For all of the above reasons, Conundrum Hot Springs has been thronged by an average of 50 people a day. 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. Recreation.gov! During the fall colors season, mid-September to early October depending on the year, backpackers experience the floor to ceiling gold of Colorados aspen groves. how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? Avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon. 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. Visitors from local areas, around the state and the world adore this gem of a wilderness area. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. This over crowded 9 mile trail to the Hot Springs has been over used by the Denver Front Range hikers and it is a mess. The first half of the trail winds through Conundrum Creek Valley, passing the occasional aspen grove. Alternate Approaches and Other Trailheads There is one other approach where you can access Conundrum Hot Springs. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Parking is quite limited and can be made even more limited when winter weather is present. A chance of snow showers. If you get cold, you can always jump in the springs. A huge number for a wilderness area without trash cans or bathrooms. . RealFeel Shade 88. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The natural infinity pools offer warm, relaxing waters, as well as some of the most incredible views you have ever encountered. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Instances of human-bear interactions, illegal fire rings, and trash were drastically reduced. In fact, the personalities and conversations are often the highlight of the trip as long as you go without the expectation of solitude. Solid human waste must be packed out. Hiking and soaking are wonderful under the clear blue skies during the day and looking up at brilliant Milky Way galaxy each night. Then soak again after you come down off the mountains. Be warned that this is a much more difficult than the ascent from Conundrum Creek Trailhead. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. 84 F. RealFeel 97. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. You will make memories that last a lifetime. Keep it Clean. more. racist or sexually-oriented language. The water temperature of Conundrum Hot Springs hovers around 102 degrees. Backpacking during the winter is very challenging and potentially dangerous, even for the very prepared and experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Campfires are not allowed at this elevation because they consume wood, accumulate trash, and kill fragile alpine vegetation. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. RealFeel Shade 72. Weather in Conundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), . Even spending such a short time at the top it was dark by the time we got back. They explained to us that nudity in these hot springs is a Conundrum tradition. If you drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen down Highway 82 you'll reach a roundabout where you'll turn right on to Castle Creek Road. 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. We hiked the first half of the ascent with them before stopping for a snack. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 55 min to complete. GMZ870-171215- Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 to 60 NM- 755 PM EDT Sun Apr 16 2023 OVERNIGHT West winds 10 to 15 knots, becoming northwest with gusts up to 20 knots, then becoming north 15 to 20 knots late . Visitors and locals alike reported that during last summer, the permit system seemed to work very well. Read more regulations for this hike here. The snow will be very deep and proper equipment such as down jackets, enough water, and snowshoes are a must. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. A permit is required for overnight stays within theConundrum Hot Springs Zone. The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. The conundrum is one of the highest altitude hot springs located in all the United States. None of us found it more than moderately difficult in any part. Conundrum Hot Springs is allegedly a clothing-optional spot, often frequented by naked locals. 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. Be Proactive. All day and all night, the hot springs are there for your relaxation. 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. 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. Partly sunny More Details. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Lindsay DeFrates is a freelance writer, mother of three, whitewater raft guide, as well as a former English teacher and Outward Bound instructor. I did this hike (on a whim) super pregnant in one dayand I shouldn't have. Wind Gusts 10 mph. Permits are required year-round, but the best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. A water filtration system is necessary, and it is important to drink more than two liters every day. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. 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. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Make sure to bring a bear bag or bear resistant container to hang or store all of your food and toiletries overnight so as not to attract bears to the campsites. LockA locked padlock Assuming you dont mind the 8.5-mile trail and 2,400-foot elevation gain on approach. This trail is open all year but be warned, during the winter it will be extremely difficult to traverse. Weather NOAA Forecast. Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites The access road, trail and all campsites will be covered in snow, requiring cross-country or AT skis, or snowshoes for approach. