Colorado · Aspen
Conundrum Hot Springs
Operated by USFS White River NF, recreation.gov permit
Water temperature
100°F (range 97-102°F)
Soak type
Natural
Access
Permit
Clothing
Optional
Crowd
Moderate
Elevation
11,200 ft
Approach
8.5 mi, 6 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Season
Summer (late June to late Sept)
Raw price
$10 permit, per person per night, May-Oct ($6 reservation fee additional)
Per person per visit
$10
Booking difficulty
Permit
Book ahead
4 months
Cell service
No
Miles from SLC
580
Miles from Denver
175
Notes
8.5 miles and 2,500 feet up Conundrum Creek trail from outside Aspen. Small natural rock pool perched at 11,200 feet, perhaps the highest in the contiguous 48. Permits required year-round in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness; Conundrum zone is popular and books out within minutes. 2026 release dates: Feb 15 (Apr-Jul), Jun 15 (Aug-Nov), Oct 15 (Dec-Mar 2027), 8am MT. No dogs in the Conundrum zone. Max 3 nights June 1-Sept 1.
Location
Conundrum Hot Springs
39.0100, -106.9000
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Sources
Pricing and hours change. Confirm on the operator's site before driving.