Conundrum Hot Springs

One of the most popular hot springs in the State of Colorado is located in Conundrum Creek in the White River National Forest. These Hot Springs are called Conundrum Hot Springs. The conundrum is one of the highest altitude hot springs located in all the United States. The Hot Springs are at an elevation of 11,200 feet from the Sea-level due to their location amid the Rocky Mountain Ranges. The hot springs are surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in the  White River National Forest. You know what is a wonderful example of open skies and a refreshing dip, the Olympic hot springs. Click here to learn more.

What Are the Conundrum Hot Springs Like?

These Hot Springs consist of Two large pools and four small springs. The temperatures in these springs slightly vary from one other. However, the depth is only 3 feet for all the bodies of water and much lower for the springs. The Temperature of the pool and springs also vary. The bigger ones are lower in temperature compared to the smaller springs. These hot springs are usually visited by Tourists from all over the country due to their Scenic views of the valley surrounded by the three tallest mountain peaks in the Rocky Range known as Cathedral Peak (13,943’), Conundrum Peak (14,022’), and Castle Peak (14,265’). 

The Conundrum Hot Springs can only be reached by walking along Hiking Trail known as Conundrum Creek Trail. The Hiking Trail is 29 km long, and it is only suited for Advanced level Hikers. This long trail as it leads through the Rough Mountain Terrain gains an elevation of 2,200+ feet as it heads towards the canyon or valley atop the mountains where the Hot Springs are located. The Conundrum Hot springs are located near the Municipality of Aspen in the State of Colorado. A Conundrum Hot Springs Permit and Advanced Reservation are required to visit the Conundrum Hot Springs and the surrounding White Water National Forest.

Location of Conundrum Hot Springs

From the County of Aspen, go west through Highway 82 onto Maroon Lake Road and head straight for a mile. Keep a lookout for the Castle Creek Road on the right, use the Castle Creek Road, and head south for 5 miles until the Signpost showing Conundrum Creek Road which is on the right. Now use this road leading to the Conundrum Creek Trailhead.

It can also be reached from the Municipality of Grand Junction which is located at a distance of 127 miles from the town of Aspen. To reach Aspen, take Interstate Highway 70 heading east towards Glenwood Springs for 85.8 miles. Once you reach Glenwood Springs take the exit towards aspen onto the Colorado State Highway 82 and head straight for 41.2 miles which will lead you to Aspen. From which follow the above-mentioned route.

Best Time to Visit Conundrum Hot Springs

The ideal time to make your way to the conundrum is from July to September. During Winter the surroundings of the Hot Springs are thickly blanketed with frost and roads and the trailheads stay Inaccessible. The conundrum hot springs are crowded mostly due to the people being aware of the Hot Springs across the State of Colorado. However, due to multiple pools, you can be assured that you will be able to soak in these Hot Springs. I highly recommend people to visit these Hot Springs during October, when the surrounding environment changes its shade into different contrasts of Brown offering scenic views of the Surrounding Peaks and the forests below.

Reviews of Conundrum Hot Springs

Conundrum Hot Springs is well known among the people visiting Colorado. As a result, the reviews across multiple social media platforms are mostly positive. Tourists visiting Conundrum are often happy about the picturesque landscape surrounding the pools. They travel long distances to reach this stunning pool.

Some people, especially hikers and nature lovers are also very delighted with the Views of some of the Tallest Peaks in the Rocky Mountain Ranges surrounding the pool. However, there are also negative reviews of these pools. The people visiting these pools during Winter and Spring are often worried about the slime in the pools. During these months the pools are of slightly lower temperature and so there is a chance of bacteria getting accumulated in the pools. So it is not safe to soak in these pools. 

Tourist Attractions Near Conundrum Hot Springs

There are many popular tourist attractions near Conundrum Hot Springs for you to visit.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

This pristine wilderness is 181,535 acres across White River and Gunnison National Forests. This place was established in the year 1980 by the Federal Government for the conservation and protection of Flora and Fauna of Colorado. The wilderness is widely known among hikers due to its large number of Hiking Trails which stretch almost 160kms. Due to its location in between the Rockies, the wilderness has 9 mountain peaks which are at an elevation of 12,000 feet, and 6 peaks at an elevation of 14,000 feet. So it is said that some of the tallest mountains in all of Colorado are located here.

The wilderness is named after Two of the Mountain peaks located here called Maroon Bells and Snowmass. This wilderness is also home to several species of wild animals like Elk, Moose, Black Bears, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Deer, Red Fox, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain goats. It also features a River and also many lakes located deep in the surrounding wilderness.

Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs

This is one of the popular hot springs near the Municipality of Aspen. These Hot Springs are maintained by a Private Resort. These are in the Crystal River valley offering magnificent news of the  Mountains and surrounding wilderness. There are three commercialized pools in these Hot Springs. A waterfall of 3feet high feeds the pools with the steamy water from the natural Hot Springs. The water cascades from one pool to another. The resort also provides private cabins for those who are willing to spend the night here. The people staying in the cabins have 24 hr access to the steamy pools. The facility is open all year long except on Wednesday every week from 9 am to 5 pm for Cleaning and Maintenance of pools.

Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells are one of the most popular mountain peaks located in the White River National Forest. They are at a distance of 12 miles from the Municipality of Aspen. Maroon Bells consists of two mountain peaks known as Maroon Peak and the North Maroon Peak which are separated by a distance of 500 meters. The Maroon Bell is located on the banks of Maroon Lake, and it casts a reflection along the lake surface.

To reach these 14,000 feet tall peaks we need to follow a hiking trail known as Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail. The Trail is only 1.8 km long, and it starts near the base of the Snowmass Mountains. And it is ideal for hikers with Basic, Medium, and Advanced Skills. However, a permit is required to visit this stunning location.

Independence Pass

Independence pass is one of the scenic mountain passes located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The pass is located at an elevation of 12,095 ft near the Municipality of Aspen. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting this state due to its stunning vistas, and colorful flower patches, and Blue lakes that adore the pass as it snakes through the Mountain ranges. It is a pass that will truly let you understand what the scenic route means. The pass is halfway between Aspen and Twin lakes and so it is easily accessible. It also marks between Pitkin and Lake Counties. It is part of State Highway 82 and is 32 miles long. The pass is on the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen in the State. Driving along this scenic route and encountering this alluring scenery is an experience you will never forget.

Silver Queen Gondola

This is a popular Ski Resort located in the Municipality of Aspen. It also offers Gondola services that lead you to the Ajax Mountain Summit. It is the ideal way to reach the summit if you are not interested in walking Trails. The Ski resort is crowded during Winter as it is a popular Winter Getaway. The resort offers rental of Ski/Snowboards and their accessories, and it also offers a certified snowboarder or skier who helps you improve your skills. During other seasons, it is frequented by the Tourists visiting the summit or want to experience the Scenic Gondola Ride. The Gondola ascends through the surrounding forest to an elevation of 11,212 feet as it reaches the Summit of Ajax Mountain. The Gondolas are closed and offer stunning scenery as they ascend through the Mountainous terrain.

When you are looking for stunning hot springs to visit and camping out there in the wilderness, there is no better place than Grover hot springs. Here, why don’t you do yourself a favor and take a look at some of the best campsites at Grover hot springs?

Hotels Nearby the Natural Hot Springs

Many popular lodges are located nearby the Town of Aspen. These hotels offer luxurious amenities and Hotel rooms with many features. 

Aspen Square Condominium Hotel

This top-rated hotel is located in the Municipality of Aspen and is at a distance of 1.0 miles from the Conundrum Hot Springs. This lodge offers 101 types of unique condominiums for you to choose from and offers 6 types of rooms as Non-Smoking Rooms, Luxury Suites, City View Rooms, Family Rooms, Pool View, and Mountain View Rooms. These Hotel rooms or Condominiums have various features like Bathrobes, Free Pool Access, Walk-in Shower, flat-screen TV, Fireplace, Air Conditioning, Dining Area, Coffee/ Tea Maker, and Sofabeds. The Hotel also offers several luxury amenities like Free Parking Garage Space, Complimentary Tea/Coffee, a Large Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, Heated Pools with views, Conference Facility, BBQ Facility, Concierge, Outdoor Furniture with Umbrellas, Business Centre with High-Speed Internet Access, Baggage Storage, Dry-Cleaning, Self Service Laundry, and Sun Loungers/Beach Chairs and many more. 

Mountain Chalet Aspen

Another popular hotel located in Aspen and has high ratings for its Location, Cleanliness, Service, Value across multiple platforms. The hotel is located at a distance of 0.8 miles from Conundrum Hot Springs and offers scenic views of the surroundings. The hotel features three types of rooms as Non-Smoking Rooms, Luxury Suites, and Family Rooms. The room has several unique features like a Private Balcony, Air Conditioning, Wake-up Service, Refrigerator, Kitchen, Safe, Shower, Housekeeping, and a Flatscreen TV. It also has various luxury amenities like Free Parking Space, Free High-Speed Internet Access, Free Breakfast, Fitness Room with a Workout room, a Heated Swimming Pool, Sauna, Vending Machine, Billiards, Shared Lounge/TV Area, Game Rooms, Breakfast Buffet, Table Tennis Court, Baggage Storage, Massage parlor, Meeting Rooms, Business Centre with High-Speed Internet Access and many more.

