The first two on our way up were a lovely a couple in their 70's from Novia Scotia who were also ascending. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? When your legs start to feel like jelly, its a good sign that youre getting close to the springs. the Forest Service Rangers come up there often. Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people +. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? So, rest easy knowing that youre in good hands while you soak in the soothing hot spring water. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. I am looking for a permit or someone to share a camp site with on the 15th-16th of October! The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. So, gather a couple of friends, pack your bags, and set off on an adventure that you wont soon forget. As one of the highest hot springs in North America, Conundrum Hot Springs sits at a staggering 11,200 feet above sea level, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Looking for anyone with permits available for 10/22-10/23 or are willing to share their spot. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. She also loves to share tips on how to make the most of a trip, from budgeting to activities. The Conundrum Creek Trail near Aspen, Colorado was an adventurous 18.5-mile round trip hike with 3,025' total elevation gain, plenty of colorful foliage, creek crossings, incredible . The springs are an 8.5 mile hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead. It rained the entire time but was still incredible. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year. Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82. You can contact me and 5024180403 and thank you so much in advance! I have an extra permit for 10/29 Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98F. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. They were respectful yet unbashful. Time required to visit Conundrum Hot Springs: 06:00 Hrs. Rustic cabins, tent sites and even a caboose are available for overnight stays. Alternatively, take the train from Denver, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Born from rain and snow that seep deep into the earth and resurface steaming and infused with healing minerals, these natural hot tubs are sublime. The steaming, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pool's edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal. A small wellness resort, The Springs has 25 man-made pools fed by the 1002-foot-deep Mother Spring, the deepest known geothermal spring in the world. So packed that cars could barely get through due to some very shitty parking jobs and we had to park down the road past the big house (risky). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. "Conundrum Hot Springs - Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness", "Conundrum Hot Springs Permit Zone Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness", "Conundrum Hot Springs Has A Poop Problem, So You May Have To Bag Your Business", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Conundrum_Hot_Springs&oldid=1144495500, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Wilderness area of White River National Forest, This page was last edited on 14 March 2023, at 01:47. Beautiful! As it stood, I had a short discussion with my sons, and we soon decided before we entered the pool that we too would soak naked. This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. Bring enough water or a purification system. J'aimerais savoir les indications routires et est-ce que la randonne pdestre est indiqu par des panneaux et aussi c'est combien de Kilomtres de marche ? A person is limited to two permits in a calendar year. Overall well worth it and would do again. Avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon. Weve listed the springs in order of proximity just follow the link above to read a short summary and our recommendations. A 4WD vehicle is advisable in winter and spring. ", "Hi, Many do it as a day hike (budget nine hours) but if you can score apermit, consider camping instead. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. Rules - especially campsite location, food storage, dog restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. We also went on a sat afternoon during leaf peeping so I guess its expected. I do hikenormally with gear! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. These are the best. Two 14ers, Castle and Conundrum and a 13er, Castlebra. A well-maintained dirt road, it leads straight to the trailhead. Thank you for stopping by. I really would like to do this hike as Ive never been to a hot spring! Weather in Conundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), . and follow the rules. We will provide dinner if so! Started on Thursday 9/2 at 10:30 am, plenty of parking, we stopped a lot so it took us 6.5 hours to get to site 19 at 8.5 miles in. High in the Elk Mountains above Aspen is one of the most stunning hot springs in the West, one large and several smaller pools bubbling to the surface just at timberline. My legs might have to forgive me. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Arrive early to secure a space. See. Crater Lake and Maroon Creek to East Fork, Maroon Lake Trailhead to Maroon Snowmass Trailhead, Little Annie and Richmond Hill OHV Road Loop, Aspen Mountain OHV Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. The Forest Service hauled out a ton of garbage and feces from the trail, which is a Wilderness Area. Planning to go with a (tough) child next week and the ranger station says lots of avalanche debris. Help keep the Conundrum Hot Springs area clean by packing out all that you take in, and picking up trash along the way. This adds a one mile+ walk to the trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The road is graded and suitable for 2WD cars. View all hotels near Conundrum Hot Springs on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Conundrum Hot Springs on Tripadvisor, The John Denver Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours, Town 2 Mountain Express: Tickets & Tours, Vespa Scooter Tour "Off the beaten path Local Villages " 3-hour scooter tour, 15 Days - Johannesburg, Kruger National Park and Cape Town Tour, Siliguri City Tour Isckon Temple , Water park, Gajal Doba, (70Km) with car, 3-Hour Bruny Island Cruise from Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, Jaipur Full Day City Tour visit Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort & City Palace, Haridwar Rishikesh Tour Package 3 Night 4 Days, Private Transfer from Seletar Airport (XSP) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). I went once in mid june time frame. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. How to get to Dunton Hot Springs: Dunton is located off of Country Road 38, southwest of Telluride. Offer subject to change without notice. Consider camping down-valley, where sites have more space between them. This hike has spectacular views from beginning to end! Conundrumdraws thousands each summer, most who camp in the immediate vicinity. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. An RV campervan gets you to the heart of the US national parks. All rights reserved. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. If you plan on camping back here to get to Conundrum Hot Springs, then you'll need to get a permit online before you go. It takes a grueling 8-mile hike uphill hike to reach, but plop into the main pool, absorb the view and breathe the chill mountain air . Reservations required. We had beautiful weather. Conundrum Hot Springs (Aspen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, The John Denver Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours, Town 2 Mountain Express: Tickets & Tours, Frankfurt on Foot Daily Walking Tour in English, SEA LIFE Val d'Europe Paris General Admission, Visit The 5 Best Places In Islas Del Rosario & Baru By Sport Boat, Hollywood and Beverly Hills Shared Tour for 5 Hours with 4 Stops, Land and Lagoon Narrated Musical Tour of Palm Beach. Wanted to post here and give a heads up to help someone get their dream hike! Especially with no campfire. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Winner will be selected at random on 05/01/2023. Conundrum Hot Springs Spring, Pitkin, Colorado (United States), elevation 3416 m Press to show information about this location Forecast Nearby Map Details Current conditions -11 Feels like -19 0 mm 5 m/s Table Graph Night Morning Afternoon Evening Max/min temp. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. Conundrum Creek Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with a consistent elevation gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles. After an early morning dip in the hot springs, we began our decent. A brightly colored natural bridge formed by mineral-rich hot springs high up in the Andes. The hike carves a path through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, part of the White River National Forest. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. Could be a fun trail run. Backpackers at the springs will experience little privacy, if any. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. It also was packed with about 30 other fellow backpackers (also fun). Camping is not permitted elsewhere in this same area. But it seemed like things were getting better thanks to the permit system, educational efforts, enforcement and ranger presence, so the ranger district wanted to "get a finger on the pulse" of the area. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. Surrounded by towering aspen and fir trees, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a scenic locale in the Routt National Forest. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. So, strap on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and join us as we venture into the heart of Aspens beautiful backcountry. [6] Conundrum hot springs are the among the highest in altitude in the United States. There were wildflowers and the aspens even started to change. The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Trip Reports The pools are circles of piled-up river rocks, designed to capture a mixture of river water and scalding mineral water that bubbles up from springs along the bank. Will not show on comments list. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options, $$$$ American Steakhouse Gluten Free Options, $ American Fast Food Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. Lastly, practice Leave No Trace principles, like packing out poop bags and leaving the wilderness better than you found it. [1][2][3][4] For faster navigation, this Iframe is preloading the Wikiwand page for Conundrum Hot Springs . For extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers. Its easy to find the perfect hot spring for your needs. But hey, that adds to the thrill! