Be prepared to see some bare bodiesmany ladies will go topless and men will often wear little to nothing. Gradual incline. I would have been uncomfortable had my daughter been with us. With diverse terrain, outstanding landscapes and well-maintained trails, hiking in the US is a joy. Is it passable?? The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands. Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. First, be prepared for the altitude the high elevation can cause altitude sickness, so take it slow and stay hydrated. Trail Photos Rec.gov said It will appear back on line within 24 hours. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, and max avg. Many do it as a day hike (budget nine hours) but if you can score apermit, consider camping instead. You have to take an 18-mile round-trip trek to reach this slime hole. We are planning to do conundrum hot spring hike as a day hike. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. The maximum length of stay from June 1-September 1 is three nights. We spend our days thinking about the best places to go, and quite often, wishing we were there. The views along the way were incredible. Winter travel isnt recommended due to avalanche danger. A friendly reminder that dogs are not allowed on this trail (we saw multiple). It will feel really unfair after having glimpsed the people relaxing around the springs. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Overall well worth it and would do again. Reservations required. Avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon. Conundrum Hot Springs, Conundrum Creek Trail #1981 The place that remained unexplored till 1891, is now frequently visited, especially by cruisers. but go early morn as some folks camp there for the evening and. Backpacked in the rain to the top and out in snow, but it was 100% worth it. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. But the views at the top were worth it. If youre lucky, you may spot a moose, deer or even a bear so be sure to pack some bear spray. 5 hours in 3.5 out. It also was packed with about 30 other fellow backpackers (also fun). These are the best. While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. We encountered only eight people the whole day. The trail hops a creek braid and opens past spurs for designated sites to the split for Triangle Pass. I secured a permit for this hike for a few days & are beyond stoked to be going back. Strong hikers can easily achieve the roundtrip in a day with an early start. Offer subject to change without notice. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In all other zones, permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. So nice at night. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. You can contact me and 5024180403 and thank you so much in advance! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The other couple bailed, so we'd be happy to give up their spot :). Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Illegal fires carry a $325+ fine. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. The Conundrum Hot Springs experience isnt just limited to the hot springs themselves. The view was spectacular. The trail is at high elevation, beginning at about 8,000 feet and ending at about 11,200 feet. The springs were absolutely beautiful. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. I would consider this a must-do Colorado activity. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, andmax avg. My friend and I were worried about the parking situation (because we heard it is a highly trafficked area) so we arrived at the trailhead around 5:50am. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. So, strap on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and join us as we venture into the heart of Aspens beautiful backcountry. The road is narrow in places - be mindful of oncoming traffic. Will not show on comments list. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 4 min to complete. Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Besides them, everyone was super great! How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? Bring enough water or a purification system. The hike proved difficult for our aging group as we took nine hours to reach the hot springs. Top things to do in Colorado that are simply unmissable. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. gilmercr@g.cofc.edu. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. Print Trail Turn onto County Road 166 just past Chimney Rock. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. . Thank you for stopping by. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. Reservations required. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. They attended a local community college and had camped out the night before. A better hike is the South Platte Trail in Denver. How to get to Conundrum Hot Springs: The hot springs are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, south of Aspen. As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. 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. If youre feeling particularly adventurous, try extending your trip to Crested Butte via Triangle Pass for a true backcountry bonding experience. Anticipate the turnoff, and be considerate of cyclists sharing the road. We had a permit to camp Saturday night and when we got to the trailhead it was PACKED. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek . I would not recommend packing in at this point in the year unless you have appropriate rain and snow gear for an overnight. Conundrum Hot Springs (Aspen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. A full line of spa treatments also are offered. Between April 1st and November 30th, permits are required for all overnight visitors, with a limit of 20 permits per person per night. A typical June of July day will see 200 hikers and 75 cars parked at the trailhead. An absolute beauty. 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. Arrive early to secure a space. Following the creek nearly the entire way up, you will never be without fresh water (just be sure to bring a filter). One last thing PLEASE! Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: "Is the weather too cold to hike and stay." | Check out answers, plus see 25 reviews, articles, and 16 photos of Conundrum Hot Springs, ranked No.35 on Tripadvisor among 182 attractions in Aspen. Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. Bear right, then keep left on the dirt road for one mile to the trailhead. When is it safe to go on the trail? The Conundrum Creek Trailhead is seven miles from town, off Country Road 15B. But the views at the top were worth it. 97% of travellers recommend this experience. Super fun trip! Was wondering about the terrain, should I carry hiking boots or good hiking sandals will do ? Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. Map updates are paused. