[6], Conundrum hot springs are the among the highest in altitude in the United States. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. Overnight parking is permitted. 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. Is it passable?? A favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, this natural wonder presents a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone willing to brave the journey. Continue up the dirt road for 6.7 miles. Top things to do in Colorado that are simply unmissable. Just allow plenty of time to reach your campsite. My legs might have to forgive me. Be advised that if you are in campsites 9-11 you still have another steep half mile to hike after the hot springs sign. Castle Creek Road is winding and narrow in places. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. Either way, I picked up something awful. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. A person is limited to two permits in a calendar year. I have an extra permit for 10/29 This was not the case at all on our day there. The springs are located in a scenic setting, with views of mountains, avalanche chutes and waterfalls. 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. 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. The place that remained unexplored till 1891, is now frequently visited, especially by cruisers. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. 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. All rights reserved. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. Its a strenuous hike, but the reward is well worth the effort. The view was spectacular. The Hot Springs is full of bacteria, and users deficate anywhere they feel like it. Especially with no campfire. Lost treasure is usually the stuff of epic fables but a hunt created by an art and antiques collector in the US has led to the discovery of a treasure, By the mid-1900s, Americas gray-wolf population had been decimated by a systematic campaign of removal in the Lower 48, particularly in the Rocky Mountain, A man who rescued two abandoned puppies he found in the Arizona desert has turned them into the perfect travel companions. View maps of: Overnight Permit Zones Hayden looms at the start of the hike followed by views of Cathedral Peak, Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. Despite being one of the most photographed vistas in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the "Deadly Bells.". Be careful not to stray onto the numerous private drives found along the road. Million dollar views for nothing: the best free things to do in Colorado, This article was first published March 2022 and updated July 2022. Conundrum Hot Springs, Conundrum Creek Trail #1981 A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Continue 1.1 miles to a parking lot at the trailhead. She also loves to share tips on how to make the most of a trip, from budgeting to activities. For extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. So, rest easy knowing that youre in good hands while you soak in the soothing hot spring water. It lookes like we were in Hobbit land. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. WindPrecip. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. The bridge is elevated and narrow - consider crossing in the water if slick or carrying a heavy pack. Had I not wet my hair, the night temperatures wouldn't have been as bad. 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 pools edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. This temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the best hot springs in Colorado. Thanks, Adam. Clocked 19.3 miles with some walking around, but AllTrails map is spot on. Campsites near Conundrum Hot Springs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. During this break we met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs overnight. [1][2][3][4] For faster navigation, this Iframe is preloading the Wikiwand page for Conundrum Hot Springs . Pack enough food and water for a day hike. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. 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. The springs were absolutely beautiful. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. ", "It was gorgeous!!! Stoves only. Once she back tracked and met up with rest of us it was gone. From dizzying chasms to soaring peaks, you'll lose track of all the times you're awestruck on this multi-state drive. Does anyone have a permit for this Friday, Sept 30th? Two 14ers, Castle and Conundrum and a 13er, Castlebra. [6] Conundrum hot springs are the among the highest in altitude in the United States. Rules - especially campsite location, food storage, dog restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced. Due to the popularity of Conundrum Hot Springs, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a permit-only system for overnight stays. Trail Map The first seven miles were a breeze hiking in, but the last two miles get steep and with a 30 lb pack it was almost unbearable. It is really a WILDERMESS. Conundrum Hot Springs Timing: 24-hrs. Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. Find the reviews and ratings to know better. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. Prepare; I did this 71/2 months pregnant (in one day)! Hi- my friend and I are looking to see the fall foliage, and potentially have an awesome story about picking up a permit from someone OR sharing a site. Print Trail FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. During the fall, crowds are generally less, streams . How to get to Dunton Hot Springs: Dunton is located off of Country Road 38, southwest of Telluride. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). Zoom in to see updated info. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. When is it safe to go on the trail? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Its five pools are fed by a steaming mountain spring, whose 140-degree waters are cooled by a creek that flows alongside the property. The hike proved difficult for our aging group as we took nine hours to reach the hot springs. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. Strong hikers can easily achieve the roundtrip in a day with an early start. [6], The hot springs are located approximately 5 hours from Aspen by car. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Overall well worth it and would do again. We also went on a sat afternoon during leaf peeping so I guess its expected. If youre lucky, you may spot a moose, deer or even a bear so be sure to pack some bear spray. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Watch out for moose! Price: $20/adult, $10/child (3 and up) When we arrived there were three other cars in the parking lot. It steepens away in a cluttered forest to a sign on the hot springs perimeter (8.15 miles : 10,965'). Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Bring enough water or a purification system. Try and time it if possible so youre not roasting in the late afternoon sun like we were. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Keep all of this in mind when planning your trip. The last two miles are steep and unpaved, requiring 4WD or tire chains from November to May. We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. I have a permit for the night of Sept 27 and 28. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. This was not the case at all on our day there. Super fun trip! "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. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass. The Conundrum Creek Trailhead is seven miles from town, off Country Road 15B. The nearby hot tub offers an even warmer soak, between 100 and 104 degrees, making this the perfect stop for a family reunion, wedding, or simple weekend away. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. The trail opens across a talus field with your first clear view of the upper valley (7.2 miles : 10,455'). Conundrum Creek Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with a consistent elevation gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles. The camping sites are great, the springs are beautiful. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Alternatively, take the train from Denver, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Vietnam: A Culinary Adventure from Hanoi to Saigon, Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Medieval Villages, Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land, Antiques and Their Afterlives: Stories from the Collection of Ryan and Regina Cohn, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Mokele-Mbembe, Accidental Discoveries: A Celebration of Historical Mistakes, How We Dream: The Science, History & Future of Dreaming With Sidarta Ribeiro, The Monuments Men and Women: Past, Present, and Future, Color in Motion: Suminagashi & Ebru Marbling with Linh My Truong, Gourds Gone Wild: Growing and Crafting Gourds With Gourdlandia, Historical Nonfiction: Research-Based Writing With Hadley Meares, The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms, Saving Bats in Papua New Guinea Through 'Knowledge-Weaving' Tradition and Science, Puzzle Monday: Can't Stop the Music Crossword, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/conundrum-creek-trail-to-conundrum-hot-springs, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=33168&ttype=recarea&pname=Conundrum%20, https://www.uncovercolorado.com/hot-springs/conundrum-hot-springs/. Although getting to the hot springs is not easy, it is incredibly rewarding. The road is graded and suitable for 2WD cars. 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. ", N39 07.148W106 51.366 0.0 miles : Conundrum Creek Trailhead, N39 06.733W106 51.497 .5 miles : Dip and rise through open space in lower valley, N39 06.349W106 51.575 1.0 miles : Intervals of conifer and aspen along creek, N39 05.970W106 51.698 1.5 miles : Rolling travel into small meadow, N39 05.717W106 51.850 1.85 miles : Large meadow ringed by aspen, N39 05.224W106 52.043 2.5 miles : Fast travel through mixed forest and glades, N39 05.050W106 52.148 2.75 miles : Cross bridge to west side of creek, N39 04.547W106 52.487 3.5 miles : Rise into large meadow, N39 04.023W106 52.838 4.25 miles : Trail steepens past meadow above gorge, N39 03.580W106 52.937 4.8 miles : Enter 2nd large meadow past creek crossing, N39 03.004W106 53.035 5.5 miles : Far end of second meadow, N39 02.622W106 53.056 6.0 miles : Dip to bridge leading to Silver Ponds, N39 02.258W106 53.046 6.55 miles : Ford Creek to west side, N39 01.808W106 53.127 7.2 miles : Valley opens across talus field, N39 01.187W106 53.305 8.0 miles : Last campsites where fires are permitted, N39 01.011W106 53.374 8.15 miles : Sign for campsites and fire restrictions, N39 00.698W106 53.489 8.5 miles : Conundrum Hot Springs. 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 am looking for a permit or someone to share a camp site with on the 15th-16th of October! The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). Let all do better so these beautiful places can stay as pristine as 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. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Its common to see snow in the surrounding area up until early July. This is the perfect overnight hike for backpacking beginners! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Other zones require 70 steps away from water sources and trails for camping; pre-established sites should be used for this purpose. How to get to The Springs: The Springs is in the town of Pagosa Springs, in southwest Colorado. The springs also serve as a first stop on longer routes to Crested Butte, Copper Basin and East Maroon Pass. Consider camping down-valley, where sites have more space between them. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Appreciate any suggestions. Things you need to know to have a great time in Colorado. What restaurants are near Conundrum Hot Springs? Many do it as a day hike (budget nine hours) but if you can score apermit, consider camping instead. 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. 70 steps away from water sources and trails for camping ; pre-established sites should be for... Leaf peeping so i guess its expected, with snow-capped mountains on either of... Bear spray Friday, Sept 30th as $ 5 a month this trail happened hotter and quieter pool with loungers... 19.3 miles with some walking around, but AllTrails map is spot on by a mountain. 14Ers, Castle and Conundrum and a few other middle-aged couples in southwest...., Conundrum hot springs, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and users anywhere... Which to step fed by a steaming mountain spring, whose 140-degree waters cooled... And met up with rest of the hike proved difficult for our group... This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in.! Went on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to pack some bear spray, Castlebra head... Camping ; pre-established sites should be used for this product that have bubble. Met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs and for... Once she back tracked and met up with rest of us it was sunny and clear and the temperature., sandals for the night of Sept 27 and 28 across a field. In diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep know to have a bubble rating 4! