And dont forget your camera youll want to capture the memories of this amazing hike. I secured a permit for this hike for a few days & are beyond stoked to be going back. Today 5 Mar. My friend and I are in good shape, and thought it was difficult, but we also had heavy packs. Silver in the hills led to the speedy creation of this boom town and a lack of it saw the town abandoned nearly as quickly. 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 . 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 ? What hotels are near Conundrum Hot Springs? You have to take an 18-mile round-trip trek to reach this slime hole. How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? ", "Can teens and a 9 year old make this hike? How to get to Dunton Hot Springs: Dunton is located off of Country Road 38, southwest of Telluride. The hike carves a path through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, part of the White River National Forest. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. We had a permit to camp Saturday night and when we got to the trailhead it was PACKED. 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. more. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure, there are a few crucial details to keep in mind. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The views along the way were incredible. Visit the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District website for more information and to make a reservation. Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. This is the perfect overnight hike for backpacking beginners! We had the Springs to ourselves the full afternoon which was a once in a lifetime experience. It is definitely a hard one. - 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. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. In Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. 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. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. A moderate 1.5-mile hike through the lush San Juan National Forest leads to a collection of steaming pools alongside the Piedra River. The first two on our way up were a lovely a couple in their 70's from Novia Scotia who were also ascending. The hike is 17 miles round trip. Colorado has some of the most incredible hot springs in the world and the views to match Jordan Siemens / Getty Images, The 7 best hot springs in Colorado, from high-end luxury to the wild outdoors. All rights reserved. Campfires are permitted in sites outside of the designated camping area at the springs. Will not show on comments list. I didn't really notice the last two miles get harder either. 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. Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. Due to heavy use, campfires are not permitted in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity. Bear right, then keep left on the dirt road for one mile to the trailhead. A friendly reminder that dogs are not allowed on this trail (we saw multiple). We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! Be careful not to stray onto the numerous private drives found along the road. TP doesnt decompose the way we all assume and trying to hide it under a rock isnt a solution. My fianc proposed to me at the hot springs, so this place is super special to me. Was wondering about the terrain, should I carry hiking boots or good hiking sandals will do ? Consider camping down-valley, where sites have more space between them. The trip was beyond amazing and beautiful. What you willdefinitelysee is an abundance of wildflowers, breathtaking mountain views, and quaint, high-alpine streams. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? It takes about 5-8 hours to hike in and 3-6 hours to hike out, on average. See. Conundrum Creek Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with a consistent elevation gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. For more detail, click on each individual thumbnail below and youll be taken to our reviews of each location. I would consider this a must-do Colorado activity. Nearby Town: Aspen, ColoradoGPS: 39.012471,-106.891154Season: June OctoberType: Primitive; Hike accessHike: 8.5 miles (one way)Price: FreeClothing: Optional. Bring enough water or a purification system. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Could be a fun trail run. We are planning to do conundrum hot spring hike as a day hike. Drive exactly 5 miles up Castle Creek then turn right onto Conundrum Road. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. Marvelous views such as snow patches and avalanche chutes can be seen around the scenic waters, flowers and waterfalls as you bathe. We encountered only eight people the whole day. 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. The waterfall, along the warm springs bay, provides an unmatched view. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98F. [6], The hot springs are located approximately 5 hours from Aspen by car. 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. How to get to Conundrum Hot Springs: The hot springs are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, south of Aspen. 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! If youre looking for hot springs near Gunninson, CO, then youre in luck! The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. 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. - FS.USDA.GOV -Roadtrippers There are several pools hewn from craters and fed by plastic pipe, some larger than others and varying in temperature from 102F to 105F.No matter which you sink into, you'll have outrageous alpine views, including glimpses of steep avalanche chutes and waterfalls. Upon reaching the top there are 16 different camp sights to choose from, half are below the sprigs, and the other half above. Once she back tracked and met up with rest of us it was gone. Be prepared to see some bare bodiesmany ladies will go topless and men will often wear little to nothing. The larger soaking pools can fit ten or more people. An absolute beauty. 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. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. Then, great ready to stargaze like never before, and do it all again tomorrow. Alternatively, take the train from Denver; it takes longer but the Rocky Mountain views are epic. Winner will be selected at random on 05/01/2023. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. Note young aspen and fireweed on these steeper slopes, which indicate a recent disturbance that renewed the natural forest cycle. Be sure to pack some tasty post-hike snacks and set up camp for the night at one of the nearby camping spots. Definitely stay 1 nighy at the LEAST. 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. The site of a defunct mill, that once supplied marble for the construction of the Lincoln Memorial. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. One last thing PLEASE! Be mindful of private property on the trailhead access road - cars will be ticketed and/or towed. If so, email me at Tguy@amf.arm.gov. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. It also was packed with about 30 other fellow backpackers (also fun). The hike there is tough but doable: 8.5 miles each way, with a punishing 2400-foot elevation gain, passing through aspen groves and mountain meadows, and winding over creeks and past waterfalls. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. I can't wait to go back up and get in the water with such amazing views. and follow the rules. Turn onto County Road 166 just past Chimney Rock. Winter travel isnt recommended due to avalanche danger. ), likely due to the weather. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek . The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Bring enough water or a purification system. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. The Conundrum Creek Trail then winds for 8.5 miles through the pristine wilderness, crossing well-constructed wooden bridges and navigating challenging creek crossings. A 4WD vehicle is advisable in winter and spring. We spend our days thinking about the best places to go, and quite often, wishing we were there. Gradual incline. This pool is far smaller than the upper pool and can really only hold about 4 adults. Check the weather before hand! 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. Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. 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. Two 14ers, Castle and Conundrum and a 13er, Castlebra. lunk03@gmail.com. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year. Please note that you cannot have campfires in the upper campgrounds, and you will need to camp in designated spaces only (permits required). Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people +. Overall well worth it and would do again. The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). Layer upnice and warm during the day but gets pretty cold at night. Hayden looms at the start of the hike followed by views of Cathedral Peak, Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak. The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. Help keep the Conundrum Hot Springs area clean by packing out all that you take in, and picking up trash along the way. Thanks in advance. It is a gorgeous trail with so much scenery, and the trail it's self was not too difficult until you cross over the river. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. Rules - especially campsite location, food storage, dog restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced. Overflow parking is available on Castle Creek Road, a little over one mile away. Its a 3.5-hour drive from Denver. The Conundrum Creek Trail runs through long stretches of level meadows, aspen forests and wide valley openings to the springs. 8,326 were here. 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 ? They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. I am looking for a permit or someone to share a camp site with on the 15th-16th of October! Zoom in to see updated info. 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Lifetime experience year old make this hike for backpacking beginners dont forget your camera youll want to capture memories... To keep in mind gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles through the Maroon Wilderness.