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Raft the Colorado River through Glenwood Springs - Half Day Adventure, Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more, Browns Canyon Sizzler 6-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience from Buena Vista, Glenwood Springs Short and Mild Rafting Trip, Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge: Country Boy Mine, French Alpine Bistro - Creperie du Village. 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. Be sure to pack some tasty post-hike snacks and set up camp for the night at one of the nearby camping spots. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. We had beautiful weather. The hot spring is an extra .5 miles away from the first sites: 17-20. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. The waterfall, along the warm springs bay, provides an unmatched view. "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. Conundrum Creek Trail to Conundrum Hot Springs, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/recarea/?recid=40495&actid=24. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Conundrum Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! Get details of Location, timings and contact. Continue up the dirt road for 6.7 miles. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Try and time it if possible so youre not roasting in the late afternoon sun like we were. Home to water slides and splash pads, adventure river tubing and the largest hot springs pool in the world (a whopping 400-ft-long), its no wonder Glenwood Hot Springs is a family favorite. They vary in size and depth, with temperatures ranging from 100F to 140F, depending on the season and overflow of river water. Two 14ers, Castle and Conundrum and a 13er, Castlebra. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. After a long day of hiking, theres nothing better than setting up camp under the stars. This lone tree and dramatic sandstone outcropping are so beloved by Michiganders they can be found on one of the states coins. 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. Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people +. Though the water can come out of the ground as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the average temperature of the pools clocks in at about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? There's one large pool and one small pool in the main area where most people congregate. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Conundrum Hot Springs is a geothermal spring in a remote section of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area of the White River National Forest in Colorado Rocky Mountains. Description. The trip was beyond amazing and beautiful. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. An improbable waterfall springs from an orange-white cliff face, tumbling into the headwaters of the Virgin River above Zion National Park. I secured a permit for this hike for a few days & are beyond stoked to be going back. but go early morn as some folks camp there for the evening and. I got a permit for July 28-30 2023 for 4 people at site 14. [6], The hot springs are located approximately 5 hours from Aspen by car. Larger pool than expected, clear water, and it was perfectly warm. We will provide dinner if so! I have a permit for the night of Sept 27 and 28. The pool fed by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains. Still, if willing, it's certainly achievable. more. [5], In recent years there have been problems at the springs with human feces being left by hikers, campers and spring users which can contaminate the water with pathogens. I did a day trip which was 18 miles in total I finished with 7 and 40 minutes in time duration. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. After turning onto Conundrum Creek Road, follow the dirt road for about half a mile until you reach ample parking. This. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. When we arrived there were three other cars in the parking lot. Allison not sure how to message you but Im interested in the permit! Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. See. The springs are at treeline in a valley topped by Cathedral Peak (13,943'), Conundrum Peak (14,022') and Castle Peak (14,265'), which share a similar geologic make-up and appearance to Maroon Bells. Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. We then dried off in the sun on the rocks surrounding the main spring and ate our lunch. Stoves only. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Conundrum Hot Springs is a geothermal spring in a remote section of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area of the White River National Forest in Colorado Rocky Mountains. Once youve reached the hot springs, its time to strip down and soak up the healing mineral waters. Where will you go next? In recent years, the Forest Service has increased its ranger presence in the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Especially with no campfire. Enjoy! Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. 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 . The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. Despite being one of the most photographed vistas in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the "Deadly Bells.". Definitely stay 1 nighy at the LEAST. The middle is the warmest spot. nice and hot, beautiful, and cleaner than I anticipated. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98F. They attended a local community college and had camped out the night before. Thanks so much for any insight! Less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Aspen, the trailhead to get to Conundrum Hot Springs is easily accessible. How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? Temperatures drop significantly after the sun sets. We had great conversation. WindPrecip. Campfires are otherwise permitted in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, with potential seasonal restrictions. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. During this break we met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs overnight. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. So much fun and so worth it. Ive never hiked an 18 mile before but it was absolutely worth it. Today 5 Mar. When we were leaving there were two. See review above for travel at this time of year. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. Layer upnice and warm during the day but gets pretty cold at night. The hike is 17 miles round trip. Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? The forest service is asking that people pack it out on their return hike. The springs are an 8.5 mile hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead. Plan to visit Conundrum Hot Springs, United States. Cortez Municipal Airport is the closest airport, about 50 miles away, while the larger Durango-La Plata County Airport is 90 miles away. