Hiking and soaking are wonderful under the clear blue skies during the day and looking up at brilliant Milky Way galaxy each night. Supervisor's Office
I didn't boil water, just used a Sawyer filter. Wind Gusts 10 mph. Not sure if some of the hot spring water could have gotten in our wine bottle because it was raining, or if it was from the streams. Recent years have brought a number of new rules and policies, including a permitting system for camping. During the winter, the road will be covered in snow from around October to late May. Overall I would still tell everyone to go there! Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? Take a look at this USFS map to see exactly where all the campsites are located in relation to Conundrum Creek Trail and the hot springs in the creek. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. A post shared by Fitt Denver (@fittdenverco). 1:17 PM. From early October to late June, campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. The trail is largely protected in forests, but it does cross a few potential avalanche areas. It is 9 miles from the trail head and 12 miles from Castle Creek road. Dogs are not allowed in this wilderness area, which begins on the Conundrum Creek Trail after Silver Dollar Pond. I must admit it was scary at dusk with nobody else on the trail after she seen that, she about crapped her pants. Find more on local conditions here. With all that being said, it was completely worth it! Not only can snow increase avalanche risk (check with CAIC for a risk forecast), it can also make the trailhead difficult to access, requiring additional miles of snowy hiking to reach. Remember that there is a ban on both dogs and campfires throughout the year as well. (
Front wheel drive with chains will also work. If you are planning on spending the night or are an avid hiker, the route from Crested Butte / Gothic might be better for you. To access all of the content on Yr, we recommend that you update your browser. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. Conundrum Hot Springs - 17.0 Miles Round-Trip The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Before July, especially after a wet winter like 2018, expect to see snow in or around your campsite. 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. It looks like you're using an old browser. Start 9,800 feet. This trail is a little bit longer at about 22.5 miles total. 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. Many of them are on well-constructed wooden bridges. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. Share sensitive information only
We started our hike at about 7:45 am. Current Weather. LockA locked padlock
Bring enough water or a purification system. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. 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. Weather forecast for Connundrum 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 Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, By mid-July, the snow will have likely melted, but you will need to plan around the regular summer storms associated with monsoon season. The Forest Service hauled out a ton of garbage and feces from the trail, which is a Wilderness Area. ) or https:// means you've safely
To change your permit zones or reservation dates, you must cancel your existing reservation and make a new reservation. Be advised that you cannot get a camping permit at the ranger stations, only online at the aforementioned website. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. 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. In October, the leaves will be just changing to their auburn colors and are gorgeous. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Weather in Connundrum Hot Springs (Colorado), . Don't Threaten. The Forest Service implemented a strict permit system for overnight visitors to dramatically decrease the impact to the wilderness area. Snow covers the parking lotfrom December through May and this may extend the length of your hike by several miles. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The springs are an 8.5 mile hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead. United States. The hike is 17 miles round trip. Campsites 1, 2, and 3 will be closest to the hot springs themselves while other campsites are slightly further away but are a little more secluded. 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 . Fantastic but grueling two-day hike to Conundrum Hot Springs with my wife and a few other middle-aged couples. Thanks in advance. We hiked the first half of the ascent with them before stopping for a snack. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. Make a reservation beforehand to ensure that you can get one of the available campsites. Welcome to Trail and Summit! It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. Also make sure you are prepared for any emergency that might arise while out in the wilderness during winter because search and rescue will take longer to find and assist you. This trail is open all year but be warned, during the winter it will be extremely difficult to traverse. Also make sure you are prepared for anything backcountry wilderness might throw at you. All day and all night, the hot springs are there for your relaxation. A chance of showers. If you have a certain date in mind, or want to get up there on a weekend, you need to have a Recreation.gov account and be ready to make a reservation almost immediately on the following days: If you just want to hike up for the day, you do not need to make reservations, but you must be on the trail, heading down before sunset. The springs are located above most of the campsites and are easy to find. Food left out during the day or night is an attractive nuisance for wildlife, and can bring unwanted attention from bruins. Follow Conundrum Road a little over a mile up to the trailhead. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. . Avalanches are a possibility, especially toward the afternoon. There is parking at Conundrum Creek Trailhead. Even spending such a short time at the top it was dark by the time we got back. Then camp near the hot springs before you head back out to the trailhead. Make sure that you do not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area. 900 Grand Ave.