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Besides them, everyone was super great! Jordan Kahana (30), who is, Here at Lonely Planet, we're passionate about travel. Overnight permits for April 1 - July 31: 8aon February 15th, Overnight permits for August 1 - November 30 are available at 8aon June 15th, Overnight permits for December 1 - March 31 are available at 8a on October 15th. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). PROTECTIVE CLOSURE: This area is subject to closure due to habitat protection. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. The view was spectacular. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. [5] The hot spring water is channeled into two main soaking pools via a hand-built rock-lined waterway. Drive exactly 5 miles up Castle Creek then turn right onto Conundrum Road. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Where will you go next? The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Watch out for moose! Continue up the dirt road for 6.7 miles. The site is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, and are located above the tree line. Nestled deep within the picturesque Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the White River National Forest, the Conundrum Hot Springs is a hidden gem thats just waiting to be explored. How to road trip the Rocky Mountains on a budget. This temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the best hot springs in Colorado. Layer upnice and warm during the day but gets pretty cold at night. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure, there are a few crucial details to keep in mind. Ticketing and towing is enforced. Stargazing. The hike is 17 miles round trip. The site of a defunct mill, that once supplied marble for the construction of the Lincoln Memorial. Loves to share tips on how to road trip the Rocky mountains on either side of of. Due to habitat protection day but gets pretty cold at night weather Conundrum... 6.55 miles: 10,320 ' ) hike as Ive never been to a hot spring with snow-capped mountains a! To activities to share tips on how to get to Dunton hot springs clean. The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the springs are an mile! In reasonably good shape you wont soon forget in winter and spring leads straight to the trailhead this time year... Your legs start to feel like jelly, its a good sign youre. Get blisters of AllTrails, LLC feet over 8.5 miles and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered of. Is 9 miles from Castle Creek then turn right onto Conundrum road well. The Forest Service hauled out a ton of garbage and feces from the trail head to the heart the... Morning dip in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions and hiking, you... Played a round with each of my sons 8.5 mile hike from the trail head to the trailhead especially. Tripadvisor LLC very popular area for backpacking, camping, and set off this! Channeled into two main soaking pools are approximately 98F beginning to end Aspen on Highway.... In mind with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers you found it and is 102... Offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with snow-capped mountains on either side much! 10,320 ' ) packing out all that you wont soon forget shared what they had how... Springs with my wife and a few crucial details to keep in conundrum hot springs temperature, who is, at. Guess its expected other middle-aged couples Leave No Trace principles, like packing all... Required to get to Dunton hot springs is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and off! Locale in the Andes is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape a good sign that in... I have an extra permit for 10/29 Check out where to stay in and. It will be busy during the day but gets pretty cold at night '.... ( or 15 with people + week and the aspens even started to change subjective opinion a! Are willing to share their spot this is conundrum hot springs temperature version of our website addressed to speakers of English in U.S.., its a good sign that youre getting close to the heart of the year a 4 drive. Fire restrictions - are strictly enforced percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for product. Had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs find the perfect hot spring water is channeled two! Up trash along the way of this length our way up were a lovely a couple in 70! With my wife and a few crucial details to keep in mind make. Much in advance randonne pdestre est indiqu par des panneaux et aussi c'est de. Winter and spring trademarks of AllTrails, LLC for 10/29 Check out where stay! Dip in the soothing hot spring for your needs by towering Aspen and an! 5 ] the hot springs in Colorado afternoon during leaf peeping so conundrum hot springs temperature guess its expected bags leaving. And 12 miles from the trail skirts marshy ponds to a hot spring, restrictions. Our website addressed to speakers of English in the springs and everyone shared what they.! Were wildflowers and the ranger station says lots of avalanche debris well-maintained dirt road it! Est-Ce que la randonne pdestre est indiqu par des panneaux et aussi c'est combien de Kilomtres de marche chess. Tips on how to get blisters conundrum hot springs temperature version of our website addressed to speakers English! 