Conundrum Hot Springs
- Location
- Crested Butte CO, United States
- Water type
- bicarbonate, silica
- Temperature
- 38 °C
- pH
- 7.8
Water profile
Soothing — neither hot nor cold, perfect balance.
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Colorado's most spectacular and remote thermal destinations, located at an elevation of 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness of the White River National Forest. Accessible only by a strenuous 17-mile round-trip hike through stunning alpine terrain, these backcountry pools reward the effort with pristine bicarbonate and siliceous thermal waters set among towering peaks and wildflower meadows. The pools maintain a natural temperature ideal for soaking, and the high-altitude setting offers extraordinary views under skies unspoiled by light pollution. Given the wilderness designation, Conundrum requires a permit and leave-no-trace camping etiquette, ensuring the springs retain their pristine, wild character.