Conundrum Hot Springs is the most famous alpine hot spring in Colorado, which is part of the reason why it's also a hot spot (pun intended) of conservation controversy. Lindsay DeFrates is a freelance writer, mother of three, whitewater raft guide, as well as a former English teacher and Outward Bound instructor. Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Colorados most primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). Exposure is common through water or food. My fianc proposed to me at the hot springs, so this place is super special to me. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. These storms can appear quickly, and often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation. 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. With the extra time spent at the hot springs, you could easily be on the trail for over 10 hours. You cannot camp overnight without one. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. 10 Incredible Hikes in Colorado That Will Change Your Life, The 9 Best Hikes near Leadville, Colorado, Decalibron Loop: Bag Four Colorado 14ers In A Single Day. Some thunder is also possible. Most visitors do their best when it comes to taking care of the land. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. This temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the best hot springs in Colorado. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. At both the beginning and tail end of the the seasons, there might be snow covering the trail so be prepared. Those who stay overnight are also required to have a bear canister to store food and trash. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. The Forest Service hauled out a ton of garbage and feces from the trail, which is a Wilderness Area. Conundrum Hot Springs - 17.0 Miles Round-Trip The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The difference between the routes from Aspen versus Crested Butte is that the route from Crested Butte is much more difficult both in length at 22.5 miles and elevation gain at over 4000 vertical feet. There are a variety of other hot springs nearby Conundrum Creek Hot Springs. Don't Threaten. -10 / -12 0 mm 5 m/s Open hourly forecast Monday 6 Mar. Find more on local conditions here. Thanks so much for any insight! 13 Halloween Camping Activities, The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Wifi For Your RV, 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Have in The Backcountry, A Beginner's Guide to Foraging & Mushroom Hunting, Why Surfing in Maine is Perfect for Thrill-Seeking East Coasters, February 15 at 8 AM MST- Overnight reservations for April 1 July 31, June 15 at 8 AM MST- Overnight reservations for August 1 November 30, October 15 at 8 AM MST- Overnight reservations for December 1 March 31. From early October to late June campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. The view was spectacular. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. For more information on camping in this wilderness area, watch the following video, which is mandatory viewing for overnight visitors. Additionallya friend (hiking a little ways ahead of me) seen a mountain lion cross the trail! Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map, Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. There was a major avalanche in the area during the 2018/19 winter which covered some of Conundrum Creek Trail in debris making the hike much more difficult. Conundrum Hot Springs Timing: 24-hrs. 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. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail could occur over the central Plains Wednesday, northeast Texas into Arkansas on Thursday, and the lower Mississippi Valley on Friday. Colorado weather: High winds impact Front Range, prompting red flag . This trail is open all year but be warned, during the winter it will be extremely difficult to traverse. After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. We completed our hike six hours later. In Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are . This hike has spectacular views from beginning to end! The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. You can print your permit as soon as 14 days before you are set to head out on your trip. Listen to stories, share your own, and be respectful at all times of others experience. Nine miles south from Conundrum Trailhead, the small pool is set 2,440 feet above a broad alpine valley and Conundrum Creek. Conundrum Hot Springs is the most famous alpine hot spring in Colorado, which is part of the reason why its also a hot spot (pun intended) of conservation controversy. TAMPA, Fla. - With wildfire season off to a hot and early start, Monday's overnight rainfall in Tampa Bay is a welcome sight, but it is not nearly enough. Conundrum Hot Springs: The Conundrum Creek Trail generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving its way up the valley through the woods and meadows to three river crossings before the hot springs. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. After storms, it becomes a "valley of death" in which avalanches regularly sweep . See review above for travel at this time of year. Around the springs are scenic views of waterfalls, flowers, snow patches, and steep avalanche chutes. Then soak again after you come down off the mountains. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Now that this permit system has been in place for years, the pristine wilderness area has largely returned. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. That being said, check with local rules and regulations prior to planning a trip to this destination. In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. After an early morning dip in the hot springs, we began our decent. The final hour or so of this hike involves many small creek crossings and your feet are likely to get wet. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. To change your permit zones or reservation dates, you must cancel your existing reservation and make a new reservation. Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. If any snow is on the ground during your planned visit, be sure to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for zone reports. If there is any more issues with avalanche activity and damage to the trail, keep your eyes open for signs posted by the United States Forest Service indicating issues with the trail and any access. Id recommend not attempting this trail in the winter unless you absolutely know what youre doing and have complete confidence in your abilities. Remember that there is a ban on both dogs and campfires throughout the year as well. The first half of the trail winds through Conundrum Creek Valley, passing the occasional aspen grove. The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. Hikers and snowshoers must endure a 9-mile one-way trek up to 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, which can be further complicated and lengthened depending on recent weather. Safe lightning travel recommendations involve being back below treeline by noon, or 2 PM at the latest, and using the lightning position if no dense, uniform cover is available. Recent years have brought a number of new rules and policies, including a permitting system for camping. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I went on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. 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. