Conundrum Hot Springs
~2 days · 10.3 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Conundrum Hot Springs is known for
Conundrum Hot Springs is a popular backpacking destination in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness south of Aspen, Colorado. The trip is an out-and-back up the Conundrum Creek valley, climbing through forest and wildflower meadows to a pair of natural hot spring pools set high in the mountains near treeline. The soaking pools at the head of the valley are the trail's main draw. It is known as one of Colorado's more sought-after wilderness hot springs, which led to a managed permit system.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 8,799 ft to 12,936 ft over 10.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 0.0 mi · 0%
- Downhill 8.3 mi · 82%
- Flat 1.8 mi · 18%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Conundrum Hot Springs?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Conundrum Hot Springs scores 4/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Summer through early fall (roughly July to September) is the standard season once snow has cleared the upper valley; the high pools are hard to reach in deep snow.
Permits: Overnight camping at Conundrum Hot Springs requires an advance reservation permit for designated sites administered by the Forest Service, so book ahead before an overnight trip.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Conundrum Hot Springs take?
Most backpackers hike the Conundrum Hot Springs in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 10.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Conundrum Hot Springs?
The Conundrum Hot Springs climbs roughly 259 ft total — about 25 ft per mile, topping out near 12,943 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Conundrum Hot Springs?
Summer through early fall (roughly July to September) is the standard season once snow has cleared the upper valley; the high pools are hard to reach in deep snow.
Do you need a permit for the Conundrum Hot Springs?
Overnight camping at Conundrum Hot Springs requires an advance reservation permit for designated sites administered by the Forest Service, so book ahead before an overnight trip.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.