Comments on: Backpacking to Conundrum Hot Springs https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/backpacking-conundrum-hot-springs/ Seeing the World One Step at a Time Thu, 07 Feb 2019 14:06:31 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Amber M MacPherson https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/backpacking-conundrum-hot-springs/#comment-20377 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 21:06:29 +0000 http://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=78139#comment-20377 Hi Janet,
The pictures that I have posted are from about 3 years ago during August, so they are not representative of the current conditions. I personally do not know how things are up there currently. I can, however, offer a comparison – the trailhead is at 8,700 feet above sea level and it ends at 11,200 feet. I live at 9,000 feet and we have had snow twice so far this year, and currently have some in our yard. I can see snow in the high country around the Continental Divide. If I were you, I would plan for snow. When I was there, it was cold at night, and it was August, so definitely pack warm and have a good sleeping bag. I would be particularly wary of the part of the trail where you need to ford the creek as it’s possible to get pretty wet there. I don’t know how high the creek is right now, but use trekking poles and try to stay dry. You definitely don’t want to saturate your hiking boots.

As far as tent type goes, that’s a little harder. What elevation are you coming from? The hike up to the hot springs is fairly arduous if you are carrying a heavy pack and are unused to the elevation. Of course, it’s worth it to avoid a tent collapse. I’d be more inclined to carry the weight and bring the 4 season, even though I think it’s likely to be overkill. If you could borrow a 3 season, that would probably be best, but I understand how hard that can be. Are Yaklikes a sort of microspike? I would bring those at a minimum. The snowshoes could be nice, but now you are back to considering the weight you are carrying.

One thing you can do is to check the 14ers.com website. There is a thread for current Conundrum Hot Springs conditions on there. It’s not current, but you can ask the question and someone might know. Conundrum Creek Trail is also used to access Conundrum and Castle peaks, hence it’s relevance on that page. That could help you make a decision about your tent and snowshoes.

One final thing – the drainage that the trail runs through can be avalanche prone. I don’t think it’s late enough in the season to worry about, but it can be legitimately dangerous under certain conditions. Just keep that in mind.

Good luck and have fun! I’m thinking you’ll have less issues with crowds going this time of the year. Sorry I don’t know more about the current conditions.

]]> By: Janet https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/backpacking-conundrum-hot-springs/#comment-20366 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 00:50:15 +0000 http://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=78139#comment-20366 Hi Amber,

Thank you for sharing!!!! I am coming out to backpaack this on Sunday October 15th. I saw your post for Oct 10th . No snow ? I was thinking to bring crampons , snowshoes and yaklikes. How are the trails? Temp storms and rain effects?

Do I need 4 season heavier double wall winter tent or can we get away with my 2 # super mega light weight tent??
Please let me know your thoughts since you just posted this on the 10th. how technical as am flying in from cross country.

Thank you so very much.

I really appreciate your help .

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