How is hiking to Conundrum hot springs at the very end of May through the first week of June? 98% of travelers recommend this experience. A 4 wheel drive vehicle will be required to get to the trailhead this time of year. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Its located along Hwy 160, 60 miles east of Durango, which has an airport and car rental agencies. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! 96% of travelers recommend this experience. It steepens away in a cluttered forest to a sign on the hot springs perimeter (8.15 miles : 10,965'). 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. Turn onto County Road 166 just past Chimney Rock. 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! Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Guests follow short trails along a forested hillside to soak in steaming ponds, often with no one else around, with views of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance. The road is graded and suitable for 2WD cars. Thanks in advance. The temperature in the nine separate hot springs ranges from lukewarm to as high as 120-degree Fahrenheit. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. 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. Home to water slides and splash pads, adventure river tubing and the largest hot springs pool in the world (a whopping 400-ft-long), its no wonder Glenwood Hot Springs is a family favorite. Comments. They vary in size and depth, with temperatures ranging from 100F to 140F, depending on the season and overflow of river water. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. [6], The hot springs are located approximately 5 hours from Aspen by car. The sites are clearly marked. From dizzying chasms to soaring peaks, you'll lose track of all the times you're awestruck on this multi-state drive. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, and max avg. Its two wide, steaming pools overlook a wildflower-strewn mountain valley, with views of snowcapped peaks. My older son admired their confidence. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The view was spectacular. Also watch where you step by the campsites, human land mines are everywhere. None of us found it more than moderately difficult in any part. Print Trail This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. After turning onto Conundrum Creek Road, follow the dirt road for about half a mile until you reach ample parking. The hike back down to the parking lot took about 3.5 hours. I have hiked to this springs for 55 years. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. See. Its a strenuous hike, but the reward is well worth the effort. Where will you go next? Crater Lake and Maroon Creek to East Fork, Maroon Lake Trailhead to Maroon Snowmass Trailhead, Little Annie and Richmond Hill OHV Road Loop, Aspen Mountain OHV Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. There's one large pool and one small pool in the main area where most people congregate. Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. Nearby Town: Aspen, ColoradoGPS: 39.012471,-106.891154Season: June OctoberType: Primitive; Hike accessHike: 8.5 miles (one way)Price: FreeClothing: Optional. 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. Visitors add and move rocks, as needed, and even create private pools on the spot. - American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options, American Steakhouse Gluten Free Options, American Fast food Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts. Amid lush greenery, a man-made channel peppered with graffiti that dates back to 1881. Tent sites, simple cabins and a communal kitchen make for easy overnight stays (BYO provisions). The hike carves a path through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, part of the White River National Forest. 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. I know each day & week makes a huge difference on the trail. Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Also, one IMPORTANT TIP: Do not wet your hair because if it gets to sunset w/o your hair drying, you will freeeeeze! The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. There are 16 crossings of the creek along the trail. This trail is regularly patrolled by the forest service. The Conundrum Creek Trail runs through long stretches of level meadows, aspen forests and wide valley openings to the springs. Could be a fun trail run. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! She loves to travel to places that are off the beaten path and find unique experiences to share with her readers. As far as the springs themselves, the normal temperature is about 95 F, but wintertime they can become diluted with snowmelt, thus lowering the temperature and making the soak a less pleasant experience. The trail is at high elevation, beginning at about 8,000 feet and ending at about 11,200 feet. 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. 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). All rights reserved. Its easy to find the perfect hot spring for your needs. Larger pool than expected, clear water, and it was perfectly warm. [5] The hot spring water is channeled into two main soaking pools via a hand-built rock-lined waterway. The Hot Springs is full of bacteria, and users deficate anywhere they feel like it. Overflow parking is available on Castle Creek Road, a little over one mile away. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Additionallya friend (hiking a little ways ahead of me) seen a mountain lion cross the trail! We started our hike at about 7:45 am. 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. Super fun trip! Conundrum Hot Springs boasts two separate pools. 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. We started our hike at about 7:45 am. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. It is a gorgeous trail with so much scenery, and the trail it's self was not too difficult until you cross over the river. 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. This hike has spectacular views from beginning to end! Still, if willing, it's certainly achievable. We spend our days thinking about the best places to go, and quite often, wishing we were there. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure, there are a few crucial details to keep in mind. A small wellness resort, The Springs has 25 man-made pools fed by the 1002-foot-deep Mother Spring, the deepest known geothermal spring in the world. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98F. Enjoy! Be prepared for much more. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options, $$$$ American Steakhouse Gluten Free Options, $ American Fast Food Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We were on a such a time crunch and should have prepared better. While its not uncommon to see folks enjoying a naked soak, its also perfectly acceptable to wear a swimsuit if thats more your style. A full line of spa treatments also are offered. 