Conundrum Hot Springs
{{short description|Thermal springs}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox spring
| name = Conundrum Hot Springs
| photo = Conundrum Soak (8088830824).jpg
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| location = Wilderness area of White River National Forest
| elevation = {{convert|11207|ft}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39.0120|-106.8910|dim:10000_region:region:US-CO_type:waterbody|name=Conundrum Hot Springs|display=it}}
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| hot_spring_type = geothermal
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| temperature = {{convert|120|°F}}
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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.{{cite book |last1=Berry |first1=George W. |last2=Grim |first2=Paul J. |last3=Ikelman |first3=Joy A. |title=Thermal Spring List for the United States |date=1980 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |location=Boulder, Colorardo}}{{cite book |last1=Gersh-Young |first1=Marjorie |title=Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest |date=2011 |publisher=Aqua Thermal |location=Santa Cruz, California |isbn=978-1-890880-09-5 |page=65}}{{cite web |title=Conundrum Hot Springs - Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness |url=https://www.recreation.gov/permits/273336 |publisher=Recreation.gov |accessdate=7 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Conundrum Hot Springs Permit Zone Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd571832.pdf |publisher=United States Forest Service |accessdate=7 August 2020}}
Description
The hot mineral water collects in existing craters as well as several primitive rock-lined soaking pools that have been dug out nearby.{{cite web |title=Conundrum Hot Springs |url=https://www.uncovercolorado.com/hot-springs/conundrum-hot-springs/ |publisher=Uncover Colorado |accessdate=7 August 2020}} The hot spring water is channeled into two main soaking pools via a hand-built rock-lined waterway. The larger soaking pool is {{convert|15|ft}} in diameter and approximately {{convert|4.5|ft}} deep. The water temperature in the large soaking pool is approximately {{convert|98|°F}}. There is no camping allowed at the springs.
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.
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.{{cite news |last1=Brasch |first1=Sam |title=Conundrum Hot Springs Has A Poop Problem, So You May Have To Bag Your Business |url=https://www.cpr.org/2017/07/17/conundrum-hot-springs-has-a-poop-problem-so-you-may-have-to-bag-your-business/ |accessdate=7 August 2020 |publisher=Colorado Public Radio News |date=17 July 2017}} Dogs are not allowed within {{convert|2.5|mi}} of the hot spring site, and all waste, including feces must be packed out.
Location
The springs are an {{convert|8.5|mi|adj=on}} hike from the Conundrum Creek trailhead, located approximately ten minutes from Aspen by car. The site is surrounded by {{convert|14000|ft|adj=on}} mountains, and is located above the tree line. The weather can change rapidly in the area. The hike involves a gain of {{convert|2500|ft}} to {{convert|11,207|ft}} elevation.{{cite book |last1=Frazier |first1=Deborah |title=Colorado's Hot Springs |date=2014 |publisher=West Margin Press |isbn=978-1-941821-13-8 |pages=78–83}}