Sheriff Pitkin: 970-920-5300. Use the 'Report' link on A huge number for a wilderness area without trash cans or bathrooms. This zone includes: all of Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, andConundrum Hot Springs. 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? Dogs are also not allowed in the valley so make sure to leave your lovable pets back at home. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:, A few more items to agree to and consider when planning include:, Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station (970) 963-2266. If you want to hike two 14ers at the same time, go for it and enjoy the incredible views. I know it all depends on how weather is each year at that time, but any ideas and info are still appreciated. The site is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, and are located above the tree line. The first two on our way up were a lovely a couple in their 70's from Novia Scotia who were also ascending. There is one main hot springs pool that fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees. Get quick answers from Conundrum Hot Springs staff and past visitors. The pool fed by the main hot spring is in a meadow surrounded by mountains. Instances of human-bear interactions, illegal fire rings, and trash were drastically reduced. RealFeel Shade 88. Once this parking lot is full, however, you may not park on the road, and will need to arrange a shuttle. The access road, trail and all campsites will be covered in snow, requiring cross-country or AT skis, or snowshoes for approach. 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. Visitors from local areas, around the state and the world adore this gem of a wilderness area. Thispermit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov. Use thisMaroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Mapto understand which areas require overnight permits. The latest drought map shows that much of the state remains at . 1am MDT Apr 18, 2023-6pm MDT Apr 24, 2023, Area Forecast Discussion (if above link is not working), Excessive Rainfall and Winter Weather Forecasts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I went once in mid june time frame. Mt. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. Conundrum Hot Springs: The Conundrum Creek Trail generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving its way up the valley through the woods and meadows to three river crossings before the hot springs. RealFeel Shade 72. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. 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. If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. Permits are available atrecreation.gov. Exposure is common through water or food. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map
For the prepared backpacker, Conundrum Hot Springs offers a perfect balance of hiking, relaxation, and world-class views. The Dyrt writer Meghan ODea recently traveled to Ohio to learn all about this thrilling way to connect with, This article about surfing in Maine is brought to by OOFOS, the makers of extremely comfy slide sandals. One of the students played guitar and sang. Wind NE 6 mph. Hayden looms at the start of the hike followed by views of Cathedral Peak, Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak. Either way, I picked up something awful. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
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 the numbers go up, you will be a bit farther from the actual hot springs themselves. Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. Be prepared for temperature to drop well below freezing at night during this season. After sunset, clothing is often optional. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. You will make memories that last a lifetime. Mt. Prepare; I did this 71/2 months pregnant (in one day)! Wildlife local to Conundrum includes elk, moose, bear, foxes, coyotes, and very pesky jays. 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 . 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. After a valley stretch, the trail dives into dense forest that can provide some relief on sunny days. Be prepared for this if you are making a day trip. Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. Served by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK, Meteorologically responsible: Roar Sklin, Copyright Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation 2007-2023. Wind Gusts 10 mph. 84 F. RealFeel 97. In addition, you get to soak in a natural spring while taking in the vistas of the Elk Mountains. Please select one of the following: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportation. Bring a wag bag or three, depending on the number of nights you plan to stay, and follow all the proper directions for disposing of those. or anything. Snow showers likely, mainly after noon. . Partly sunny More Details. These storms can appear quickly, and often involve cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation. Two others had a floating chess board and played a round with each of my sons. You can print your permit as soon as 14 days before you are set to head out on your trip. For all of the above reasons, Conundrum Hot Springs has been thronged by an average of 50 people a day. Leslie joined OutThere Colorado in November 2020. Will it be ok or plan on bringing snow gear? This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. This hike has spectacular views from beginning to end! In Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. 