Conundrum Hot Springs
A challenging 17-mile hike leads to a remote, natural hot spring nestled in the Colorado Rockies. Requires permits for overnight stays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Conundrum Hot Springs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 17-mile hike leads to a remote, natural hot spring nestled in the Colorado Rockies. Requires permits for overnight stays.
"The hike is strenuous, but the reward of soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by mountains is unforgettable."
🎒 Pack a WAG Bag
Pack out ALL waste, including human waste. Leave No Trace principles are vital here.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the 17-mile trek. Expect varied terrain and creek crossings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Hot Spring Pool
Lower camping area
Soak in the naturally heated waters surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. A truly rewarding experience after a long hike.
Upper Hot Springs
Above the main pool
Discover smaller, hotter pools offering a more intense, natural soak. Be mindful of the extreme temperatures.
Alpine Scenery
Conundrum Creek Trail
Enjoy breathtaking views of wildflowers, aspens, and rugged Colorado landscapes on your journey to the springs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits are Essential
Prepare for a Strenuous Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack a WAG Bag
Pack out ALL waste, including human waste. Leave No Trace principles are vital here.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the 17-mile trek. Expect varied terrain and creek crossings.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water or a reliable water filter for the long hike.
🏕️ Reserve Campsites Early
Overnight permits are required and highly competitive. Book months in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack a WAG Bag
Pack out ALL waste, including human waste. Leave No Trace principles are vital here.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the 17-mile trek. Expect varied terrain and creek crossings.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water or a reliable water filter for the long hike.
🏕️ Reserve Campsites Early
Overnight permits are required and highly competitive. Book months in advance.
🧥 Layer Your Clothing
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Bring layers for warmth and protection.
🐻 Bear Safety
Store food properly and be aware of your surroundings. Bear canisters are recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Conundrum Hot Springs offers a challenging but rewarding backcountry experience with beautiful alpine scenery and natural hot springs. While many praise the stunning hike and relaxing soak, some find the main pool lukewarm and mucky, and the effort required for the long trek can lead to disappointment if expectations aren't managed.
"One day hike, if you're up to nearly 9 miles of uphill, and over 2.5k ft of elevation gain. Strenuous hike with a fully loaded backpack, but totally worth it. The main large hotspring has some things floating around, but the water is a constantly flowing feature of the large pool. There are also two other small springs that are lukewarm, and VERY HOT, above the main spring. Very nice people all the time and a very friendly atmosphere. Clothing is optional, in case you are sensitive to nudity."
Jim Doolittle
"A lukewarm, slimy, gross hot spring. This was colossally disappointing to me because I had heard rave reviews about this place for decades and had dreamed about making it here. Clearly the temperature has declined substantially. You have to take an 18-mile round-trip trek to reach this slime hole. It was a beautiful hike, and the view at the top is lovely, but it’s not worth the two-day effort. I was putting maximum physical exertion into climbing this mountain all day long while imagining reaching the top and basking in the elation of soaking in a hot, clean spring, but it was bitterly disappointing to have worked so hard all day only to reach the top and to get in the tepid water and have big chunks of greenish slime float by me. It just goes to show you that some things on your bucket list will let you down."
Jonathan Neal
"I went in the summer, and it was a really beautiful hike up. We backpacked and stayed a night in one of the campsites, which requires a reservation a few months in advance. The hot springs will get crowded at night, but it's still a really cool experience any time of day. Great temperature and yes it's mucky at the bottom but it's an actual, primitive hot spring that's the point."
Sam Marks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located near Aspen, Colorado. The journey involves a strenuous 16.9-mile round-trip hike along the Conundrum Creek Trail. It's best done as an overnight backpacking trip due to the distance. 
Yes, it's considered a hard hike due to its length (nearly 17 miles) and significant elevation gain of about 2,800 feet. It's especially challenging with a backpack.
While technically possible, it's a very tough day hike. Most visitors opt for an overnight backpacking trip to fully enjoy the experience and avoid extreme exertion.
