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Conundrum Hot Springs permit

Conundrum Hot Springs Gear Checklist

What to carry on Conundrum Hot Springs, and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
2Required
7To bring

What to bring on Conundrum Hot Springs

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    IGBC approved bear resistant container

    Permit rule: โ€œFood, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Visitors without one will be ticketed and required to leaveโ€

  • Required

    WAG bag or trowel

    there are no toilets in the wilderness

    Permit rule: โ€œThere are no toilets: use a WAG bag or dig a cat hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails, and pack out toilet paperโ€

  • Bring

    Stove

    since campfires are prohibited at every designated site here

  • Bring

    Warm layers for evenings at 11,200 feet

  • Bring

    Water treatment for the walk in and for camp

  • Bring

    Quick-dry shorts or a swimsuit for the pools

  • Bring

    Camp shoes for walking between your site and the springs

  • Bring

    Headlamp for the evening soak

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for a long, steady 8.5-mile approach with a full pack

6 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Plan a trip here

General backcountry gear

General backcountry kit. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness's own rules for this permit are above.

๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Conundrum Hot Springs

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • โ€ขWeigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • โ€ขRent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • โ€ขTest all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • โ€ขSome items are required seasonally. Check current regulations.

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