Hotel Aspen

This newly constructed modern hotel located in the City of Aspen is just 0.7 miles from Conundrum Hot Springs. Hotel Aspen offers five types of rooms as Mountain View rooms, Pool View Rooms, Non-Smoking Rooms, Luxury Suites, and Family Rooms. These comfy rooms have various features like Air-Conditioning, Fireplace, kitchen, Flatscreen TV, Private Balcony, Telephone, Desk, housekeeping, Microwave, Hair-Dryer, Safe, and a Refrigerator. It also has many luxury amenities like Free Parking Space, Heated Pools, Bicycle Rental, Baggage Storage, Shared Lounge/TV Area, Laundry Service, Free Kids Stay; Books, DVDs, and Music for Children, Outdoor pool and Furniture, Hot Tubs, ATM and High-Speed Internet Access.

Restaurants Nearby Aspen

There are many famous restaurants located in the City of Aspen offering multiple cuisines, tasty and nutritious food, and Friendly services.

The White House Tavern

Top-rated restaurant located in the Town of Aspen with both Indoor and Outdoor Seating. The restaurant is only 0.3 miles from Independence pass along State Highway 85. They offer meals for Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late-Night. They also have special diets for Vegetarian-friendly, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options. The White House Tavern also has a Full-Service Bar. This restaurant has various features like Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Table Service, Television, Wheelchair availability, etc. The Hotel accepts payments through Credit and as well as Debit cards.

Pyramid Bistro

This Aspen hotel is famous for its Healthy, American, and International Cuisines.

They offer meals for Lunch, Dinner, and also meals for Vegetarian friendly, and Gluten-free Options. Reservations can be made in advance through their  Website.

French Alpine Bistro

This luxury dining offers cuisines for French, Swiss, and Swiss Dishes. It is an ideal location for you if the taste of new and inviting dishes is what you desire. This Bistro offers meals for Lunch, Dinner, and Drinks. They also have special diets for Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten-Free Options. They offer several features like Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Gift Cards Available, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, and Table Service. French Alpine Bistro accepts payments through American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discovery, and Credit cards.

Hiking Trails Nearby Conundrum Hot Springs

Hiking is also a popular activity here in Colorado for locals as well as for tourists visiting from all over the United States of America.

Crater Lake Hiking Trail

Crater Lake Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails located in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness and it also features a beautiful lake known as Crater Lake. This trail is 5.6 km long and is considered Moderate level. The Trail is best suited for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The Trail leads deep into the wilderness and offers stunning views of the Sawatch Range Mountains of the Rockies. The trail is frequented by tourists from June to October for various activities like Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Nature trips, Fishing, etc. The trail is Kid-Friendly and it is also the ideal place to encounter Wildlife.

Four Pass Loop Hiking Trail

This one is the toughest hiking trail located in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness and it also is 41.4 km long. The trail mostly consists of Rough Mountain and Slippery terrain, due to which it is ideal for only Hikers with Advanced Skills. This is a loop trail and it has an elevation gain of 2,363 m. Hikers frequent these trails from June to October for various activities like Hiking, Rock-Climbing, Backpacking, and Camping. Pets are also permitted into the trail but must be kept on a leash.

The Grottos Hiking Trail

The Grottos is another easy hiking trail near the City of Aspen in the White Water National Forest. The trail features a small waterfall. It is 1.0 km long and is considered suitable for Hikers with Basic, Medium, and Advanced Skills. The trail is frequented by Hikers from June to September for various activities like Nature Trips, Hiking, Walking, Running, Backpacking, etc. Pets are also permitted into the trail but must be kept on a Leash.

American Lake Hiking Trail

This Trail is named after the American lake at the end of the Hiking Trail. American Lake Trail is located near the City of Aspen in the wilderness of the White Water National Forest. The Hiking Trail is 9.0 km long and is only suitable for Hikers with Advanced skills. It is frequented from May to October by Tourists and Locals. The trail offers various activities like Hiking, Running, Rock Climbing, etc. A permit is required to enter the Hiking Trail.

Grizzly Lake Hiking Trail

Another popular hiking trail featuring a small waterfall and a lake. The Trail is located near the City of Aspen in the White Water National Forest. The Hiking Trail is 11.4 km long and it is considered to be a moderate level trail. So it is ideal only for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. Hiking Trail is frequented by Tourists from June to September for various activities like Hiking, Running, Walking, Nature Trips, Bird Watching, and Backpacking. Dogs are allowed into the hiking trail but must be kept on a leash.

