Conundrum Hot Springs Permit wilderness permit area in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationOvernightVery High Demand

Conundrum Hot Springs Permit

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Natural hot springs at 11,200 ft in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness—one of Colorado's most popular and competitive backcountry destinations.

“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Conundrum Hot Springs permits become available.

Demand
Extremely High
9/10
Method
Reservation
Cost
$15 + $6/person/night
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Conundrum Hot Springs Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
Cost$15 + $6/person/night
Max Group Size8 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level9/10
LocationUSFS

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
17 miles
Elevation Gain
2,500 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Range
8,700 - 11,200 ft

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

3

Be ready when permits drop

Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

4

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand4/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.

Recommended Experience

Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Conundrum Hot Springs is among the most competitive permits in Maroon Bells. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.

Key Landmarks

↑
2,500ft
Gain
↓
2,500ft
Loss
⛰️
11,200ft
High
📏
17.0mi
Distance
📐
2.3%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•3 landmarks

Landmarks (3)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Conundrum Hot Springs.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Conundrum Hot Springs FAQ

How do I get a Conundrum Hot Springs permit?

Conundrum Hot Springs permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Conundrum Hot Springs permit?

This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Conundrum Hot Springs permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Conundrum Hot Springs offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Conundrum Hot Springs
  • 📍Maroon Bells scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

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