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. Remember to choose a flat spot at least 100 feet from the water and use a bear-resistant container to store your food. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Find the reviews and ratings to know better. It took us 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the hot springs. I know each day & week makes a huge difference on the trail. Early means, late winter, early spring (if you are looking to do this in the summer). Come in the summer and fall for the warmest soaks, as snowmelt often floods the pools the rest of the year. This is the perfect overnight hike for backpacking beginners! 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. Offer subject to change without notice. Backpacked in the rain to the top and out in snow, but it was 100% worth it. Trailhead parking is very limited and often full. I did this hike (on a whim) super pregnant in one dayand I shouldn't have. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. Looking for a permit this sat 10/22 or to join a group. Thanks so much for any insight! If the lot is full, use overflow parking on Castle Creek Road around the Conundrum Creek Road turnoff. 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. Weather forecast for Conundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), with all weather data such as: Temperature, Felt temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Relative humidity, Wind speed, Wind gusts, Isotherm, Precipitation, Cloud cover and Heat index - www.ViewWeather.com Hot springs pepper the property, indoor and out, and plenty of other experiences await sleigh rides, cross country skiing, fly fishing, trail rides and more. The ford can be voluminous at peak runoff, but is generally safe and easy. 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. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. We met some wonderful people hanging out in the springs and everyone shared what they had. but go early morn as some folks camp there for the evening and. When is it safe to go on the trail? Note young aspen and fireweed on these steeper slopes, which indicate a recent disturbance that renewed the natural forest cycle. We encountered only eight people the whole day. It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal. It is a gorgeous trail with so much scenery, and the trail it's self was not too difficult until you cross over the river. Many do it as a day hike (budget nine hours) but if you can score apermit, consider camping instead. It was my younger son's first hike of this length. It emerges in a small meadow at 1.75 miles, then the first of several major meadows at 1.85 miles (9,240'). As national parks look for ways to better serve travelers with disabilities, here are the top parks doing it right. . 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. After a long day of hiking, theres nothing better than setting up camp under the stars. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. View maps of: Overnight Permit Zones The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. Cold weather moving in just as we left but it was perfect while we were there. The trail enters a third major meadow at 4.8 miles that stretches (with brief interruption) to a bridge leading east to the Silver Ponds (6.0 miles : 10,240'). There were wildflowers and the aspens even started to change. Thank you for stopping by. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. The forest service is asking that people pack it out on their return 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 believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. This includes educating visitors on proper wilderness etiquette and enforcing permit regulations. Looking forward to round two. The hike is 17 miles round trip. ", "It was gorgeous!!! This lone tree and dramatic sandstone outcropping are so beloved by Michiganders they can be found on one of the states coins. Castle Creek Road is winding and narrow in places. It starts to become rocky and a little unstable after that, but still not too terrible. Best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs (preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am. We had a permit to camp Saturday night and when we got to the trailhead it was PACKED. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. pls message 9177550418, Cancelled a permit Site 18, 6 people, 10/5-10/6. 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. They attended a local community college and had camped out the night before. How to get to Dunton Hot Springs: Dunton is located off of Country Road 38, southwest of Telluride. The Conundrum Creek Trail sees heavy traffic throughout the summer, especially on weekends. Overnight parking is permitted. Strong hikers can easily achieve the roundtrip in a day with an early start. Layer upnice and warm during the day but gets pretty cold at night. 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. First time backpacking, I have a permit for 6 people for camping on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022. 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. Winter travel isnt recommended due to avalanche danger. This. Definitely stay 1 nighy at the LEAST. I do hikenormally with gear! First, be prepared for the altitude the high elevation can cause altitude sickness, so take it slow and stay hydrated. The site is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, and are located above the tree line. A person is limited to two permits in a calendar year. 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. The springs are an 8.5 mile hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead. Marvelous views such as snow patches and avalanche chutes can be seen around the scenic waters, flowers and waterfalls as you bathe. The pool fed by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. ", 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. Thanks 734-646-8521. So, strap on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and join us as we venture into the heart of Aspens beautiful backcountry. Stoves only. [1][2][3][4] For faster navigation, this Iframe is preloading the Wikiwand page for Conundrum Hot Springs . 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. For extra indulgence, book a spa treatment or head to the smaller, hotter and quieter pool with hydrotherapy loungers and power showers. Was wondering about the terrain, should I carry hiking boots or good hiking sandals will do ? ", "The trail is definitely not 8.5 miles one way. The Conundrum Creek Trail near Aspen, Colorado was an adventurous 18.5-mile round trip hike with 3,025' total elevation gain, plenty of colorful foliage, creek crossings, incredible . [ 5 ] the hot springs is July through September openings to the trail starts 9300..., use overflow parking is available on Castle Creek Road turnoff a time crunch and should have prepared better hiking. 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