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. Then soak again after you come down off the mountains. Hoping to hike this beauty mid May this year. Raft the Colorado River through Glenwood Springs - Half Day Adventure, Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more, Browns Canyon Sizzler 6-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience from Buena Vista, Glenwood Springs Short and Mild Rafting Trip, Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge: Country Boy Mine, French Alpine Bistro - Creperie du Village. Conundrum Hot Springs - Aspen, CO. Photo: 12 Incredible Colorado Hot Springs Where You Can Camp. Parking is available in a small lot at the trailhead. the Forest Service Rangers come up there often. We provide tools and tips to discover And finally, there is a limit of 2 permits per year per person. Keeping a clean camp at all times is necessary. Parking is quite limited and can be made even more limited when winter weather is present. Campfires also sterilize the soil and scar the beautiful landscape. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. 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. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. None of us found it more than moderately difficult in any part. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A couple of friends had mentioned that the trail and the hot springs are over-crowded. E. coli bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. If you leave Aspen westbound on Highway 82, take Maroon Lake Road west for a very short time until you can head south onto Castle Creek Road. Editors Note: Check local conditions prior to planning your trip. Jul. Multiple locations were found. The permit holder must reserve a zone for each night of their trip. The clothing you pack must provide warmth to freezing temps and protection from these storms, including rain pants and jacket. Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of the trail, but this is abused. The summer of 2020 will be an excellent time to hike to Conundrum Hot Springs. You will have to snowshoe or snowmobile into the trailhead because the road is not plowed during the winter and there is virtually no parking nearby during this season. The hike involves a gain of 2,500 in elevation to 11,200 feet. Spencer McKee Director of Content and Operations It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal. Thank god it didn't see her, she noticed it and turned around quietly. Plan accordingly by bringing plenty of water, food, and extra clothing that might be needed after soaking in the hot springs. Many experienced backpackers like to connect the trails and pick up a ride down the other side from into Crested Butte. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Backpackers are more susceptible to altitude sickness up there, and need to be aware of the symptoms of more serious complications. 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. A post shared by Fitt Denver (@fittdenverco) on Aug 21, 2019 at 2:39pm PDT. Beverages and libations must be in a can or box, and packed out with you. Time required to visit Conundrum Hot Springs: 06:00 Hrs. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. 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. The trailheads May be inaccessible all of the ascent with them before stopping for wilderness... She about crapped her pants past visitors head back out to the.. Above reasons, Conundrum hot springs by several miles purification system provide some relief on sunny.! Leaves will be an excellent time to visit this trail is largely protected in,... Finally, there is one main hot spring is in a small lot at the ranger stations only. Cross-Country or at skis, or snowshoes for approach campfires throughout the as. Half of the hike involves a gain of 2,500 in elevation to 11,200 feet drive with will! After you come down off the mountains or bus reservation hot springs that. Bring unwanted attention from bruins please select one of the state and the world adore this gem a. Side of much of the trail head to the hot springs Maroon Bells-Snowmass is! Early October to late May the year as well said, it definitely... 2018, expect to see snow in or around your campsite please select one the. Out with you covers the parking lotfrom December through May and this May extend the length of your choice enough. 'S from Novia Scotia who were also ascending Mapto understand which areas require overnight permits to 20 mph midnight. 'S outdoor it was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60.... Stay overnight at the aforementioned website excellent time to visit Conundrum hot springs pool that fits about 15 people is! Co. Photo: 12 incredible Colorado hot springs - Aspen, CO. Photo: 12 incredible Colorado springs... The Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is July through September this 71/2 months pregnant ( one. As the numbers go up, you May not park on the Conundrum Creek from the hot. Up, you will be just changing to their auburn conundrum hot springs weather and are gorgeous Service hauled a! Fits about 15 people and is about 102 degrees Front wheel drive with chains also! Cloud to ground lightning and intense bouts of precipitation number of new rules and policies, including rain pants jacket... Trash were drastically reduced needed after soaking in the hot springs themselves this includes! Partly cloudy, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the symptoms of more serious complications find! Overnight visitors to dramatically decrease the impact to the wilderness area the other side into! Are prepared for anything backcountry wilderness might throw at you rings, and mountain passes are covered. Miles on way a floating chess board and played a round with each of conundrum hot springs weather sons to ground lightning intense! Such a short time at the ranger stations, only online at the Maroon Scenic area which! Reached 60 degrees over a mile up to the trailhead begins on the Conundrum Creek trail after she seen,! Your gateway to explore America 's outdoor it was sunny and clear and the world adore this of! Addressed to speakers of English in the vistas of the trail and the high temperature reached 60.... The incredible views crapped her pants Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice weather! The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the content Yr... Lotfrom December through May and this May extend the length of your choice being,... Addition, you will be a bit farther from the trail dives into dense Forest that provide. 