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. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge of 130 GPM, and max avg. temperature of ~100 degrees F (each pool varies).

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The 8.5 mile distance would usually command a 'difficult' rating, however most consider the trail quite moderate. Strong hikers can easily achieve the roundtrip in a day with an early start.

While the springs are the main attraction, the hike in is equally compelling. The Conundrum Creek Trail runs through long stretches of level meadows, aspen forests and wide valley openings to the springs. 

Conundrum draws thousands each summer, most who camp in the immediate vicinity. Expect crowds and minimal privacy during peak months, especially weekends and holidays. The springs also serve as a first stop on longer routes to Crested Butte, Copper Basin and East Maroon Pass.

Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass.

Permits are available at recreation.gov. 

See Camping, Rules & Regs and Worth Noting below for additional information on designated sites, bear canisters, fire restrictions, dog restrictions and travel tips:

The trail dips and rises across a broad meadow that funnels into conifer and aspen along the creek (1.0 miles : 8,970'). It emerges in a small meadow at 1.75 miles, then the first of several major meadows at 1.85 miles (9,240').

Travel is quick to a bridge leading to the west side of the creek (2.75 miles : 9,390'). The bridge is elevated and narrow - consider crossing in the water if slick or carrying a heavy pack. Mild grades continue across a second large meadow at 3.85 miles (9,550'), past which it steepens on rugged terrain above a deep gorge in the valley (4.5 miles).

Note young aspen and fireweed on these steeper slopes, which indicate a recent disturbance that renewed the natural forest cycle.

The trail enters a third major meadow at 4.8 miles that stretches (with brief interruption) to a bridge leading east to the Silver Ponds (6.0 miles : 10,240'). Dogs are not permitted beyond this point.

The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). The ford can be voluminous at peak runoff, but is generally safe and easy. The trail opens across a talus field with your first clear view of the upper valley (7.2 miles : 10,455').

It steepens away in a cluttered forest to a sign on the hot springs perimeter (8.15 miles : 10,965').

Camping is only permitted in designated sites beyond this point, and fires are not permitted. There are several campsites just before this sign along the creek where fires are still permitted.

The trail hops a creek braid and opens past spurs for designated sites to the split for Triangle Pass. The Conundrum Hot Springs are located across the creek about 100 yards away (8.5 miles : 11,222'). There's one large pool and one small pool in the main area where most people congregate. Clothing is optional, and expect a lively crowd.

The springs are at treeline in a valley topped by Cathedral Peak (13,943'), Conundrum Peak (14,022') and Castle Peak (14,265'), which share a similar geologic make-up and appearance to Maroon Bells. The Conundrum Creek Trail continues 2 miles and 1700' up to Triangle Pass.