Conundrum Hot Springs
Map
LocationWilderness area of White River National Forest
Coordinates39°00′43″N 106°53′28″W / 39.0120°N 106.8910°W / 39.0120; -106.8910 (Conundrum Hot Springs)
Elevation11,207 feet (3,416 m)
Typegeothermal
Temperature120 °F (49 °C)

Conundrum Hot Springs is a geothermal spring in a remote section of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area of the White River National Forest in Colorado Rocky Mountains.[1][2][3][4]

Description

The hot mineral water collects in existing craters as well as several primitive rock-lined soaking pools that have been dug out nearby.[5] The hot spring water is channeled into two main soaking pools via a hand-built rock-lined waterway. The larger soaking pool is 15 feet (4.6 m) in diameter and approximately 4.5 feet (1.4 m) deep. The water temperature in the large soaking pool is approximately 98 °F (37 °C). There is no camping allowed at the springs.[6]

Conundrum hot springs are among the highest in altitude in the United States. The springs are located in a scenic setting, with views of mountains, avalanche chutes and waterfalls. The larger soaking pools can fit ten or more people.[5]

In recent years there have been problems at the springs with human feces being left by hikers, campers and spring users which can contaminate the water with pathogens. The forest service is asking that people pack it out on their return hike.[7] Dogs are not allowed within 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of the hot spring site, and all waste, including feces must be packed out.[6]

Location

The springs are an 8.5-mile (13.7 km) hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead, located approximately ten minutes from Aspen by car. The site is surrounded by 14,000-foot (4,300 m) mountains, and is located above the tree line. The weather can change rapidly in the area. The hike involves a gain of 2,500 feet (760 m) to 11,207 feet (3,416 m) elevation.[6]

Water profile

The hot mineral water emerges from the ground at 122 °F. The temperature of the soaking pools are approximately 98 °F. The water is air cooled while flowing through the rock-lined channels before reaching the soaking pools.[6][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Berry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Spring List for the United States. Boulder, Colorardo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  2. ^ a b Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
  3. ^ "Conundrum Hot Springs - Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Conundrum Hot Springs Permit Zone Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness" (PDF). United States Forest Service. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Conundrum Hot Springs". Uncover Colorado. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d Frazier, Deborah (2014). Colorado's Hot Springs. West Margin Press. pp. 78–83. ISBN 978-1-941821-13-8.
  7. ^ Brasch, Sam (17 July 2017). "Conundrum Hot Springs Has A Poop Problem, So You May Have To Bag Your Business". Colorado Public Radio News. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
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