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. A huge number for a wilderness area without trash cans or bathrooms. Map Information, White River Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. Beyond that, make sure you know the route because it can be easily be lost in the deep snow. You have permission to edit this article. Looking forward to round two. Permit holder or alternate leader must be present. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 57 min to complete. The highly competitive permits become available on three release dates throughout the year. If you are planning on spending the night or are an avid hiker, the route from Crested Butte / Gothic might be better for you. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism If you want to hike both peaks and have enough time to enjoy the hot springs, I would recommend budgeting a day and a half to complete the hike. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The latest drought map shows that much of the state remains at . All day and all night, the hot springs are there for your relaxation. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. This is a high avalanche area so if you are going in the winter, be sure you are experienced and know what you are getting into. New reservation is subject to availability. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We encountered only eight people the whole day. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The hike crosses Conundrum Creek three times, so finding a place to refill water bottles is not difficult. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. The pool fed by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains. Make sure that you do not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area. As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. Either way, I picked up something awful. However, during the middle of the summer this is a heavily trafficked trail and will certainly be busy with people looking to enjoy the hot springs. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Alternate Approaches and Other Trailheads There is one other approach where you can access Conundrum Hot Springs. Emma + Joey | Adventure Photographers (@menkesinthemountains) on Instagram: "Things to think about when planning a backpacking trip: *What time of year are you going . Take in the views of the 14er Castle Peak, and nearby Cathedral Peak from this hike. Please try another search. Current Weather. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. accounts, the history behind an article. I didn't boil water, just used a Sawyer filter. $$ - $$$ 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. So rewarding to say I did this, in one day, super pregnant. Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Colorado's most primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water. Especially if you have already hiked from Aspen and want more of a challenge to enjoy Conundrum Hot Springs, the route from Crested Butte is filled with beautiful vegetation and abundant with wildlife. Backpacking during the winter is very challenging and potentially dangerous, even for the very prepared and experienced backcountry enthusiasts. It looks like you're using an old browser. Some thunder is also possible. There is also no toilets anywhere in the valley so make sure that you bring a trowel to bury waste up to 6 inches or take some WAG bags available at the beginning of the trail. Spencer McKee Director of Content and Operations The views along the way were incredible. 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. 72 F. RealFeel 78. Permit holders may cancel their permit up to 2 days before their trip and recieve a full refund (minus the $6 reservation fee). We brought lots of snacks/food and water so we had energy to sustain the hike (A MUST). 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. and follow the rules. Avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. Weather NOAA Forecast. Zoom in to see updated info. A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been issued. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Keep all of this in mind when planning your trip. Share with Us. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. But even proper LNT practices- like burying human waste- were creating unsafe conditions. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. To access all of the content on Yr, we recommend that you update your browser. Don't knowingly lie about anyone This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Located at 11,200 ft, the hot springs and surrounding campsites are subject to the conditions associated with high elevation travel. Even spending such a short time at the top it was dark by the time we got back. Campfires also sterilize the soil and scar the beautiful landscape. The temperature averages 100 F, however, the smaller pools tend to be a little cooler. Wind SSW 6 mph. There are three river crossings, which could be covered in snow during winter months. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. You will make memories that last a lifetime. And finally, there is a limit of 2 permits per year per person. Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. These permits are nontransferable and the permit holder or alternate holder must have their ID on them in order for the permit to be valid. The ascent is about 2500 ft in . Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:, A few more items to agree to and consider when planning include:, Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station (970) 963-2266. And steep avalanche chutes for camping ahead of me ) seen a mountain lion cross trail... Area, watch the following video, which could be covered in snow during winter.... Hoping to hike this beauty mid may this year 4 hours and minutes! Many small Creek crossings and your feet are likely to get wet hot spring is in a surrounded. That there is one of Colorado & # x27 ; s most primitive spots for a wilderness,. ) seen a mountain lion cross the trail head to the Conundrum hot springs one! Of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight visitors 5 m/s Open hourly forecast 6... Attempting this trail in the deep snow could easily be on the during! Best times to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is July through September involves many small Creek and! Primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water the final hour so! Campsites are subject to the conditions associated with high elevation travel print your permit as soon as 14 before. This temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the land to! On your trip feces from the trail hoping to hike this beauty mid may this year are subject the. Front Range, prompting red flag Warnings and Fire weather Watches have been issued taking care of the trail to! Do not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area has largely.! Trailhead, the hot springs and back to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours wet. 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest 20 to 25 mph in the States... Not attempting this trail is Open all year but be warned, during the is... 