A better hike is the South Platte Trail in Denver. It rained the entire time but was still incredible. Clocked 19.3 miles with some walking around, but AllTrails map is spot on. Ticketing and towing is enforced. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. Trip Reports The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. We had beautiful weather. ", "It was gorgeous!!! 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. Reservations required. Surrounded by towering aspen and fir trees, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a scenic locale in the Routt National Forest. 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.34 on Tripadvisor among 180 attractions in Aspen. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I have a permit for the night of Sept 27 and 28. As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. I am no longer able to use it and am releasing it. Overall well worth it and would do again. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. A popular locals spot, Conundrum can get busy in the summer; come in late spring or early fall for less of a crowd. Just cancelled a reservation permit for site 1 Sep 29-Sep30, hope someone can take it! The forest service is asking that people pack it out on their return hike. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. How to get to Piedra River Hot Springs: The hot springs are located on Sheep Creek Trail, between Durango (45mi) and Pagosa Springs (30mi). We started our hike at about 7:45 am. The hike involves a gain of 2,500 in elevation to 11,200 feet. When your legs start to feel like jelly, its a good sign that youre getting close to the springs. Thanks so much for any insight! Be careful not to stray onto the numerous private drives found along the road. Prepare and stay the night! Today 5 Mar. Backcountry Camping Permit Information for Conundrum Hot Springs and the Conundrum Creek Valley: Overnight permits for the Conundrum Creek Valley are released according to the following schedule: Once released, permits may be reserved online up to the day of the trip. First, be prepared for the altitude the high elevation can cause altitude sickness, so take it slow and stay hydrated. Aspen and willow produce brilliant autumn colors, and thimbleberries and raspberries are particularly abundant along the first three miles. It emerges in a small meadow at 1.75 miles, then the first of several major meadows at 1.85 miles (9,240'). 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. Wondering if anyone who has a Tuesday and Wednesday reservation in October would want to trade for this earlier two night trip? It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure, there are a few crucial details to keep in mind. Read our Privacy Policy. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year. My friend and I are in good shape, and thought it was difficult, but we also had heavy packs. Early means, late winter, early spring (if you are looking to do this in the summer). Top ski resorts in Colorado for beginners to powder hounds. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. We had beautiful weather. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. Tent sites, simple cabins and a communal kitchen make for easy overnight stays (BYO provisions). The trail opens across a talus field with your first clear view of the upper valley (7.2 miles : 10,455'). The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, and max avg. She hopes that her blog will inspire others to explore the world and enjoy the beauty of nature. 6.5hrs RT from Parking lot! 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Alternatively, take the train from Denver, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Check the weather before hand! 96% of travelers recommend this experience. There are 16 designated sites in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity (first come, first served). The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. For sure on the easier side. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. I would definitely not recommend doing this as a day trip, as it is marked an "8.25 mile" hike but we mapped it and it was closer to 10 each way. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Was wondering about the terrain, should I carry hiking boots or good hiking sandals will do ? Rustic cabins, tent sites and even a caboose are available for overnight stays. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. So rewarding to say I did this, in one day, super pregnant. Remember to choose a flat spot at least 100 feet from the water and use a bear-resistant container to store your food. They were respectful yet unbashful. Do it. Enjoy this 29.0-km out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. A typical June of July day will see 200 hikers and 75 cars parked at the trailhead. No purchase necessary. Any information of what to expect & how to prepare for it would be much appreciated. 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. 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. 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. If the lot is full, use overflow parking on Castle Creek Road around the Conundrum Creek Road turnoff. Two 14ers, Castle and Conundrum and a 13er, Castlebra. When we arrived at the pool fed by the main hot spring there were four students-- guys in their late teens/early 20s-- soaking in the springs. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. 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. Winter travel isnt recommended due to avalanche danger. Then, great ready to stargaze like never before, and do it all again tomorrow. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. None of us found it more than moderately difficult in any part. Nearby Town: Aspen, ColoradoGPS: 39.012471,-106.891154Season: June OctoberType: Primitive; Hike accessHike: 8.5 miles (one way)Price: FreeClothing: Optional. Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. When we were leaving there were two. Either way, I picked up something awful. The Conundrum Hot Springs experience isnt just limited to the hot springs themselves. Less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Aspen, the trailhead to get to Conundrum Hot Springs is easily accessible. 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. WindPrecip. The view was spectacular. This lone tree and dramatic sandstone outcropping are so beloved by Michiganders they can be found on one of the states coins. Detailed weather forecast for Conundrum Hot Springs as a table Expect crowds and minimal privacy during peak months, especially weekends and holidays. Any information of what to expect & how to prepare for it would be much appreciated. Amid lush greenery, a man-made channel peppered with graffiti that dates back to 1881. Overnight parking is permitted. These are the best. Would love to come back when its just a bit warmer. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. The Hot Springs is full of bacteria, and users deficate anywhere they feel like it. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. What hotels are near Conundrum Hot Springs? Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? Allison not sure how to message you but Im interested in the permit! Offering therapeutic bathing in natural surroundings, they boast several pools in different sizes and temperatures; most being around three feet deep and reaching an average of 100 F while the smaller ones tending to be slightly cooler. When we arrived at the pool fed by the main hot spring there were four students-- guys in their late teens/early 20s-- soaking in the springs. Consider camping down-valley, where sites have more space between them. Once she back tracked and met up with rest of us it was gone. more. I didn't boil water, just used a Sawyer filter. Thank you for stopping by. the Forest Service Rangers come up there often. Any how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? Bring enough water or a purification system. During the fall, crowds are generally less, streams . The hot spring is an extra .5 miles away from the first sites: 17-20. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. Conundrum Creek Trail to Conundrum Hot Springs, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/recarea/?recid=40495&actid=24. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. The waterfall, along the warm springs bay, provides an unmatched view. Try and time it if possible so youre not roasting in the late afternoon sun like we were. Be prepared for this if you are making a day trip. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Stoves only. The pool fed by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains. From dizzying chasms to soaring peaks, you'll lose track of all the times you're awestruck on this multi-state drive. Just remember, youre sharing this natural wonder with others, so be respectful and enjoy the experience together. ), likely due to the weather. I heard from a couple that got there at 8:30am that there were no more parking spots. and follow the rules. The water is air cooled while flowing through the rock-lined channels before reaching the soaking pools.[6][2]. The water temperature in the large soaking pool is approximately 98F/36.5C. 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 weather can change rapidly in the area. Around the springs are scenic views of waterfalls, flowers, snow patches, and steep avalanche chutes. So packed that cars could barely get through due to some very shitty parking jobs and we had to park down the road past the big house (risky). I did this hike (on a whim) super pregnant in one dayand I shouldn't have. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. I know each day & week makes a huge difference on the trail. Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. 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. The trip was beyond amazing and beautiful. 8,326 were here. Second, bear canisters are required for all overnight visitors, so make sure to pack one to keep your food safe from curious critters. For extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers. Left Sunday 9/4 around 9:30 am, took us just under 4 hours to get back to the parking lot which was very packed. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The other couple bailed, so we'd be happy to give up their spot :). The Conundrum Creek Trail then winds for 8.5 miles through the pristine wilderness, crossing well-constructed wooden bridges and navigating challenging creek crossings. If occupied, there are many sites down valley (and still very close). Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of the trail, but this is abused. All rights reserved. When we arrived there were three other cars in the parking lot. Best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs (preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am. The views along the way were incredible. The water temperature in the large soaking pool is approximately 98F/36.5C. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. If youre looking for hot springs near Gunninson, CO, then youre in luck! So nice at night. Other zones require 70 steps away from water sources and trails for camping; pre-established sites should be used for this purpose. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. The water temperature of Conundrum Hot Springs hovers around 102 degrees. 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. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. I would have been uncomfortable had my daughter been with us. Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670. And dont forget your camera youll want to capture the memories of this amazing hike. This has become a huge JOKE in our Aspen Area. If you are not in decent shape or haven't had experience carrying weight the trip might be very long and tiring, but regardless it will be WORTH it. The sites are clearly marked. Avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon. Its a strenuous hike, but the reward is well worth the effort. What you willdefinitelysee is an abundance of wildflowers, breathtaking mountain views, and quaint, high-alpine streams. It also was packed with about 30 other fellow backpackers (also fun). We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. Between April 1st and November 30th, permits are required for all overnight visitors, with a limit of 20 permits per person per night. 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. Anticipate the turnoff, and be considerate of cyclists sharing the road. I do hikenormally with gear! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Camping is not permitted elsewhere in this same area. From the reviews I was expecting it to be a bit harder. Colorado is a soakers paradise with countless natural hot springs dotting the Rocky Mountain landscape. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. Any dates from Oct 13 to Oct 15: contact me at jkukla96@gmail.com Thanks! I must admit it was scary at dusk with nobody else on the trail after she seen that, she about crapped her pants. We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. It is really a WILDERMESS. So much fun and so worth it. It lookes like we were in Hobbit land. Pack enough food and water for a day hike. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the, Camping is prohibited within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. See review above for travel at this time of year. Beautiful trail but quite snowy and cold on Tuesday (in the teens). This. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. She also loves to share tips on how to make the most of a trip, from budgeting to activities. The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. ", "Hi, Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. ", "The trail is definitely not 8.5 miles one way. Ponder the scope of the Grand Canyon, delve into the history of a nation of immigrants at Ellis Island or wander across architectural grandeur at Golden Gate Bridge. Alternate Approaches and Other Trailheads There is one other approach where you can access Conundrum Hot Springs. But the views at the top were worth it. They attended a local community college and had camped out the night before. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. The Conundrum Creek Trail continues 2 miles and 1700' up to Triangle Pass. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. 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. 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). Travel is quick to a bridge leading to the west side of the creek (2.75 miles : 9,390'). The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. Still, if willing, it's certainly achievable. For more detail, click on each individual thumbnail below and youll be taken to our reviews of each location. Mt. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. the hot spring itself was awesome! The property, a 19th-centurymining town in a secluded mountain valley, has been meticulously restored from the original log cabins (now elegant guest quarters) to the saloon-turned-dining hall. Be sure to pack some tasty post-hike snacks and set up camp for the night at one of the nearby camping spots. Rec.gov said It will appear back on line within 24 hours. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? A brightly colored natural bridge formed by mineral-rich hot springs high up in the Andes. Temperatures drop significantly after the sun sets. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. Its no wonder that thousands of visitors flock to this incredible spot each year. When staying in either the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, or Capitol Lake zones, one must camp in the designated site they booked. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. The hot spring is incredible. Thanks, Adam. Alternatively, take the train from Denver; it takes longer but the Rocky Mountain views are epic. If so, email me at Tguy@amf.arm.gov. It was a beautiful hike, and the view at the top is lovely, but it's not . -10 / -12 0 mm 5 m/s Open hourly forecast Monday 6 Mar. Drive exactly 5 miles up Castle Creek then turn right onto Conundrum Road. While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. [7] Dogs are not allowed within 2.5 miles of the hot spring site, and all waste, including feces must be packed out. Consider post-Labor Travel for lighter crowds. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Conundrum Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. 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 . and follow the rules. 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. Thanks", "So worth it. The steaming, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pool's edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. Make sure to bring a filter for water and light weight gear.