", "Can teens and a 9 year old make this hike? Honestly, the worst part was getting all the way up and then having to turn around and leave the hot springs after only soaking for an hour or so. Whether you seek the hidden variety, reachable only by an arduous trek, or you prefer private springs in historic towns or swanky all-inclusive resorts, theres a Colorado hot spring out there with your name on it. I heard from a couple that got there at 8:30am that there were no more parking spots. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. First time backpacking, I have a permit for 6 people for camping on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022. View maps of: Overnight Permit Zones The Conundrum Creek Trail, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving 8.5 miles and 2,500 vertical feet up the valley and through the woods and meadows to the popular Conundrum Hot Springs. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Things you need to know to have a great time in Colorado. The lower pool is cooler with temperatures around 80 degrees. Late spring to mid-fall is thought of as optimal times to visit once winter snow has melted away. Overall well worth it and would do again. Beautiful hike! I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. One of the students played guitar and sang. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. We had beautiful weather. What hotels are near Conundrum Hot Springs? It lookes like we were in Hobbit land. From the invigorating hike through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to the soothing soak in the natural hot springs, youre sure to leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wonder of Colorados great outdoors. Let's talk about Hot Springs. Looking for a permit this sat 10/22 or to join a group. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. The Conundrum Hot Springs experience isnt just limited to the hot springs themselves. How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? [6], The hot mineral water emerges from the ground at 122F. Its five pools are fed by a steaming mountain spring, whose 140-degree waters are cooled by a creek that flows alongside the property. Little-known and way off-the-grid, the clothing-optional hot springs at Valley View are among the states most relaxed soaking environment. Very few things can top an autumn weekend in Colorado's high country with great friends, natural hot springs, freeze-dried ice cream, and cozy sleeping bags. So much fun and so worth it. 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. How to get to Strawberry Park Hot Springs: Strawberry Park is located at the end of Country Road 36, seven miles north of Steamboat Springs. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. Mild grades continue across a second large meadow at 3.85 miles (9,550'), past which it steepens on rugged terrain above a deep gorge in the valley (4.5 miles). Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). Perched at 11,200 ft, Conundrum Hot Springs is a gorgeous wild hot spring, one of the most memorable in the state. We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. Remember to choose a flat spot at least 100 feet from the water and use a bear-resistant container to store your food. Turn onto County Road 166 just past Chimney Rock. Ticketing and towing is enforced. Want to report conditions for this trail? The Conundrum Creek Trailhead is seven miles from town, off Country Road 15B. Check the weather before hand! Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. We will provide dinner if so! Rustic cabins, tent sites and even a caboose are available for overnight stays. The Hot Springs is full of bacteria, and users deficate anywhere they feel like it. If you are an experienced Winter hiker and have a 20 below bag and a good tent, good warm boots and gators to keep the snow out of your boots, a trip to Conundrum is possible. Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. We all get caught short sometimes and its gross to have to carry it out but with a little planning, and plenty of hand sanitizer, it can be manageable. This hike has spectacular views from beginning to end! Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. Dogs are not permitted beyond this point. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. So rewarding to say I did this, in one day, super pregnant. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Where will you go next? The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, and max avg. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. We then dried off in the sun on the rocks surrounding the main spring and ate our lunch. Expect crowds and minimal privacy during peak months, especially weekends and holidays. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Conundrum Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. With miles of picturesque trails to explore, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. 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. This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. A typical June of July day will see 200 hikers and 75 cars parked at the trailhead. [7] Dogs are not allowed within 2.5 miles of the hot spring site, and all waste, including feces must be packed out. SeeCamping, Rules & Regs and Worth Noting below for additional information on designated sites, bear canisters, fire restrictions, dog restrictions and travel tips: The trail dips and rises across a broad meadow that funnels into conifer and aspen along the creek (1.0 miles : 8,970'). Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The trail hops a creek braid and opens past spurs for designated sites to the split for Triangle Pass. Nearby Town: Aspen, ColoradoGPS: 39.012471,-106.891154Season: June OctoberType: Primitive; Hike accessHike: 8.5 miles (one way)Price: FreeClothing: Optional. Visit the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District website for more information and to make a reservation. As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. If so, email me at Tguy@amf.arm.gov. Weather forecast for Conundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), with all weather data such as: Temperature, Felt temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Relative humidity, Wind speed, Wind gusts, Isotherm, Precipitation, Cloud cover and Heat index - www.ViewWeather.com The Conundrum Creek Trail, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving 8.5 miles and 2,500 vertical feet up the valley and through the woods and meadows to the popular Conundrum Hot Springs. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. My legs might have to forgive me. When staying in either the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, or Capitol Lake zones, one must camp in the designated site they booked. I have a permit for the night of Sept 27 and 28. I did a day trip which was 18 miles in total I finished with 7 and 40 minutes in time duration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. How to get to Piedra River Hot Springs: The hot springs are located on Sheep Creek Trail, between Durango (45mi) and Pagosa Springs (30mi). Beautiful trail but quite snowy and cold on Tuesday (in the teens). A side note: The students in the pool fed by the main hot spring were all completely naked. The reward for this 17-mile (round-trip) hike in Maroon Bells-Snowmass is Conundrum Hot Springs with two beautiful hot spring pools with incredible views. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, pack plenty of water and snacks, and take breaks along the way to enjoy the stunning views. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! [6], The hot springs are located approximately 5 hours from Aspen by car. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. They attended a local community college and had camped out the night before. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. Lastly, practice Leave No Trace principles, like packing out poop bags and leaving the wilderness better than you found it. 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. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. The road is graded and suitable for 2WD cars. When to Visit Conundrum Hot Springs Summer camping in high country areas like this really exists only from early July to mid-September. Around the springs are scenic views of waterfalls, flowers, snow patches, and steep avalanche chutes. and follow the rules. Location-specific restrictions may also apply. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Continue up the dirt road for 6.7 miles. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Be careful not to stray onto the numerous private drives found along the road. Early means, late winter, early spring (if you are looking to do this in the summer). I would recommend 2 nights to get even more fun out of the hike as it is lengthy. Had I not wet my hair, the night temperatures wouldn't have been as bad. Help keep the Conundrum Hot Springs area clean by packing out all that you take in, and picking up trash along the way. Watch out for moose! We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. We hiked the first half of the ascent with them before stopping for a snack. How to get to Valley View Hot Springs: Valley View is at the end of a dirt road in the San Juan Valley, about seven miles from the intersection of Highways 285 and 17, south of Salida. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. During this break we met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs overnight. The maximum length of stay from June 1-September 1 is three nights. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass. It steepens away in a cluttered forest to a sign on the hot springs perimeter (8.15 miles : 10,965'). The steaming, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pools edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. I thought I was going to freeze to death but survived. Its common to see snow in the surrounding area up until early July. If you have more than one night, it might be best to camp a few miles before the springs and day hike to them and back to your site. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It starts to become rocky and a little unstable after that, but still not too terrible. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. Due to the popularity of Conundrum Hot Springs, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a permit-only system for overnight stays. Today 5 Mar. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. It was a full moon taboot so there were some drunk folks talking about lady gaga but I still loved every moment of it even if I wish they would've been more quiet and lesa drunk. more. Despite being one of the most photographed vistas in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the "Deadly Bells.". Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Colorado's most primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water. and follow the rules. nice and hot, beautiful, and cleaner than I anticipated. There were wildflowers and the aspens even started to change. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. This was not the case at all on our day there. Overnight camping is available but not right by the springs its best to get there early to grab your spot and pack a flashlight for easy navigation. Alternate Approaches and Other Trailheads There is one other approach where you can access Conundrum Hot Springs. Thanks in advance. A favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, this natural wonder presents a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone willing to brave the journey. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. Do it. After an early morning dip in the hot springs, we began our decent. 18 out of 20 backpacking spots were vacant (please cancel your permits! ", "Deepti - you'll definitely want sturdy shoes for this hike. You can contact me and 5024180403 and thank you so much in advance! Bring enough water or a purification system. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness | Aspen Ranger District 806 West Hallam Aspen, CO 81611 970.925.3445, Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness | Sopris Ranger District 620 Main Street Carbondale, CO 81623 970.963.2266, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. I know each day & week makes a huge difference on the trail. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. Dipped into the 20s at night and woke up to an inch of snow, but again you wont see incredible fall leaves like this unless there is a little pain in the process! There were about 5-10 spots available at this time and not a soul in sight. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Zoom in to see updated info. 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. But I do have to say I wish I brought Camping gear to camp out overnight. Arrive early to secure a space. Beautiful! While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. We hiked the first half of the ascent with them before stopping for a snack. Rec.gov said It will appear back on line within 24 hours. Could be a fun trail run. Detailed weather forecast for Conundrum Hot Springs as a table I would not recommend packing in at this point in the year unless you have appropriate rain and snow gear for an overnight. Day, super pregnant a trek with all your gear is equally compelling huge on... 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