About Haigh Quarry
Haigh Quarry, located near Denver in the Rocky Mountain foothills, offers a unique inland scuba diving experience in crystal-clear flooded quarry waters. Depths reach around 70 feet, with visibility often between 25 and 40 feet, making it a favorite training site for the Rocky Mountain Dive Club. Water temperatures hover at 52 degrees Fahrenheit near 20 feet, dropping colder deeper, ideal for advanced skills practice amid submerged structures and artificial reefs.
Safety Considerations
Diving at Haigh Quarry demands respect for cold water hazards and altitude effects at 5,500 feet elevation. Follow PADI altitude diving protocols: use dive computers calibrated for altitude, limit no-decompression time, and plan conservative profiles to counter faster nitrogen absorption. Low visibility in silty shallows requires buddy contact; a mask drop in two feet can vanish quickly. Strong thermoclines around 20 feet cause sudden chills, risking hypothermia. Check local regulations from Colorado Parks and Wildlife; shore entry only, no boats. Adhere to Leave No Trace by removing all gear bits. REI experts recommend pre-dive gear inspections for drysuit seals to prevent cold water ingress.
Essential Gear
Pack a 7mm neoprene drysuit from brands like Bare or Waterproof, paired with thick undergarments like Ursuit Fourth Element. Include a high-capacity BP/W wing setup from Halcyon for better trim in low viz. Altitude-corrected dive computer such as Shearwater Peregrine, redundant air sources (pony bottle minimum 13 cubic feet), and powerful lights like Bigblue VL4200P. Surface marker buoy and lift bag are musts for quarry ascents. Don't forget PADI altitude diver certification.