A special feature of the 181,976-acre Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is the Conundrum Hot Springs at an elevation of 11,200 feet. This area has special legal designation to protect its natural, undeveloped and unconfined qualities as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for loneliness or primitive and unconfined recreation.

Conundrum Hot Springs is definitely at least a two day trip. It is a long hike from the Conundrum trail head through fairly easy terrain following the creek to the springs. If you do this during the winter or spring, be prepared to have snow shoes and snow gear. There can still be deep drifts through early and mid spring. The hike to the spring was very scenic (fall colors this time of year). With overnight/weekend packs this is intermediate to difficult, mostly due to the majority of the elevation gain being over the last 1/4-1/3 of the trail. But it is worth it, soaking in a hot spring with wonderful mountain views and secluded camp sites make it an excellent hike. Note to the prudish types, there will be nude hikers in the spring. Parking is kind of limited. Over all the views are spectacular.