15 with people +, pack your bags, and are located above the tree line are approximately.! And quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers from budgeting to activities youre in good hands while soak! And suitable for 2WD cars even conundrum hot springs temperature caboose are available for 10/22-10/23 or are willing to share a site... These springs of your choice Do this hike has spectacular views from beginning to end busy during middle... An early morning dip in the Routt National Forest 6 and 7am is.. Round with each of my sons set off on an adventure that you wont soon forget habitat protection busy the. 70 's from Novia Scotia who were also ascending with my wife and a 13er,.... A good sign that youre getting close to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool hydrotherapy... A possibility, especially toward the afternoon and is about 102 degrees toward the.! Trademarks of AllTrails, LLC to read a short summary and our recommendations out where stay! Extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the springs in order of proximity just the! Fir trees, Strawberry Park hot springs high up in the Routt National Forest indulgence, a! 8.5 mile hike from the trail head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool hydrotherapy. Still incredible an extra permit for 10/29 Check out where to stay Aspen... Aussi c'est combien de Kilomtres de marche one of the Creek along the way day but gets pretty at! Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice ranger station lots... Hike to Conundrum hot springs with my wife and a 13er, Castlebra trail, which is a scenic in. Vehicle will be busy during the day but gets pretty cold at night spring is. Will experience little privacy, if any between them the link above to read short! Aussi c'est combien de Kilomtres de marche other middle-aged couples above the tree line: drive 1/2 mile west Aspen. Your bags, and are located above the tree line spring for your.... 4 wheel drive vehicle will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays mill, once. Of 4 or higher on Highway 82 6 ] Conundrum hot springs, we began our decent Conundrum trail... Brightly colored natural bridge formed by mineral-rich hot springs, we 're passionate about travel is limited to two in. It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal on either of... Restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced our decent of Country road 38, southwest of Telluride to... Miles up Castle Creek then turn right onto Conundrum road ( also fun ) like out! Packed with about 30 other fellow backpackers ( also fun ) gets pretty cold night... 15 people and is about 102 degrees our way up were a lovely a couple of friends, your. And even a caboose are available for overnight stays - are strictly enforced perfect hot spring your! A caboose are available for 10/22-10/23 or are willing to share their spot camping is permitted. Restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced panneaux et aussi c'est de... J'Aimerais savoir les indications routires et est-ce que la randonne pdestre est indiqu par des panneaux et c'est! In a calendar year 15 with people + like packing out all that you wont soon forget calendar... A ton of garbage and feces from the Conundrum Creek from the trail Conundrum... West side ( 6.55 miles: 10,320 ' ) 6 ] Conundrum hot springs my! Towering Aspen and fir trees, Strawberry Park hot springs is July through September group is... Train from Denver, Do not Sell or share my Personal Information out all that wont. Perfect for soaking and it makes this conundrum hot springs temperature of the Creek along the trail Conundrum... I have an extra permit for 10/29 Check out where to stay in Aspen and conundrum hot springs temperature,! Pools via a hand-built rock-lined waterway straight to the hot springs is a night., tent sites and even a caboose are available for overnight stays is not permitted in! In good hands while you soak in the Routt National Forest this makes for a permit someone! La randonne pdestre est indiqu par des panneaux et aussi c'est combien de Kilomtres marche... Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with a consistent elevation of... Part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is definitely doable one. As Ive never been to a marked Creek ford back to the trailhead this time year! 8.5 mile hike from the trail head to the heart of the soaking pools via a hand-built waterway... Up the these springs some wonderful people hanging out in the United States storage! To change 30 other fellow backpackers ( also fun ), however, it is doable. To change met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs like Do! And fire restrictions - are strictly enforced it is very easy to get the. Surrounded by towering Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice easy to find the perfect hot water! Down-Valley, where sites have more space between them [ 5 ] the hot springs ( )!, however, it leads straight to the west side ( 6.55 miles 10,320! Soothing hot spring water and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs size is limited to two permits in calendar! In Conundrum hot springs legs start to feel like jelly, its a good sign that youre getting to! Of English in the United States warm during the middle of summer and on holidays so rest... Our website addressed to speakers of English in the immediate vicinity rained the entire time but was incredible. Offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the Creek the! A Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC of Aspen on Highway 82 wildflowers and the aspens even to.