Backpack Trail Guide

Trails / Colorado / Elk Mountains

Conundrum Hot Springs (Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness)

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, Aspen Ranger District (Conundrum Creek Trailhead, near Aspen)

Soaking at Conundrum Hot Springs above Conundrum Creek valley
“Soaking at Conundrum Hot Springs above Conundrum Creek valley” by wanderstruck , CC BY-ND 2.0 · Source · Resized for the web

Conundrum Hot Springs is a natural soaking pool at about 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, reached by an 8.5-mile hike up the Conundrum Creek valley from just outside Aspen. Wikipedia says the springs are among the highest in altitude in the United States. Camping nearby is limited to 20 designated sites, reserved in advance.

Its popularity has brought strict rules. Wikipedia notes the springs once drew up to 300 people a night, and the Forest Service now manages the area through a permit zone.

The hike

The Forest Service describes the Conundrum Creek Trail as generally paralleling Conundrum Creek, weaving 8.5 miles and 2,500 vertical feet up the valley through woods and meadows to the springs. Wikipedia says the trailhead is about ten minutes from Aspen by car. The Forest Service warns that parking is prohibited on Conundrum Road, a narrow county right-of-way over private property.

The CMC says the trail parallels and crisscrosses Conundrum Creek, and that following it requires wading across the creek in places, which can be hazardous during spring runoff. Colorado Hikes and Hops describes wildflower meadows, pine forests, and several creek crossings. Soak Destinations says the final approach steepens into the alpine zone, and that the last quarter mile before the springs is the steepest section.

Soak Destinations puts the trailhead at about 8,800 feet and the springs at about 11,200 feet. Uprooted Traveler notes there are no services at the campground, no vault toilets or water spigots. Wikipedia says the permit system limits camping in the Conundrum Creek valley between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass, and Colorado Hikes and Hops describes site group sizes of two to four people, depending on the site.

The campsites lie below the springs. A TripAdvisor summary describes a small soaking pool above the designated campsites. Wikipedia says camping isn’t allowed at the springs themselves.

Season is the big constraint. The Forest Service says the best time to visit is July through September. From early October to late June, it says, the campsites and trail are snow-covered, the trailhead is inaccessible, avalanche hazards exist, and snow makes route-finding difficult.

The permit system has been built up over time. Recreation.gov says Conundrum Hot Springs is one of the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Overnight Permit Zones, where permit holders must camp in their reserved campsite. Colorado Hikes and Hops says reservations for 2026 opened in February. Uprooted Traveler says permits usually sell out soon after release, with half released six months ahead and half four days ahead, both at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.

Human waste has been a problem here. Wikipedia mentions Forest Service efforts against improper human waste disposal around Conundrum, and a news report it cites about the area’s “poop problem.” The Forest Service now highly recommends WAG bags and provides them free at the trailhead. A TripAdvisor reviewer says the Forest Service has hauled a ton of garbage and feces out of the area.

Rangers monitor the camps. A TripAdvisor summary warns that you’ll be fined for prohibited campfires or for camping outside a designated site.

For another Maroon Bells–Snowmass trip, see the Four Pass Loop.

Tips

Camping

Camping is limited to 20 designated sites in the Conundrum Hot Springs Permit Zone, each with its own group-size limit of 2 to 6 people, per the Forest Service. You must camp in your reserved site. Recreation.gov says campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, and that food, trash, and scented items must be in an approved bear-resistant container. Contact the White River National Forest for current conditions.

Inside Intel: Colorado Hikes and Hops says the campsites are a short distance from the springs, which lets you sleep under the stars and wake up for another soak. A TripAdvisor summary notes there aren’t enough campsites for demand, and recommends bringing sandals for the creek crossings and the pool.

Trail facts

The Lowdown

Wading Conundrum Creek on the way to soak:

The trail crisscrosses Conundrum Creek and requires wading in places, which can be hazardous during spring runoff. Bring sandals and read five tips for crossing safely.

Get the five tips →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.