It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. Winner will be selected at random on 05/01/2023. The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. Thanks in advance. 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. Alternatively, take a door-to-door shuttle from town. Be mindful of private property on the trailhead access road - cars will be ticketed and/or towed. for mother natures sake pack out your TP/cleansing wipes. Looking for an accurate conditions report! 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. The only downside is that the last 2.5 miles are unshaded and on a beautiful early September day it can be HOT in the afternoon. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. Any information of what to expect & how to prepare for it would be much appreciated. This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. Prepare and stay the night! Alternatively, take the train from Denver; it takes longer but the Rocky Mountain views are epic. The steaming, 103-degree water provides a soothing oasis amidst the rugged wilderness, and the alpine pools edge overlooks an awe-inspiring deep gorge. The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). These are the best. I am looking for a permit or someone to share a camp site with on the 15th-16th of October! In recent years, the Forest Service has increased its ranger presence in the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The site of a defunct mill, that once supplied marble for the construction of the Lincoln Memorial. We had great conversation. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. But the views at the top were worth it. During this break we met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs overnight. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. but go early morn as some folks camp there for the evening and. With all that being said, it was completely worth it! The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. Trip Reports As national parks look for ways to better serve travelers with disabilities, here are the top parks doing it right. If youre lucky, you may spot a moose, deer or even a bear so be sure to pack some bear spray. SeeCamping, Rules & Regs and Worth Noting below for additional information on designated sites, bear canisters, fire restrictions, dog restrictions and travel tips: The trail dips and rises across a broad meadow that funnels into conifer and aspen along the creek (1.0 miles : 8,970'). 99% of travellers recommend this experience. How to get to Conundrum Hot Springs: The hot springs are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, south of Aspen. gilmercr@g.cofc.edu. Looking for a permit for this upcoming weekend 10/22-10/23. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. I must admit it was scary at dusk with nobody else on the trail after she seen that, she about crapped her pants. 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. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. I do hikenormally with gear! Signs clearly mark where backpackers must use designated sites that have fire restrictions. With diverse terrain, outstanding landscapes and well-maintained trails, hiking in the US is a joy. Temperatures drop significantly after the sun sets. 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. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. You will need to book a campsite and permit in advance. The lower pool is cooler with temperatures around 80 degrees. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass. Stoves only. Time required to visit Conundrum Hot Springs: 06:00 Hrs. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. How to get to Valley View Hot Springs: Valley View is at the end of a dirt road in the San Juan Valley, about seven miles from the intersection of Highways 285 and 17, south of Salida. We are planning to do conundrum hot spring hike as a day hike. Clocked 19.3 miles with some walking around, but AllTrails map is spot on. 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. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. The trip was beyond amazing and beautiful. Where will you go next? Ive never hiked an 18 mile before but it was absolutely worth it. I am no longer able to use it and am releasing it. Camping is only permitted in designated sites beyond this point, and fires are not permitted. These are the best hikes to add to your list for 2023. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. ), likely due to the weather. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. Its located along Hwy 160, 60 miles east of Durango, which has an airport and car rental agencies. Just remember, youre sharing this natural wonder with others, so be respectful and enjoy the experience together. Its five pools are fed by a steaming mountain spring, whose 140-degree waters are cooled by a creek that flows alongside the property. Campsites near Conundrum Hot Springs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Clearly the temperature has declined substantially. From the reviews I was expecting it to be a bit harder. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. Trailhead parking is very limited and often full. What you willdefinitelysee is an abundance of wildflowers, breathtaking mountain views, and quaint, high-alpine streams. Offer subject to change without notice. Rustic cabins, tent sites and even a caboose are available for overnight stays. We spent about 1.5 hours in the pool. Heres a round-up of our favorites. Amazing trail as always. Any dates from Oct 13 to Oct 15: contact me at jkukla96@gmail.com Thanks! This pool is far smaller than the upper pool and can really only hold about 4 adults. See. How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? Was a long 9 mile incline to the spring but so worth it and pretty. The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Valley View sits on 2200 acres of protected land thats crisscrossed with trails, a working ranch and an abandoned-mine-turned-bat cave perfect for a weekend exploring with your boo. Front wheel drive with chains will also work. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Jordan Kahana (30), who is, Here at Lonely Planet, we're passionate about travel. While its not uncommon to see folks enjoying a naked soak, its also perfectly acceptable to wear a swimsuit if thats more your style. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet deep. ", "Deepti - you'll definitely want sturdy shoes for this hike. I would have been uncomfortable had my daughter been with us. There are several creek crossings on this trail - expect to get wet. 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. When you do make it to the top I highly suggest you immediately drop your pack and run to the springs, and I promise your efforts will be rewarded and your body will thank you! Layer upnice and warm during the day but gets pretty cold at night. A popular locals spot, Conundrum can get busy in the summer; come in late spring or early fall for less of a crowd. I got a permit for July 28-30 2023 for 4 people at site 14. I went once in mid june time frame. This. The trail opens across a talus field with your first clear view of the upper valley (7.2 miles : 10,455'). Today 5 Mar. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? I would recommend 2 nights to get even more fun out of the hike as it is lengthy. [7] Dogs are not allowed within 2.5 miles of the hot spring site, and all waste, including feces must be packed out. the Forest Service Rangers come up there often. How to road trip the Rocky Mountains on a budget. 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 you have more than one night, it might be best to camp a few miles before the springs and day hike to them and back to your site. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. An RV campervan gets you to the heart of the US national parks. I heard from a couple that got there at 8:30am that there were no more parking spots. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). A well-maintained dirt road, it leads straight to the trailhead. . None of us found it more than moderately difficult in any part. Consider post-Labor Travel for lighter crowds. Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of the trail, but this is abused. View maps of: Overnight Permit Zones 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. The pool, which sits between 95 and 102 degrees, is 35 feet by 90 feet, making it one of the largest private hot springs-fed pools in the state. 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. -10 / -12 0 mm 5 m/s Open hourly forecast Monday 6 Mar. The last two miles are steep and unpaved, requiring 4WD or tire chains from November to May. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. We completed our hike six hours later. The hike is beautiful. It rained the entire time but was still incredible. There were about 5-10 spots available at this time and not a soul in sight. 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. After turning onto Conundrum Creek Road, follow the dirt road for about half a mile until you reach ample parking. The Conundrum Creek Trail runs through long stretches of level meadows, aspen forests and wide valley openings to the springs. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. When is it safe to go on the trail? Especially with no campfire. Aspen and willow produce brilliant autumn colors, and thimbleberries and raspberries are particularly abundant along the first three miles. A favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, this natural wonder presents a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone willing to brave the journey. Nestled deep within the picturesque Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the White River National Forest, the Conundrum Hot Springs is a hidden gem thats just waiting to be explored. The springs were absolutely beautiful. Wondering if anyone who has a Tuesday and Wednesday reservation in October would want to trade for this earlier two night trip? Let's talk about Cool Hot Springs and vote for the coolest ones.Read more >>>, If youre looking for a place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the healing waters of natural hot springs, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is the, Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and has become a popular destination for vacationers. Its a strenuous hike, but the reward is well worth the effort. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. 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 bridge is elevated and narrow - consider crossing in the water if slick or carrying a heavy pack. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670. There are 16 designated sites in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity (first come, first served). Overnight permits for April 1 - July 31: 8aon February 15th, Overnight permits for August 1 - November 30 are available at 8aon June 15th, Overnight permits for December 1 - March 31 are available at 8a on October 15th. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. 5 hours in 3.5 out. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. After a long day of hiking, theres nothing better than setting up camp under the stars. Get details of Location, timings and contact. Reservations required. lunk03@gmail.com. And dont forget your camera youll want to capture the memories of this amazing hike. The hike up there was moderate, to difficult in the fact that you are carrying weight, you have to cross the river a couple of times and maneuver a boulder field. **I forgot to turn off the tracker when we got to camp so it tracked all of my camp set-up, doh!**. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. 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. Early means, late winter, early spring (if you are looking to do this in the summer). Front wheel drive with chains will also work. 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.35 on Tripadvisor among 182 attractions in Aspen. When we arrived there were three other cars in the parking lot. Less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Aspen, the trailhead to get to Conundrum Hot Springs is easily accessible. Dogs are not permitted beyond this point. We went on a Wednesday-Thursday in July, and the flowers were AMAZING. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, andmax avg. Conundrum Creek Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with a consistent elevation gain of 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles. Though you can enjoy the springs area with sandals, the 8.5 mile hike to them is rugged (lots of rocks, roots and several stream crossings). 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. Print Trail The hot spring is an extra .5 miles away from the first sites: 17-20. Add to that temperate mineral waters, poolside cabanas and an on-site restaurant, and Glenwood is a ready-made day trip with the kids or an impromptu weekend getaway. So, strap on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and join us as we venture into the heart of Aspens beautiful backcountry. Temperatures drop significantly after the sun sets. Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? I would consider this a must-do Colorado activity. Plush and green untainted nature (by humans). A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. Thank you for stopping by. 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. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. I would have been uncomfortable had my daughter been with us. 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 maximum length of stay from June 1-September 1 is three nights. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. It can be a bit crowded on nice summer days but everyone is friendly. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. Thanks in advance. We had a permit to camp Saturday night and when we got to the trailhead it was PACKED. Some avid hikers will complete the trek in one day, but it is by far more enjoyable and rewarding to spread the hike out over at least two days. They are located at an elevation of 11,200 feet, making them some of the highest hot springs in the country. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. They were respectful yet unbashful. Thanks so much for any insight! Any how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? Our spontaneous naked soak with strangers-turned-new friends wound up being a bonding experience and a highlight of the hike for my sons. Update: Permit-holders (and their group) must book an area within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for every night of their trip. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. During the fall, crowds are generally less, streams . Started on Thursday 9/2 at 10:30 am, plenty of parking, we stopped a lot so it took us 6.5 hours to get to site 19 at 8.5 miles in. Saw lots of friendly deer, no bears, only heard about others seeing a moose. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year. 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. 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Does anyone have camping permit Sept 30 and Oct 1? Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. Then, great ready to stargaze like never before, and do it all again tomorrow. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, pack plenty of water and snacks, and take breaks along the way to enjoy the stunning views. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! What restaurants are near Conundrum Hot Springs? It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Dunton Hot Springs is the epitome of western luxe and lore: a ghost town turned exclusive resort, a deluxe all-inclusive getaway in what was once thehideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. This temperature is perfect for soaking and it makes this one of the best hot springs in Colorado. It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal. Make sure to bring a filter for water and light weight gear. Is it passable?? I would not recommend packing in at this point in the year unless you have appropriate rain and snow gear for an overnight. The temperature in the nine separate hot springs ranges from lukewarm to as high as 120-degree Fahrenheit. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Thanks", "So worth it. [6], Conundrum hot springs are the among the highest in altitude in the United States. Clothing is optional, and expect a lively crowd. Second, bear canisters are required for all overnight visitors, so make sure to pack one to keep your food safe from curious critters. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. Be prepared to see some bare bodiesmany ladies will go topless and men will often wear little to nothing. Travel is quick to a bridge leading to the west side of the creek (2.75 miles : 9,390'). Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Conundrum Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. There are several campsites just before this sign along the creek where fires are still permitted. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. 2023 Atlas Obscura. You can contact me and 5024180403 and thank you so much in advance! Zoom in to see updated info. 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. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. Despite being one of the most photographed vistas in the Rockies these twin peaks are rightfully known as the "Deadly Bells.". Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? As of the summer of 2017, permits are necessary for overnight trips. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. The Conundrum Creek Trail continues 2 miles and 1700' up to Triangle Pass. Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people +. Mt. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We also went on a sat afternoon during leaf peeping so I guess its expected. Rec.gov said It will appear back on line within 24 hours. Trail Photos When we arrived there were three other cars in the parking lot. We all get caught short sometimes and its gross to have to carry it out but with a little planning, and plenty of hand sanitizer, it can be manageable. It will feel really unfair after having glimpsed the people relaxing around the springs. We had beautiful weather. 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. This was not the case at all on our day there. If someone has a permit they are not going to use or is cool enough to let me join, pls message me!!
