Pictures, pictures, and more pictures. One of those places in the world where pictures don't do it enough justice.
We arrived into Aspen on Wednesday night in order to get a good night's sleep before our early wake-up time to start the hike. The drive from downtown Aspen is no more than 15 minutes (if you don't miss the turns) as you take the first roundabout on 82 to Castle Creek Road for approximately 5 miles until Conundrum Creek Creek appears on your right. It's a disguised turn on the forested road so keep your eyes peeled if you want to give this hike a try. Just stay on the road, which narrows to a wide single lane dirt passage up to a dirt parking lot where hopefully you will find a spot!
Our GPS information on the hike up from Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/352795676 , expect 8.3-8.75 miles one-way based on any side excursions you may take. We hiked 17.5 miles total on the day, which is no joke especially if you don't live at altitude, and it took us about 3:45 up and 3 hours down with some periods of jogging and lots of stops for photos. Pack a lunch and plenty of fluids (or a water pump/water purifying options) and plan to spend some time soaking your legs half way through in nature's hot tub if you do it as a day hike like us. Most people spend the night at one of the multiple camp sites near the hot springs which requires a heavier pack, but half the hiking per day. There are both campfire and non-campfire legal sites off the trail near the hot springs and depending on the weather, there are sites out of and under tree cover.
Take a look at some of the route below with some more information on the hike!
We arrived into Aspen on Wednesday night in order to get a good night's sleep before our early wake-up time to start the hike. The drive from downtown Aspen is no more than 15 minutes (if you don't miss the turns) as you take the first roundabout on 82 to Castle Creek Road for approximately 5 miles until Conundrum Creek Creek appears on your right. It's a disguised turn on the forested road so keep your eyes peeled if you want to give this hike a try. Just stay on the road, which narrows to a wide single lane dirt passage up to a dirt parking lot where hopefully you will find a spot!
Our GPS information on the hike up from Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/352795676 , expect 8.3-8.75 miles one-way based on any side excursions you may take. We hiked 17.5 miles total on the day, which is no joke especially if you don't live at altitude, and it took us about 3:45 up and 3 hours down with some periods of jogging and lots of stops for photos. Pack a lunch and plenty of fluids (or a water pump/water purifying options) and plan to spend some time soaking your legs half way through in nature's hot tub if you do it as a day hike like us. Most people spend the night at one of the multiple camp sites near the hot springs which requires a heavier pack, but half the hiking per day. There are both campfire and non-campfire legal sites off the trail near the hot springs and depending on the weather, there are sites out of and under tree cover.
Take a look at some of the route below with some more information on the hike!
You'll enter the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness - if this is your first trip to Aspen you can't miss Maroon Bells, some of the most photographed peaks in the world. There are also great hikes in that valley if you don't have your heart set on bathing in the natural hot springs reward of this hike.
We spotted a moose early on while looking right off of the trail about 0.5 miles into the hike. He was a big active bull moose feeding voraciously. Just like bears, I was happy to be far away while we spectated.
Pack an extra pair of socks for the hike, some river crossings are simple wide balance beams like below, while others aren't so easy including a river ford crossing about 6 miles up.
You can't hike in Aspen without a picture of the famous trees of course. This grove was leaning with the hill and would be absolutely stunning in the fall when your path would be lined with gold.
We didn't get fall foliage colors, but all of the wildflowers were in full bloom. The variety of flowers (and bugs) was terrific. If you haul a quality camera for the hike you won't be disappointed with your photo haul.
As you hike you will see the 14'ers in the distance, that is where you are heading! It's a long ways but you'll be happy when you're in the hot water taking in your majestic Rocky Mountain surroundings.
Be fleet of foot to keep your shoes dry!
Check out the views from Conundrum Hot Springs - and you get to be relaxed and warm as you take them in.
Jess with an incredible balance performance - she kept her shoes dry and I'm going to credit her gymnastics history. This is the river ford but you can try to stay dry like Jess on the log crossings. There are multiple water crossings during this hike.
And Celebration! We took a stop in a nice part of Buena Vista on South Main at Eddyline Brewery. It's a nice little spot if you need a stop outside of Aspen (assuming you took Independence Pass!)
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