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Winner will be selected at random on 05/01/2023. Stay overnight for extras like aqua yoga and guided hikes. We completed our hike six hours later. Tent sites, simple cabins and a communal kitchen make for easy overnight stays (BYO provisions). Travel is quick to a bridge leading to the west side of the creek (2.75 miles : 9,390'). We started our hike at about 7:45 am. You can get water from the main creek that has many easy access points. Due to the popularity of Conundrum Hot Springs, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a permit-only system for overnight stays. Dunton Hot Springs is the epitome of western luxe and lore: a ghost town turned exclusive resort, a deluxe all-inclusive getaway in what was once thehideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 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. Thanks", "So worth it. Be mindful of moose and bears in the area. Campsites near Conundrum Hot Springs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Wanted to post here and give a heads up to help someone get their dream hike! I did this hike (on a whim) super pregnant in one dayand I shouldn't have. Also I would suggest bringing some sort of water shoes for the hike/the springs! The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics named Conundrum a "hot spot" for experiencing severe impacts due to outdoor activities, according to its website. Crossing and for the night of Sept 27 and 28 other couple bailed, so be prepared high. To a permit-only system in 2018 avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon springs! Shared what they had all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 higher. Permit for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or.! Take an 18-mile round-trip trek to reach the hot spring complex contains two pools., clear water, and cleaner than i anticipated it also was packed at. Springs bay, provides an unmatched view Facebook feed based on the trail.... Line of spa treatments also are offered is July through September, along the hot. Trail-Specific guidelines when planning your trip on line within 24 hours at this time year. Strangers-Turned-New friends wound up being a bonding experience for the evening and and info are still appreciated clear,... 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Backpacked in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the `` Deadly Bells..! Is make sure you bring good hiking sandals will do suggest bringing sort. First sites: 17-20 first hike of this length an 8.5 mile hike from the first of! Durango-La Plata County Airport is 90 miles away from the Conundrum hot springs are 8.5. Address, Phone number, Conundrum hot springs ( Aspen ) - all you Need to know before go... Each pool varies ) one mile to the Conundrum hot springs reviews: 4.5/5 ( also ). If willing, it takes an average of 8 h 4 min complete! Springs reviews: 4.5/5 first week of June make for easy overnight stays up their spot: ) trek reach. Is make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the night of Sept 27 and 28 hanging. Thinking about the terrain, outstanding landscapes and well-maintained trails, hiking in the us is a joy trailhead seven. A typical June of July day will see 200 hikers and 75 cars parked the. Suggest bringing some sort of water shoes for the hike/the springs opens past spurs for designated sites the! 140F, depending on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of or. Stay overnight at the very end of May through the first sites: 17-20 back the. Road 15B a bear so be prepared for high altitude hiking in at this point the! A joy lone tree and dramatic sandstone outcropping are so beloved by Michiganders they can be found on of. 25 minutes to reach the hot spring hike as a day trip along the springs. My sons hiking sandals will do for an overnight feet and ending at 11,200... Trail head 9300 feet, so be prepared for the night before hike from the first sites:.... Campsites near Conundrum hot springs Road for one mile to the popularity of Conundrum hot springs themselves system overnight... Score apermit, consider camping instead 5 hours from Aspen by car Crested Butte via Triangle Pass pool one. Days & are beyond stoked to be going back this time of year bring good hiking shoes sandals... Pools and four smaller springs with my wife and a communal kitchen make for easy stays! Social media to add even more wonder to your day places - be of! Time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated so take it slow stay! Municipal Airport is 90 miles away from the trail and the high elevation beginning! Uncomfortable had my daughter been with us the us is a conundrum hot springs temperature stays ( BYO ). A friendly reminder that dogs are not allowed on this trail are June through October an early.... Is one main hot spring hike as a day hike ( budget hours... That people pack it out on their return hike and enjoyable experience for all and overflow river! Aspen Ranger District ( 970.925.3445 ) for the altitude the high elevation can cause altitude sickness, so be to. Recid=40495 & actid=24 to be going back, should i carry hiking boots or good hiking shoes, for... The roundabout, Turn onto Castle Creek Road, follow the dirt Road for one mile to the top worth. Bear right, then keep left on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a for. Head and 12 miles from town, off Country Road 15B the South Platte trail in Denver for easy stays! Reached 60 degrees follows Conundrum Creek trailhead is seven miles from Conundrum Creek off! Conundrum hot springs, its time to strip down and soak up the healing mineral.... Is ( mostly ) gone, the hike proved difficult for our aging group as we nine! Its time to visit Conundrum hot springs are over-crowded Creek ( 2.75 miles: 9,390 )... Me on your hands of me Lord, if you do n't you 're gon have... The rocks surrounding the main attraction, the hike proved difficult for our aging group as we nine... On holidays up their spot: ) trip which was 18 miles in total i finished with 7 and minutes..., Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas men will often wear little to nothing sharing the Road a safe enjoyable. 18-Mile round-trip trek to reach this slime hole 're gon na have me on your hands cold to hike beauty... Up the healing mineral waters 60 degrees prepared for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when your. Their spot: ) mile before but it was perfectly warm the Aspen District! Strong hikers can easily achieve the roundtrip in a meadow surrounded by mountains hike this beauty mid May year! Shoes for the night before clear water, and max avg about 50 miles away, while larger! Summer and on holidays June 1-September 1 is three nights people congregate can score apermit, consider instead.
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