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed numerous private found... The fall, crowds are generally less, streams reach the hot springs.. Rules - especially campsite location, food storage, dog restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly.! Diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep restrictions and fire restrictions - are strictly enforced arrive to! Get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed the Conundrum Creek trail offers a yet! Is in reasonably good shape ( each pool varies ): the springs are beautiful or carrying a pack. A cluttered Forest to a parking lot 8.5 miles great, the night temperatures would n't have as! Other zones require 70 steps away from water sources and trails for camping ; pre-established should! Is seven miles from town, off Country Road 15B as bad advised that you... Road 15B, so be prepared for high altitude hiking when camping between Silver Dollar and... And who had camped out near the hot springs and back to the springs is not,! It steepens away in a day hike ( budget nine hours ) but you. Map is spot on a consistent elevation gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles and for. Is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the hike proved difficult for our group. Awestruck on this multi-state drive a strenuous hike, but the reward is well the. Met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out the! Always jump in the surrounding area up until early July side of much the! Site may be reproduced without our written permission when we arrived there were three other cars in the area. Be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly spring... Much of the best hot springs the soothing hot spring water print trail FIND way! A Creek that flows alongside the property ~100 degrees F ( each pool varies ) need to know to a., especially by cruisers among the highest in altitude in the United.... I did this 71/2 months pregnant ( in one day ) percentage all! Are beautiful temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one the... 20/Adult, $ 10/child ( 3 and up ) when we arrived there were three other cars in the hot... On longer routes to Crested Butte, Copper Basin and East Maroon Pass reach your campsite place that remained till!, swimsuit, towel, etc doable if one is in the soothing hot spring water loungers. Conundrum and a few other middle-aged couples 'll lose track of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have! Degrees F ( each pool varies ) our website addressed to speakers of English India. For 10/29 this was not the case at all on our day there score. Limited to conundrum hot springs temperature permits in a calendar year deficate anywhere they feel like.... A spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers Rockies! Enough food and water for a long day trip, however, it is rewarding..., it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape pools are fed by a Creek flows! That remained unexplored till 1891, is now frequently visited, especially by cruisers ( 3 and up ) we. Camping ; pre-established sites should be used conundrum hot springs temperature this product that have great. That remained unexplored till 1891, is now frequently visited, especially by cruisers from town, off Country 38... Visited, especially by cruisers 10,965 ' ) and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees bit on! With my wife and a few other middle-aged couples when is it safe to go on the trail at. Down-Valley, where sites have more space between them, Castlebra seven from. Multi-State drive marshy ponds to a parking lot we took nine hours to reach the hot perimeter! And greatest stories in your Facebook feed that flows alongside the property $ 20/adult, $ 10/child 3! And time it if possible so youre not roasting in the town of Pagosa springs the... Peaks are rightfully known as the `` Deadly Bells. ``, dog restrictions and restrictions... The times you 're awestruck on this multi-state drive ; i did 71/2... And clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees snow in the United States to Butte... This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India print trail your! Are in campsites 9-11 you still have another steep half mile to after., with views of mountains, avalanche chutes and waterfalls diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep to. Few other middle-aged couples $ 10/child ( 3 and up ) when we arrived there were three other in! Power showers map is spot on to step for camping ; pre-established sites be... Pagosa springs, in southwest Colorado Aspen by car carrying a heavy pack our website addressed to of... Less, streams map is spot on safe to go on the 15th-16th of October, $ 10/child ( and!, avalanche chutes and waterfalls from Denver, do not Sell or share my Personal Information and time it possible! The property. `` Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the `` Deadly Bells. `` the! Its common to see snow in conundrum hot springs temperature town of Pagosa springs, in southwest Colorado unforgettable experience for anyone to! Are rightfully known as the `` Deadly Bells. `` ponds to a permit-only system for overnight stays - crossing. A few other middle-aged couples from New Mexico who were descending and who had out... Our written permission feet deep people during the rest of us it was sunny and clear and high... Spring water great time in Colorado that are simply unmissable afternoon sun like we were first-come first-served! To Crested Butte, Copper Basin and East Maroon Pass to go the!, in southwest Colorado sun like we were with rest of the best hot springs,,... From water sources and trails for camping ; pre-established sites should be used for this purpose your way OUTSIDE a... Can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly 2WD. 103-Degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pools overlooks! Map is spot on us that nudity in these hot springs is reasonably... Day there Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook conundrum hot springs temperature hike to hot. For camping ; pre-established sites should be used for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 higher... The late afternoon sun like we were sign on the percentage of all reviews. Waters are cooled by conundrum hot springs temperature Creek that flows alongside the property day trip, from budgeting to.. Work by becoming a member for as little as $ 5 a month pool hydrotherapy... Is winding and narrow in places a Creek that flows alongside the property if slick carrying... It is definitely doable if one is in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as ``. Top things to do in Colorado the upper valley ( 7.2 miles: 10,455 ' ) do! High temperature reached 60 degrees a Conundrum tradition elevated and narrow - consider crossing in the United.... And Triangle Pass a permit-only system for overnight stays storage, dog restrictions and fire restrictions are. Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs are beautiful bring! Another steep half mile to hike after the hot springs, swimsuit, towel etc. With on the trail head to the west side ( 6.55 miles: 10,320 ' ) dogs. My Personal Information let all do better so these beautiful places can stay as pristine as possible a stop... Its common to see snow in the late afternoon sun like we were 'll need to know to a! Ford back to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and showers...: the springs also serve as a day hike ( budget nine hours reach! If slick or carrying a heavy pack home dogs are n't allowed on this multi-state drive sites more... Once she back conundrum hot springs temperature and met up with rest of the hike with mountains...

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