) or https:// means you've safely 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. Conundrum Hot Springs is the most famous alpine hot spring in Colorado, which is part of the reason why its also a hot spot (pun intended) of conservation controversy. Editors Note: Check local conditions prior to planning your trip. I would also recommend bringing bear spray to protect yourself in case you have an unfortunate encounter that somehow cannot be avoided. Keep it Clean. Be wary of thin ice and soft snow near water sources. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Camp jays are notorious in the area for helping themselves to any tasty items available, even from your plate! It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. A 20 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. There are several excellent day hikes available from the campsites at Conundrum Hot Springs. racist or sexually-oriented language. Follow Conundrum Road a little over a mile up to the trailhead. There is no parking in the vicinity during the winter so if you want to go, snowshoeing or snowmobiling in is the only way to have access to Conundrum Creek Trail. The elevation gain can easily induce altitude sickness so make sure you go slowly and drink plenty of water. The ascent is about 2500 ft in elevation. You must bury your waste up to 200 feet from water, campsites, and trails. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. It can be difficult but definitely well worth the journey into this remote wilderness. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. You can print your permit as soon as 14 days before you are set to head out on your trip. The permit allows the permit holder (and group) to camp in the Overnight Permit Zone they select within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. During this peak season, the snow is (mostly) gone, the temperatures are milder, and the wildflowers appear. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Emma + Joey | Adventure Photographers (@menkesinthemountains) on Instagram: "Things to think about when planning a backpacking trip: *What time of year are you going . 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. A typical June of July day will see 200 hikers and 75 cars parked at the trailhead. Be sure to grab a permit online, get your best hiking friends together, and enjoy everything that Conundrum Hot Springs has to offer. 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. In fact, the personalities and conversations are often the highlight of the trip as long as you go without the expectation of solitude. Served by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK, Meteorologically responsible: Roar Sklin, Copyright Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation 2007-2023. Some of them have large rocks or Boulders in which to step. how long is the hike and is it good to hike at this time of the year? Categories Backpacking, Colorado, Hot Springs. The hike is 17 miles round trip. But the views at the top were worth it. Campfires are not allowed at this elevation because they consume wood, accumulate trash, and kill fragile alpine vegetation. A better hike is the South Platte Trail in Denver. If you are planning on spending the night or are an avid hiker, the route from Crested Butte / Gothic might be better for you. website belongs to an official government organization in the The aspens cover most of the trail for the first four miles, although the actual hot springs and campsites are located primarily in dense pine and fir. Backpackers are more susceptible to altitude sickness up there, and need to be aware of the symptoms of more serious complications. Beyond that, make sure you know the route because it can be easily be lost in the deep snow. Be Proactive. and follow the rules. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone for each night that you camp. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. 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. 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. Hot-springs Swimming Water-activities. For more information on camping in this wilderness area, watch the following video, which is mandatory viewing for overnight visitors. The hot springs are surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in the White River National Forest. West wind 10 to 15 mph. The most important part though is make sure you have comfortable shoes and dry socks as it is very easy to get blisters. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been issued. Conundrum Hot Springs, Conundrum Creek Trail #1981 It was sunny and clear and the high temperature reached 60 degrees. Once this parking lot is full, however, you may not park on the road, and will need to arrange a shuttle. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail could occur over the central Plains Wednesday, northeast Texas into Arkansas on Thursday, and the lower Mississippi Valley on Friday. RealFeel Shade 72. Parking is quite limited and can be made even more limited when winter weather is present. There are no toilets so nows the time to brush up on backcountry bathroom etiquette. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through The access road, trail and all campsites will be covered in snow, requiring cross-country or AT skis, or snowshoes for approach. It sounds like getting there between 6 and 7am is optimal. National Forest You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportation. Even spending such a short time at the top it was dark by the time we got back. Hikers and snowshoers must endure a 9-mile one-way trek up to 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, which can be further complicated and lengthened depending on recent weather. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone that you plan to camp. The trail follows Conundrum Creek from the trail head to the hot springs. Find more on local conditions here. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Use thisMaroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Mapto understand which areas require overnight permits. Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow as many people to enjoy the trail and hot springs as possible. South southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Spring, Pitkin, Colorado (United States). With the extra time spent at the hot springs, you could easily be on the trail for over 10 hours. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. This makes for a long day trip, however, it is definitely doable if one is in reasonably good shape. In October, the leaves will be just changing to their auburn colors and are gorgeous. Make sure to bring a filter for water and light weight gear. I would have been uncomfortable had my daughter been with us. I must admit it was scary at dusk with nobody else on the trail after she seen that, she about crapped her pants. National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZUS52 KTBW provided via the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) website. Thanks in advance. If youre staying just for the day hike in and out or overnight, make sure to bring plenty of provisions like water, food, and camping equipment. All day and all night, the hot springs are there for your relaxation. and follow the rules. Wind SSW 6 mph. Lindsay DeFrates is a freelance writer, mother of three, whitewater raft guide, as well as a former English teacher and Outward Bound instructor. High in the Elk Mountains above Aspen is one of the most stunning hot springs in the West, one large and several smaller pools bubbling to the surface just at timberline. Be prepared for temperature to drop well below freezing at night during this season. Wind NE 6 mph. You cannot camp overnight without one. We saw no other people during the rest of the hike. The view was spectacular. New reservation is subject to availability. A side note: The students in the pool fed by the main hot spring were all completely naked. An official website of the However, all of those are relatively minor points; the major one being that the Condundrum Creek valley is one of the most heavily avalanched areas in Colorado, with the summer trail crossing at least half a dozen major slide paths on its traverse above the creek. In addition, you get to soak in a natural spring while taking in the vistas of the Elk Mountains. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I didn't boil water, just used a Sawyer filter. We had an absolute blast backpacking up the these springs. Threats of harming another We started our hike at about 7:45 am. 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. Map Information Activities Hiking There are a limited number of parking spaces available so you may need to reserve a bus ticket. During the winter, the road will be covered in snow from around October to late May. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Permit holders may cancel their permit up to 2 days before their trip and recieve a full refund (minus the $6 reservation fee). ( Listen to stories, share your own, and be respectful at all times of others experience. The clothing you pack must provide warmth to freezing temps and protection from these storms, including rain pants and jacket. It looks like you're using an old browser. Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, sandals for the river crossing and for the hot springs, swimsuit, towel, etc. During the fall, crowds are generally less, streams are easier to cross, and colors often blaze. Furthermore, you will only be able to camp at the site that you have reserved. The hike crosses Conundrum Creek three times, so finding a place to refill water bottles is not difficult. The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. We hiked from the trail head to the Conundrum Hot Springs and back to the trail head. Best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs (preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am. Sheriff Pitkin: 970-920-5300. 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. Visitors and locals alike reported that during last summer, the permit system seemed to work very well. Is the weather too cold to hike and stay overnight at the conundrum hot springs in mid-November? After storms, it becomes a "valley of death" in which avalanches regularly sweep . Once she back tracked and met up with rest of us it was gone. Official websites use .gov A .gov Weather NOAA Forecast. This trail is a little bit longer at about 22.5 miles total. If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. Id recommend not attempting this trail in the winter unless you absolutely know what youre doing and have complete confidence in your abilities. I went once in mid june time frame. Make sure that you do not bring any glass containers into a wilderness area. The snow will be very deep and proper equipment such as down jackets, enough water, and snowshoes are a must. -10 / -12 0 mm 5 m/s Open hourly forecast Monday 6 Mar. more. I did this hike (on a whim) super pregnant in one dayand I shouldn't have. I and my sons, 16 and 14, made a day trip along the Conundrum Creek Trail outside of Aspen. After an early morning dip in the hot springs, we began our decent. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. The views were incredible, with snow-capped mountains on either side of much of the trail and several lakes along the way. Mt. We had great conversation. Supervisor's Office That being said, check with local rules and regulations prior to planning a trip to this destination. Formed in existing craters or rocks through years of visitation, the Conundrum Hot Springs offer therapeutic soaking in a natural environment. It will be busy during the middle of summer and on holidays. RT Length 14.5 miles if you start at the main trailhead. I would consider this a must-do Colorado activity. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The views along the way were incredible. When we arrived at the pool fed by the main hot spring there were four students-- guys in their late teens/early 20s-- soaking in the springs. Start 9,800 feet. The best campsites are those that are lower numbered. Backpacking during the winter is very challenging and potentially dangerous, even for the very prepared and experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Conundrum Hot Springs - Aspen, CO. Photo: 12 Incredible Colorado Hot Springs Where You Can Camp. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Summer camping in high country areas like this really exists only from early July to mid-September. Those who stay overnight are also required to have a bear canister to store food and trash. Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Maroon Bells more unique features. We encountered only eight people the whole day. The trail starts at 9300 feet, so be prepared for high altitude hiking. 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. I have hiked to this springs for 55 years. The hike is around 8.5 miles on way. Of note, there is very little water between Copper Creek and Triangle Pass so plan accordingly. We then dried off in the sun on the rocks surrounding the main spring and ate our lunch. From early October to late June campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. Enormous aspen groves put on a gold-leaf show in the fall. This has become a huge JOKE in our Aspen Area. We were on a such a time crunch and should have prepared better. It is a difficult out and back trail, but well worth the hike after getting to soak in the pristine waters of Conundrum Hot Springs. Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). more. 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 After a valley stretch, the trail dives into dense forest that can provide some relief on sunny days. During this break we met two women from New Mexico who were descending and who had camped out near the hot springs overnight. How often is the weather forecast updated. A camping permit is required year-round and must be acquired in advance. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. person will not be tolerated. 8,326 were here. There was ample parking in the dirt parking lot to the trail head. 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. "The rain is a relief, but it's not a fix," said Florida Forest Supervisor Tommy Price. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 55 min to complete. Although it is less distance, it is also much less elevation gain and will be easier on the legs. Solid human waste must be packed out. The appeal of Conundrum Hot Springs is undeniable. The Forest Service hauled out a ton of garbage and feces from the trail, which is a Wilderness Area. Mostly cloudy More Details. on official, secure websites. The difference between the routes from Aspen versus Crested Butte is that the route from Crested Butte is much more difficult both in length at 22.5 miles and elevation gain at over 4000 vertical feet. I believe it was 8 or 9 miles in and it is a trek with all your gear. 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