Conundrum Creek TH #1981
ALERTS:
• Approved bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
The Conundrum Creek Trail, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving 8.5 miles and 2,500 vertical feet up the valley and through the woods and meadows to the popular Conundrum Hot Springs.
The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. From early October to late June, the campsites and trail are snow covered and the trailhead is inaccessible. Avalanche hazards exist in the valley. Snow makes route finding difficult.
Mt. Hayden looms at the start of the hike followed by views of Cathedral Peak, Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak. The trail crosses Conundrum Creek three times before the hot springs. The first crossing at 2.5 miles and the second at 6 miles are spanned by primitive log bridges. The third crossing requires wading through the creek. This creek crossing can be hazardous, especially during spring runoffs. At 8 miles, there are remnants of a cabin, and the hot springs are just ahead on the left on the other side of the creek. A log bridge spans the creek for accessing the hot springs.
General Information
- A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, which include the Conundrum Hot Springs. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov.
- For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.
Conundrum Creek Trail is within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, The following regulations are in place to protect this special area:
- A permit is required for overnight stays within the Conundrum Hot Springs Zone (permit camp site map). View Forest Order.
- Bear resistant containers are required for all overnight visitors. IGBC approved bear canisters must be capable of holding all scented items (including toiletries, garbage, dog food, etc.)
- Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the trailhead. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.
- Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Each designated campsite in the Conundrum Hot Springs Permit Zone has a site-specific maximum group size (from 2-6 people).
Fees are charged for high season overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations at Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
Getting There
Elevation
11,200'
Directions
From Aspen, CO drive ½ mile west on Highway 82 to the roundabout. Go around the Roundabout and turn right onto Castle Creek Road. Drive approximately 5 miles up Castle Creek Road and then turn right onto Conundrum Road. Continue 1.1 miles to a parking lot at the trailhead. Be careful not to stray onto the numerous private driveways found along the road. Trailhead parking is limited.
Parking is prohibited on Conundrum Road. This narrow road is on a county right-of-way over private property. Vehicles will be towed.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
