Conundrum Creek

Conundrum Creek

A backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs or Triangle Pass. This creek rolls down from the vast alpine meadows of the Conundrum Basin, passing a natural hot springs and reminders of the mining era before reaching the trailhead in the foothills. The first prospectors sifted through this valley in 1882 and found placer gold in the stream gravels, but they were never able to find the mother lode. Since the source of the gold was never found, the presence of gold in the stream gravels became the conundrum for which the creek was named. Conundrum Hot Springs is a very popular destination for backpackers. Campers who wish to pitch their tents near the springs must use designated sites, which commonly fill up entirely during the weekends. The water is clearer and crowds less problematic during off-peak times. The hot springs are clothing-optional; if you have young children or might be offended by nude bathers, you should consider bypassing the springs. Although strong hikers occasionally bag the hot springs in a single day of hiking, the journey is considered too far to be worthwhile by most day hikers.

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