The trail winds through open wildflower fields, aspens, and involves several creek crossings. Some sections can be narrow.
Conditions can vary, especially in spring. Snow can linger, and creek crossings can be high. Always check recent trail reports before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an overnight camping permit is required for any stay at the campsites near the hot springs. These are competitive and released on Recreation.gov.
Permits are released on Recreation.gov, typically starting in February for the season. They are highly sought after, so be ready to book as soon as they become available.
Conundrum Hot Springs is a natural, undeveloped area and is accessible 24/7, but overnight stays require a permit. Day use is possible but strenuous.
There is no entrance fee for the hot springs themselves, but you will need to pay for a camping permit if you plan to stay overnight.
You can hike to the springs without a permit for a day trip, but overnight camping is strictly prohibited without a valid permit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main pool is generally described as a comfortable, lukewarm temperature, though some reviews mention it can be mucky at the bottom. There are also smaller, hotter pools above the main one.
This is a primitive, undeveloped hot spring. There are no facilities like restrooms or changing rooms. You must pack out everything you pack in, including waste.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. Weekdays and off-peak times offer a more serene experience.
Yes, clothing is optional at Conundrum Hot Springs, as it is at many natural hot springs. Be prepared for this possibility.
You might encounter marmots, ptarmigans, and other alpine wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services available at Conundrum Hot Springs. You must bring all your own food and be prepared to pack it out.
Pack lightweight, non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare. Think dehydrated meals, trail mix, energy bars, and jerky.
Proper food storage is essential to protect against wildlife, especially bears. Use bear-resistant containers or hang your food properly.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire hike offers stunning photo ops, from wildflower meadows to creek crossings and the hot springs themselves. The golden hour light can be magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A durable camera or smartphone that can handle outdoor conditions is ideal. Consider a waterproof case.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be respectful of other visitors' privacy, especially given the clothing-optional nature of the springs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The hot springs themselves offer a unique natural experience, but parents should be aware of the clothing-optional nature of the springs and the potential for mucky bottoms in the main pool. 🎒 Budget Travelers
The main expense will be your food and any necessary gear for the strenuous hike and overnight stay. Since it's a backcountry experience, there are no resort fees or daily admission charges beyond the permit. This makes it an affordable way to experience a stunning natural wonder in Colorado. 🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
The community atmosphere at the springs is generally friendly, making it easy to connect with other travelers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Conundrum Hike
+1 While some sections are gradual, others can be steep, demanding good physical condition and proper footwear. Many visitors recommend breaking up the hike by camping overnight, which requires securing a permit in advance. Recent conditions can vary significantly, especially in the shoulder seasons. Snow can linger well into early summer, impacting trail accessibility and creek crossing safety.
Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced. Visitors are required to pack out all trash, including human waste, using WAG bags. This commitment to preservation ensures that Conundrum Hot Springs remains a pristine natural wonder for future generations.
Camping and Overnight Stays
+1 It's essential to be prepared to book these permits as soon as they are released, as they sell out quickly. There are designated campsites located near the hot springs, with lower numbered sites generally being closer to the pools. When camping, proper preparation is key. This includes packing lightweight, non-perishable food and ensuring it's stored securely to prevent attracting wildlife. Bear canisters or proper bear-hanging techniques are recommended.
Wildlife encounters are possible, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from any animals you may see, such as marmots or ptarmigans.
Adhering to Leave No Trace principles, especially regarding waste disposal and minimizing your impact on the environment, is critical for preserving this beautiful backcountry destination. The Hot Springs Experience
A notable aspect of Conundrum Hot Springs is that it is a clothing-optional area. Visitors should be prepared for this aspect of the natural hot springs culture.
It's crucial to remember that these are natural, undeveloped springs. There are no amenities, and visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles rigorously. This includes packing out all trash and waste, ensuring the pristine condition of the area is maintained for all to enjoy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit