The mineral-rich pools are perched on several cement terraces, varying in size and temperature, including a few with direct access to the icy waters of the San Juan River perfect for cooling off between soaks. You can get water from the main creek that has many easy access points. Best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs (preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am. Is it passable?? temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). Does anyone have a permit for this Friday, Sept 30th? While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. Stargazing. Just one backpacker. ", "Can teens and a 9 year old make this hike? more. We completed our hike six hours later. ", "It was gorgeous!!! Map updates are paused. But it seemed like things were getting better thanks to the permit system, educational efforts, enforcement and ranger presence, so the ranger district wanted to "get a finger on the pulse" of the area. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains,, Ouray Hot Springs Pool in Colorado is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the outdoors and embrace their wild side. It takes about 5-8 hours to hike in and 3-6 hours to hike out, on average. Get details of Location, timings and contact. My friend and I are in good shape, and thought it was difficult, but we also had heavy packs. For extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers. 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 hike is 17 miles round trip. 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. 5 hours in 3.5 out. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Upon reaching the top there are 16 different camp sights to choose from, half are below the sprigs, and the other half above. The first two on our way up were a lovely a couple in their 70's from Novia Scotia who were also ascending. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. Update: Permit-holders (and their group) must book an area within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for every night of their trip. Signs clearly mark where backpackers must use designated sites that have fire restrictions. Still, if willing, it's certainly achievable. It lookes like we were in Hobbit land. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Conundrum Hot Springs boasts two separate pools. Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Tent sites, simple cabins and a communal kitchen make for easy overnight stays (BYO provisions). How to get to Dunton Hot Springs: Dunton is located off of Country Road 38, southwest of Telluride. 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. 97% of travellers recommend this experience. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. Be prepared for this if you are making a day trip. I can't wait to go back up and get in the water with such amazing views. Don't get me wrong it was a challenge, but totally doable! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. The maximum length of stay from June 1-September 1 is three nights. There are several campsites just before this sign along the creek where fires are still permitted. 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. Overall well worth it and would do again. This is the perfect overnight hike for backpacking beginners! 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. Thanks 734-646-8521. I went once in mid june time frame. Please note that you cannot have campfires in the upper campgrounds, and you will need to camp in designated spaces only (permits required). Then, great ready to stargaze like never before, and do it all again tomorrow. Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82. No purchase necessary. Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? I have hiked to this springs for 55 years. -10 / -12 0 mm 5 m/s Open hourly forecast Monday 6 Mar. Arrive early to secure a space. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. From dizzying chasms to soaring peaks, you'll lose track of all the times you're awestruck on this multi-state drive. The Conundrum Hot Springs experience isnt just limited to the hot springs themselves. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, pack plenty of water and snacks, and take breaks along the way to enjoy the stunning views. We were on a such a time crunch and should have prepared better. Conundrum Creek Trail to Conundrum Hot Springs, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/recarea/?recid=40495&actid=24. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Description. more. Was a long 9 mile incline to the spring but so worth it and pretty. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Definitely stay 1 nighy at the LEAST. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. 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. 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. I secured a permit for this hike for a few days & are beyond stoked to be going back. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. I would consider this a must-do Colorado activity. Clocked 19.3 miles with some walking around, but AllTrails map is spot on. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The middle is the warmest spot. The Conundrum Creek Trailhead is located off of Castle Creek Road south of Aspen CO. From the roundabout 1 mile NW of town, take Castle Creek Road 4.8 miles south to Conundrum Creek Road. Second, bear canisters are required for all overnight visitors, so make sure to pack one to keep your food safe from curious critters. Prepare and stay the night! "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. Hiking to Conundrum Hot Springs might look like an impossible feat (the hike is 18 miles round trip), but dont be put off just yet by the distance. The steaming, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pools edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. Looking for an accurate conditions report! It is best to explore these areas from July September, as many trails, passes, and campsites are snowed in or otherwise inaccessible outside this time frame. We are planning to do conundrum hot spring hike as a day hike. Thank god it didn't see her, she noticed it and turned around quietly. They were respectful yet unbashful. Was wondering about the terrain, should I carry hiking boots or good hiking sandals will do ? A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. And dont forget your camera youll want to capture the memories of this amazing hike. First, be prepared for the altitude the high elevation can cause altitude sickness, so take it slow and stay hydrated. Gradual incline. Weather in Conundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), . The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. Either way, I picked up something awful. The camping sites are great, the springs are beautiful. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. Million dollar views for nothing: the best free things to do in Colorado, This article was first published March 2022 and updated July 2022. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98F. Heres a round-up of our favorites. 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. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. 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). It was my younger son's first hike of this length. Be mindful of private property on the trailhead access road - cars will be ticketed and/or towed. Reservations required. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. Its no wonder that thousands of visitors flock to this incredible spot each year. The hike is 17 miles round trip. Jordan Kahana (30), who is, Here at Lonely Planet, we're passionate about travel. Bear right, then keep left on the dirt road for one mile to the trailhead. We had great conversation. We will provide dinner if so! Do it. The water is air cooled while flowing through the rock-lined channels before reaching the soaking pools.[6][2]. The forest service is asking that people pack it out on their return hike. The pools will be at their deepest and the warm water feels great after a day spent hiking in brisk mountain air. Reservations required. Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. The springs are an 8.5 mile hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead. Looking for a permit for this upcoming weekend 10/22-10/23. 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