Precautions to Take While Camping

Camping is another popular activity here in the State of Colorado. Travelers come all over the country to camp in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Camping in these lush green forests and encountering alluring views of the Rockies and the Hidden lakes and Mighty Rivers can be Pleasant, Refreshing, and Peaceful. However, it is also ideal to follow certain precautions while camping here to make your trip safe and more enjoyable.

Checking Weather Beforehand

It is highly recommended to check weather updates while visiting these natural hot springs. The Weather here in the Rockies can abruptly change within minutes. So it is safe to check the weather forecasts and extreme weather alerts before the Camping trip.

Carry Sun Protection

It is important to carry Sun Protection like Goggles and Sun Creams during a camping trip. Sun here in the Rockies can be sometimes extreme due to the Rough Rocky terrain. No protection from the sun can cause Skin Burns, rashes, and Tanning.

Drink plenty of water

Camping in the wilderness of the White Water National can cause extreme sweating which can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps your body to recover its water levels.

Cook Healthy and Nutritious Food

It is also important to cook or eat healthy and nutritious food while you are camping in the wilderness. Our body spends a lot of energy due to the activities we perform while spending time outdoors in camps. Eating Healthy and Nutritious food will help you gain energy as well as help your body fight infections and allergies.

Carry a Med-Kit

It is also important to carry a Med-kit while camping in the forests. It is easy to get injured in this rough terrain and the thick forests. Med-kit helps you to patch up your injuries efficiently and reduce blood loss and the chances of getting infected.

Carry Essentials

It is also recommended to carry a backup with all the essentials camp equipment during the trip. We need to carry essentials like Water, Food or Snacks, Torchlight, Insect Protection, Lighter, Cold Storage, Camp Gear, Pillows, Camp Chairs, Stove, and a Comfy Bed. These essential items will make your trip safer and more joyful.

Other Hot Springs Near Conundrum Hot Springs

Colorado is famous for its many Hot Springs. Tourists often visit this state to soak in these Mineral Rich Steamy Pools.

Penny Hot Springs

Penny Hot Springs are geothermal pools on the banks of the Crystal River in Aspen. These Hot Springs offer stunning views of the Snow peaked mountains and surrounding forests during Winter. The Hot Springs are named after a small hotel owner Dan Penny who used to run a bathhouse and hotel near the Avalanche creek. The Penny Hot Springs consists of a single pool that is bordered by rocks. The pool is submerged during winter.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is in a private resort along the side of the Colorado River. This private hot springs facility is highly known for its steamy pools with medicinal properties. This Commercial Hot spring consists of multiple pools. The facility also offers rooms for Staying. These popular hot springs are one of the many hot springs located in the Glenwood Springs of the State of Colorado.

South Canyon Hot Springs

South Canyon Hot Springs is another natural hot spring located in Garfield County along State Highway 134. These Hot Springs are undeveloped as a result the temperatures in the pools may be inconsistent. However, these hot springs also offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the canyon where it is located.

Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs pool is said to be the largest hot spring pool in the country and is maintained by a Private Resort. This facility also offers Training in various Aqua Sports, Relaxing in Steamy pools, Spa, Lodges, and many more. This all-in-one Hot Springs facility is popular among tourists and is often crowded. The steamy water of these natural pools contains 15 essential minerals which have various medicinal properties.

Yampah Hot Springs

Yampah is another popular commercial Hot Spring facility that is also located in the Municipality of Glenwood Springs. This facility instead of open pools like the other facilities has unique hot spring pools located inside the caves of yampa. Soaking in these cave pools is an experience like no other. The facility also offers various spa treatments and teaches relaxation techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros 

• Stunning Scenery
• Views of some of the Tallest Peaks.
• Multiple pools
• Easily accessible
• Multiple Hiking Trails Nearby
• Campgrounds nearby
• Easy Hiking Trail leading to the Hot Springs

Cons

• Slime in the pools during Winter and Spring
• Inaccessible roads during winter
• Not cleaned or Maintained

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Conclusion

We highly recommend people to visit one of the Highest Hot Springs in the world and enjoy an experience you will never forget. There are multiple pools so we can ensure that we can soak in these pools happily even on crowded days. Moreover, The pools offer Alluring views of some of the tallest mountain peaks in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Also, there are many trails nearby for you to hike and many activities for you to take part in. There are also many tourist attractions nearby for you to visit during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)