While there are no signs indicating where the sprigs are found, hikers will know when they have arrived as soon as the trail crosses a small creek at the waterfall. There are two more bubbling pools found a quarter of a mile further up the trail amongst a mountain meadow. Climbing 1,500 feet, the 6-mile trail leads to a colorful rushing waterfall where the most popular hot springs pool is found. Rainbow Hot Springs Rainbow Hot Springs in Mineral.Įmbedded within the Weminuche Wilderness, a collection of three hot springs, called the Rainbow Hot Springs, lie along the San Juan River, offering one of the best scenic backdrops of any hot springs in the state. Starting point: begin at the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek Road.Note: Due to the popularity of the area, a permit for all overnight users is required.The best time to visit is July through September, as snowfall makes the trailhead and campsites inaccessible during the winter. With an elevation gain of 2,400 feet, the strenuous journey crosses Conundrum Creek three times, with the third crossing requiring wading in the creek. Practically a straight shot, 8.5 miles of the trail brings hikers amongst expansive meadows, surrounding mountain peaks, and thick aspen groves directly to the hot springs. There are two natural hot springs, with the upper pool holding plenty of people, and a slightly smaller pool, downstream. The Conundrum Hot Springs rests at 11,200 feet in elevation set amongst the beautiful scenery of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Trust us when we say, “the hike is worth the views,” on the backpacking trip to the Conundrum Hot Springs. Conundrum Hot Springs Conundrum Hot Springs, photo: William Currier One of these places, Conundrum, requires a permit to go. It’s recommended you visit during the weekday. Because of the complimentary nature of these hot springs, many of them can get crowded, especially on weekends and other peak times. Leave them cleaner than you found them and pack out everything you take in. Please respect these Colorado hot springs pools. Undeveloped and Primitive Hot Springs Pools Penny Hot Springs near Carbondale. Here are six undeveloped and primitive hot springs pools that require anywhere from a super short hiker to an uphill overnight excursion. Lucky to us, some of them are still free. There are dozens of hot springs located around the state of Colorado. Get your heart pumping with these hikes to Colorado’s remote and primitive hot springs. Your guides will introduce themselves, give a quick safety presentation, get you outfitted with splash gear if appropriate, and take you to the put in with rafts in tow.ĭepending on your timing, you can picnic before the tour, or you can leave your food behind at our boathouse to enjoy after the adventure.Who says you can’t mix your adventures with a little rest and relaxation? To reach some of Colorado’s most secluded, free hot springs a trek-in is usually involved. Head over to Colorado Rafting Company’s boathouse and check in. A private holding surrounded by BLM lands, Rancho has amenities like a couple of small stores where you can pick up a few last minute items, a BBQ restaurant, and picnic tables besides the boat launch. The river is moving more slowly now after its hair-raising class V rapids drop through the Gore Canyon.ĭrive on to lively Rancho Del Rio, about fifteen minutes further down the Trough Road.

Below you spreads your first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River valley.

Take a sharp turn and pull over at a paved overlook. All around you are emerald green ranches and farms, quaking aspens, pines, fascinating rock bands, and wildlife including moose, deer, and bald eagles. Turn onto the Trough Road, (Hwy 1,) and wind up and down a well-maintained gravel highway.

Radium hot springs colorado in winter