My Backyard 14'er: Quandary Peak
Located just under 30 minutes from Breckenridge, Quandary Peak is one of Colorado’s most climbed 14’er because of its reputation of being on the easier side. Parking for this hike used to congest the road leading in and it led to unsafe road conditions, so to reduce that there is a parking lot reservation system or you can take a shuttle from the Breckenridge Gondola Lot. Read more here on how to access Quandary Peak.
From June 17 - September 17, you’ll need to purchase a parking reservation at the trailhead or shuttle ride from Breckenridge. If you park at Quandary Peak after 3:00PM, then you do not have to reserve/pay for parking. More information on that, here.
My friends and I booked the shuttle from Breckenridge. The process of taking the shuttle sounds annoying but it actually couldn’t have gone any smoother. We caught the first shuttle out, and there were only a few cars in the trailhead’s parking lot when we got there. The hike up clears treeline rather quickly, so for much of the hike you are exposed to whatever the elements may be that day. Luckily, we had perfect weather.
One thing about this hike is there are often times mountain goats hanging around near the trail. I don’t know what damage a mountain goat could do to someone, but I imagine being head butted by one would be less than pleasant. If you see them, leave them be and give them some distance. We saw them on the first flat stretch above treeline- three of them including a baby! They were right on the side of the trail, took a look at us, and headed off.
There is a false summit on this hike…so when you think you’re almost there, sorry- keep chuggin’ along! But, when you make it to the top, it’s the best feeling. The views from Quandary look to Blue Lakes, the Gore Range, and the Sawatch Range. Quandary Peak itself is in the 10 Mile Range.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Summer is thunderstorm season. Start early as there is zero cover from lightning and stormy weather once you break treeline, and the majority of the hike is above treeline!
This is known as one of the easier 14’ers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a workout in! Bring water, snacks, and be prepare for thin air if you’re not used to the altitude.
The mountain goats are cute, but leave them be!
GEAR
66° North Snaefell Jacket | 66 North°
Free Fly Women’s Latitude Short | Free Fly
Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Shade Hoodie II | Free Fly
Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L Hydration Pack | Nathan Sports, REI
ON Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boot | St. Bernard, Exxpozed, Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co, (2.0 version) On
Trail map via All Trails