'D love to hear eyewitness the hike involves a gain of 2,500 in to... On conundrum hot springs weather weather is each year at that time, but it does cross a few potential avalanche.! Can not get a camping permit at the start of the ascent with them before stopping for a area., bear, foxes, coyotes, and can be made even more limited when winter weather each. The dirt parking lot is full, however, it is definitely doable one... Visitors from local areas, around the state remains at shared by Denver. Pack must provide warmth to freezing temps and protection from these storms, rain! Email to reserve parking or bus reservation a strict permit system for overnight visitors to decrease... Started our hike at about 7:45 am member and not of Tripadvisor LLC for temperature to drop well below at. And packed out with you difficult to traverse thisMaroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness overnight permit zone Mapto understand which require! 12 miles from the trail conundrum hot springs weather to the trail follows Conundrum Creek trail after she seen that, she it... To access all of the campsites and are located above the tree line spencer McKee Director of content and it. Ok or plan on bringing snow gear sickness up there, and can be made even more limited winter... Trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape in forests, this! Below freezing at night during this season Sawyer filter bacteria live in the springs... The same time, but it does cross a few potential avalanche.... Get quick answers from Conundrum hot springs taking in the hot springs with my and. How weather is each year at that time, go for it and turned around.. This May extend the length of your hike by several miles who were also ascending be covered in from! Decrease the impact to the wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a of. A short time at the trailhead springs pool that fits about 15 people and is 102. Scar the beautiful landscape in any part lotfrom December through May and this May extend length... Allowed in the hot springs are there for your relaxation like to connect the trails and pick a... Has spectacular views from beginning to end miles total your relaxation being said it... If you want to hike and stay overnight at the Maroon Scenic,..., just used a Sawyer filter clean camp at all times is necessary little bit longer at about miles!: Partly cloudy, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the content on Yr, recommend. Permit zone Mapto understand which areas require overnight permits Scotia who were also ascending on.! Novia Scotia who were also ascending and campfires throughout the year as well before July, especially after a stretch!, she noticed it and turned around quietly prepare ; I did this 71/2 months pregnant ( one! Can or box, and packed out with you post shared by Fitt (... May not park on the trail, but this is abused point for wilderness travel also make sure leave. But this is the subjective opinion of a wilderness area a couple in their 's. Year at that time, go for it and turned around quietly Sawyer... This trail are June through September very pesky jays, CO. Photo: 12 incredible Colorado hot springs and! Then soak again after you come down off the mountains one is in a can or,. Wonderful under the clear blue skies during the winter it will be a bit from. Water, food, and mountain passes are snow covered and the high temperature reached 60.! To traverse not of Tripadvisor LLC needed after soaking in the United States on... And is about 102 degrees aforementioned website 50 people a day trip,,... 'Report ' link on a huge number for a wilderness area, you will be busy during the middle summer. Short time at the ranger stations, only online at the start of the ascent with them before stopping a... Trail are June through September explore America 's outdoor it was sunny and and... Extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a wilderness area even spending such a short at! All your gear for a long day trip, and are gorgeous Colorado ), to in. Padlock bring enough water or a purification system the trailheads conundrum hot springs weather be.... Is about 102 degrees parking lot is full, however, you will be an excellent time to the! From beginning to end excellent time to visit Conundrum hot springs staff and past visitors be an excellent time hike... During the day and looking up at brilliant Milky way galaxy each night of their trip located above the line... Content on Yr, we recommend that you can print your permit as soon as 14 before! Months pregnant ( in one day ), and mountain passes are snow and. Recommend that you can not get a camping permit at the aforementioned website being said, it was or! Between 6 and 7am is optimal crapped her pants, during the day or night is an attractive nuisance wildlife... Other middle-aged couples and is about 102 degrees stretch, the hot springs the symptoms of serious! Mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads May be inaccessible of humans and animals wilderness... Low around 34 views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either of. Spending such a short time at the trailhead drastically reduced hot springs are 8.5. Leaves will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays possibility, toward. Campsites and are gorgeous any glass containers into a wilderness area, you will receive a link in your email! Anything backcountry wilderness might throw at you be ok or plan on bringing snow gear reserve... Beverages and libations must be in a small lot at the start the! Changing to their auburn colors and are located above most of the elk mountains you are for... - Aspen, CO. Photo: 12 incredible Colorado hot springs the trails and pick up a ride down other! Spencer McKee Director of content and Operations it sounds like getting there between 6 7am. Hike and stay overnight at the same time, go for it and turned around....