Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
July to September
About Conundrum Hot Springs
Conundrum Hot Springs is one of Colorado's best-known wild hot springs, set in an alpine basin at about 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness south of Aspen. Reaching it takes a full-day hike of about 8.5 miles each way up the Conundrum Creek valley, with around 2,500 feet of climbing. The springs form a main pool, the hottest at up to about 103°F (39°C), plus a few smaller, cooler pools, all with a natural rock and gravel bottom and views of the surrounding 13,000-foot peaks. Clothing is unofficially optional, and guides note that nude soakers often outnumber those in swimsuits; the expected etiquette is simply not to stare. There are no facilities of any kind. The springs were so heavily used that the Forest Service described them as being loved to death, with problems from human waste and overcrowded campsites, and in 2018 it introduced a reservation permit system for overnight camping. Day hikers can still visit without a reservation if they head back before dark. Snow usually covers the trail from October to June.
Legal context & local rules
The springs are on National Forest wilderness land. The Forest Service regulates camping, dogs and waste here but publishes no rule designating it clothing-optional; nude soaking is a tolerated custom. Overnight camping without a reserved permit is ticketed (permit system since 2018).
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
The Conundrum Creek trailhead is about 5 miles from Aspen. The trail climbs gradually through forest and meadows, with three creek crossings that can be dangerous after heavy rain; most hikers take 4-5 hours up. Overnight stays require an advance permit from Recreation.gov and camping only at designated sites; bear-resistant food containers are mandatory, dogs are prohibited, and human waste must be packed out (WAG bags are free at the trailhead). No restrooms or water. Not accessible for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Hikers describe the springs as spectacular and worth the long climb, with soaking in hot water surrounded by high peaks the main draw. Nude soaking is normal and relaxed, and guides say more people go without suits than with. The big complaint historically was crowding and damage, including litter, human waste and packed campsites; reports since the 2018 permit system say conditions have improved, though summer campsites book out fast. Common tips are to acclimatize, start early, carry rain gear, take care at creek crossings, and pack out everything.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
39.0116, -106.8913
Frequently asked questions
Is Conundrum Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Unofficially yes. Nude soaking is common and widely accepted, though there is no formal designation.
Do I need a permit?
Overnight camping needs an advance reservation permit from Recreation.gov. Day hikers do not need one but should head back before dark.
How long is the hike?
About 8.5 miles each way with roughly 2,500 feet of climbing, usually 4-5 hours up.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Hot Springs area.
When is it accessible?
Usually July to September. Snow covers the trail and campsites from about October to late June.
Sources
- USDA Forest Service: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Official
- Aspen Times: Overnight permits for Conundrum Hot Springs (2019)
- The Gazette: In a conundrum over popular backcountry hot springs (2013)
- Oyster: 7 steamy clothing-optional Colorado hot springs (2021)
- Colorado Public Radio: Conundrum Hot Springs camping reservations (search snippet)
- Aspen Chamber: Conundrum permit FAQ (2018)
- Recreation.gov: Destination Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Official
Researched 24 October 2026 .
Help keep this page accurate
Conditions and venue policies change. Submit a correction or update so other naturists can make informed decisions.
Suggest an update →Members’ reviews
Write a review →No member reviews yet. Been here? Share what it was like.
More naturist places in United States
View all in United States →Alice Falls
Alice Falls is a waterfall and swimming spot on the Ausable River near Keeseville, at the northeastern edge of the Adirondacks. Flat rock ledges beside the falls are used informally for nude sunbathing, including by families. It has no facilities or official status. River currents can be strong after rain, and visitors should respect nearby residents.
Alpenglow Ranch Clothing Optional B&B
Alpenglow Ranch is a clothing-optional bed and breakfast and small resort near Bend in central Oregon, listed with AANR and the Clothing Optional Home Network. Guests stay in the house and can relax nude around the grounds with views toward the Cascades, using Bend as a base for high-desert hiking and hot springs trips. Booking ahead is required.
Alvord Hot Springs
A privately owned desert soaking spot at the foot of Steens Mountain in south-eastern Oregon. Two rustic concrete pools look out over the white playa of the Alvord Desert. The spring is on a working ranch, and a small fee covers soaking, with bunkhouse rooms and camping nearby. Soaking here is clothing-optional, and the remote setting is known for big skies and stargazing.
Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach is the northern, Volusia County district of Canaveral National Seashore, a federally protected barrier island south of New Smyrna Beach on Florida's Atlantic coast. A park road runs south from the entrance station past five numbered parking areas with boardwalks over the dunes; nude sunbathing happens on the sand south of parking area 5, the last lot before the road ends. A long-standing understanding between naturist groups and rangers dating to 2000 asks people to stay covered until about 150 yards south of that boardwalk, although nude visitors are often seen closer. South of there the beach continues as Klondike Beach, roughly a dozen miles of undeveloped shore with no road access, so the farther you walk the emptier it gets. The beach is wide, soft, pale sand backed by sea oats and dunes, with no shade, no buildings and no vendors. It draws fewer people than Playalinda at the Brevard end of the seashore, mostly because parking is so limited. Volusia County has never passed a public nudity ordinance, which is why this end of the seashore has a calmer legal position than Playalinda. Wildlife sightings (shorebirds, wild hogs, armadillos) are common on the drive in.
Apollo Beach Ramp 5
Apollo Beach Ramp 5 is a nudist-friendly beach in Volusia County, Florida,, USA. Nudity is optional. On-site amenities include restrooms.
Arcadia Romantic Getaway
Arcadia Romantic Getaway is a small, couples-oriented naturist retreat in the rural community of Arcadia, near Shelton in Mason County. The fenced six-acre property has gardens, a pool and a hot tub, and the owner screens visitors, so guests must call ahead. Day passes are available during a summer season that runs roughly from Memorial Day through September. Coordinates mark the Arcadia community, not the exact gate.