrooms and private showers for those with disabilities make personal care easier for the whole family.
New Food & Beverage Options
Canned, draft, and frozen alcoholic beverages are available at “The Ice Chest” while “Trailhead Provisions” serves park favorites including chicken tenders, pizza, salads, and soft-serve ice cream, as well as brand new items including specialty mac-and-cheese bowls and a Smores cup with graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, chocolate, and fire sprinkles.
After-Hours Special Events
Summit Canyon’s modern design allows Water World to host after-hours events with attractions running as late as 11pm, a first for the waterpark. These include private events for businesses and large groups, as well as “Sunset Swim” for guests 21+ to relax and enjoy the park in a kid-free atmosphere and “Glow Nights” designed for ages 13+ with themed décor and glow elements.
Summit Canyon also features covered lockers and a small gift shop for apparel, towels, and suncare; seating for up to 700 people including lounge chairs, umbrella tables, and two shaded picnic shelters; and nine 12-person cabanas available for groups seeking a more private, shaded area.
Water World is open daily, weather permitting, through Monday, September 7. Day tickets and Season Passes are available at WaterWorldColorado.com.
Water World is recognized as one of the best and largest waterparks in the nation with more than 50 thrilling and unique attractions across 70 beautiful acres. Water World is community-owned and operated by the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District and has hosted more than 18 million guests since its opening in 1979. For more information, visit WaterWorldColorado.com or call 303-427-SURF.
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