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. I didn't boil water, just used a Sawyer filter. Also make sure you are prepared for anything backcountry wilderness might throw at you. Colorado weather: High winds impact Front Range, prompting red flag . Wildlife local to Conundrum includes elk, moose, bear, foxes, coyotes, and very pesky jays. Leslie James is all about Colorado when it comes to writing features, sharing adventures, and creating colorful galleries. For the prepared backpacker, Conundrum Hot Springs offers a perfect balance of hiking, relaxation, and world-class views. From early October to late June campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. Map Information Activities Hiking At 8 miles, there are remnants of a cabin, and the hot springs are just ahead on the left on the other side of the creek. Zoom in to see updated info. 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. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Conundrum Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. 3:20 PM. 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. The Conundrum Hot Springs were well within the acceptable range. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Geneva Lake Zone Recommended Campsites, Map showing recreational areas. Welcome to Conundrum Hot Springs, AKA Heaven on Earth. An official website of the 8,326 were here. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZUS52 KTBW provided via the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) website. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. The Tampa Bay area is at least 5 inches below its typical 30-year rainfall averages. There is camping at Conundrum Hot Springs with 20 different sites available each night. The tundra above treeline puts on its own display in the fall, however. Intense snowshoe hike travels to hot spring hidden in Colorado mountains, 'Greatest space show on Earth' returns to Colorado Springs bigger than ever, Colorado couple accidentally falls into glamping business, Evacuations ordered as "wind-driven" wildfire burns in Colorado, Why do hikers keep losing their shoes? Welcome to Trail and Summit! Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. These storms can appear quickly, and often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation. The trail is largely protected in forests, but it does cross a few potential avalanche areas. Conundrum Hot Springs, Conundrum Creek Trail #1981 From early October to late June in the Rocky Mountains, campsites, trails and mountan passes are snow covered and trailheads may be inaccessible. 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. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Today 5 Mar. You will know you are in the right place when you have to cross a bridge over Castle Creek as soon as you turn right onto Conundrum Road. Dogs are also not allowed in the valley so make sure to leave your lovable pets back at home. Permit holders should cancel their permit if they will not use it to allow another visitor the opportunity to visit this amazing place. 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. Hayden looms at the start of the hike followed by views of Cathedral Peak, Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak. About 5 miles after getting onto Castle Creek Road, you will come to Conundrum Creek Road. During the fall, crowds are generally less, streams are easier to cross, and colors often blaze. Most visitors do their best when it comes to taking care of the land. There were wildflowers and the aspens even started to change. Conundrum Hot Springs is made up of four pools, including three small, cooler pools and the main pool, which has a temperature of up to 103 degrees. Remember, youll need to bring a bear canister or Ursack. NWS A chance of snow showers, mainly before midnight. Be wary of thin ice and soft snow near water sources. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. Jul. Make a reservation beforehand to ensure that you can get one of the available campsites. Throughout the entire hike, snowshoers will need to be able to recognize signs of recent avalanche activity and signs of conditions that may put them at risk. United States. Some thunder is also possible. This has become a huge JOKE in our Aspen Area. on official, secure websites. If permit holder or alternate are not present, permit is not valid, Group size may be changed up to the maximum allowable until the permit has been printed, Once permit has been printed, you cannot make changes to the permit, Permit can be printed up to 14 days prior to trip. A log bridge spans the creek for accessing the hot springs. The permit holder must reserve a zone for each night of their trip. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. The final hour or so of this hike involves many small creek crossings and your feet are likely to get wet. And stay overnight at the start of the Creek along the Conundrum Springs! Enough water, just used a Sawyer filter met some wonderful people hanging out in the United States whim... Perfect balance of hiking, relaxation, and world-class views 3.5 hours it... 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Involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation 20 different available... They will not use it to allow another visitor the opportunity to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July September. Get cold, you can always jump in the dirt parking lot took about 3.5 hours appear,...: 4.5/5 us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the Hot Springs with 20 different sites available each.... Has been thronged by an average of 50 people a day trip along Conundrum... Without trash cans or bathrooms weather is present prepared backpacker, Conundrum Hot Springs is allegedly a clothing-optional spot often... Includes elk, moose, bear, foxes, coyotes, and mountain passes are snow covered and aspens... Weather is present from Conundrum Creek trail outside of Aspen is quite limited and can made! Is allegedly a clothing-optional spot, often frequented by naked locals first to notified! First half of the Creek along the trail head and it is important drink... 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