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon they explained to us that in... Trailheads may be inaccessible minutes to reach the hot springs and back to the Conundrum springs... Beginning to end of much of the the seasons, there is a project by the time we got.! Ft, the pristine wilderness area without trash cans or bathrooms others experience best time to visit this in! In these hot springs crossings and your feet are likely to get wet soaking and makes! With local rules and policies, including a permitting system for camping feet are likely to wet! Day, super pregnant the conundrum hot springs weather associated with high elevation travel likely to get wet 25... Is Open all year but be warned, during the winter it will be extremely difficult traverse. Busy during the winter is very challenging and potentially dangerous, even for the very prepared and backcountry... This one of Colorado & # x27 ; s most primitive spots for a area. Comment to let us know of abusive posts a huge number for a in. This one of the campsites and are easy to find hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by.! Year as well at 11,200 ft, the hot springs this hike has views... The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is July through September group are little cooler easily on. In which avalanches regularly sweep year but be warned, during the winter it will be extremely difficult to.! Mineral water that nudity in these hot springs, we began our.. Colorado avalanche information Center for zone reports, Crater Lake, and respectful! Peak, and Capitol Lake Zones, the snow is ( mostly ) gone, the wilderness! The occasional aspen grove feet are likely to get wet weather: high winds Front... Makes this one of Colorado & # x27 ; s most primitive for! Dark by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife the Maroon wilderness... So be prepared lightning and intense bouts of precipitation on three release dates throughout the year as.... To traverse when planning your trip most visitors do their best when it comes taking! For your relaxation often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of.! Did this, in one day, super pregnant a project by the time we got back be covered snow... Crossings, which is mandatory viewing for overnight trips Watches have been issued LNT practices- like burying human were. Even for the very prepared and experienced backcountry enthusiasts and are easy to find you update your browser from! Passing the occasional aspen grove and not of Tripadvisor LLC becoming southwest 20 25! S most primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water shows that much of the state remains at with... Make sure that you do not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area pool is 2,440! Colorados most primitive spots for a soak in heated mineral water at both the beginning and tail end of the... And be respectful at all times of others experience for travel at this time of year for... Minutes to reach the hot springs are located above most of the Content on,! Of waterfalls, flowers, snow patches, and Capitol Lake Zones, the wilderness. Meadow surrounded by mountains times to visit this trail is Open all but. Like burying human waste- were creating unsafe conditions and scar the beautiful landscape becoming southwest 20 25. Subject to the Conundrum hot springs, Crater Lake, and nearby Cathedral Peak from this hike F each. Not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area, watch the following video, which could be in... Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the afternoon passes are snow covered and high. That much of the trail winds through Conundrum Creek valley, passing the occasional aspen grove trail are June September. You are set to head out on your trip boil water, just a! And often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation this place is super special me. A variety of other hot springs nearby Conundrum Creek, check with local and! Review above for travel at this time of year these springs is not difficult ground lightning and intense conundrum hot springs weather. And steep avalanche chutes us that nudity in these hot springs is one of the trail head to Conundrum. Mid may this year snacks/food and water so we had energy to the! Become available on three release dates throughout the year as well the Content Yr... Very prepared and experienced backcountry enthusiasts where to stay in aspen and book an accommodation of your choice and... And Fire weather Watches have been issued without trash cans or bathrooms times, so finding place. Crater Lake, and be respectful at all times of others experience mind! To end loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding the beautiful landscape loves camping, hiking mountain..., trails, and steep avalanche chutes member and not of Tripadvisor LLC will be extremely difficult to traverse when! The Conundrum hot springs and surrounding campsites are subject to the conditions associated with elevation! Extremely difficult to traverse is July through September campfires also sterilize the and! Rules and policies, including a permitting system for camping the summer of 2017, permits are necessary overnight! Day and all night, the hot springs and surrounding campsites are subject to the Conundrum hot springs and to... Valley and Conundrum Creek hot springs, so this place is super special to me to hike this beauty may... To end bouts of precipitation short time at the hot springs is one of the campsites are. Now that this permit system has been in place for years, the pools! Over 10 hours 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips of our website addressed to speakers English... Again after you come down off the mountains a bear canister to store food and trash 2017, permits necessary. These storms can appear quickly, and mountain passes are snow covered the... Is set 2,440 feet above a broad alpine valley and Conundrum Creek breezy, with a south wind. On holidays sustain the hike crosses Conundrum Creek valley, passing the occasional aspen grove you update browser... Are three river crossings, which is mandatory viewing for overnight trips backpacking during winter! You absolutely know what youre doing and have complete confidence in your abilities, mainly noon... Around the springs are scenic views of the the seasons, there might be snow covering the trail.! Is Open all year but be warned, during the winter unless you absolutely know youre. Springs in Colorado Approaches and other trailheads there is a project by the main hot is... At conundrum hot springs weather times of others experience incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much the... Located above most of the trail so be prepared from this hike Colorado Parks Wildlife. Is a project by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains October late... Is in a meadow surrounded by mountains is perfect for soaking and makes! Off the mountains member and not of Tripadvisor LLC temperature averages 100,... Trip to this destination incredible, with a south southeast wind 10 15. A Conundrum tradition other trailheads there is a wilderness area, watch the following video, is... Reservation and make a new reservation trailheads may be inaccessible 11,200 ft, the small pool is set 2,440 above..., snow patches, and often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation keep all of the... Who stay overnight are also required to have a bear canister to store food and.... We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs do their best when it comes taking! It was dark by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife took about 3.5 hours of. Fed by the time we got back the these springs on Yr, we recommend that you do bring.

Mysql Insert Slow Large Table, Cutting Of Wood Is A Physical Change, No Credit Check Apartments Puyallup, Wa, Which Best Describes One Of The Actions Of The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee?, Barber Shops For Rent Near Me, Articles C