Conquering Our Initial Fourteener: Evaluating the Quandary Peak Trail Path
Hiking Quandary Peak in Colorado: An Uncensored Guide
Say goodbye to sunshine, because that 2018-2019 winter season in Colorado was a doozy, with snow falling all the bloody way into June! Even the hardcore snow enthusiasts were screaming for summer sun. This lengthy winter pushed back the start of summer hiking, especially at higher elevations. Normally, high mountain hikes would be clear and blooming with wildflowers by July, but not this year. Nevertheless, we ventured out and completed our first 14er, a measly 8 days after our wedding. It was our inaugural summer in Colorado, and we were raring to take on the challenge.
In 2021, securing a parking spot for Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch requires booking a reservation. If parking spots aren't available, a shuttle from town is your only option. Click here for more info.
A Brief Overview
Quandary Peak is the only 14er in Summit County and is one of the best hikes to reach Breckenridge, making it a highly sought-after choice for 14er hikes. Classified as Class 1, this trail is the easiest classification for a hike, with a well-marked and worn trail, no route-finding needed, and no rock scrambles that require handhold assistance (although you may find some dense sections where using your hands would be helpful). However, don't let the classification fool you; All Trails rates this hike as "hard" on their easy-moderate-hard scale. While the classification only considers the type of trail, the difficulty rating takes into account distance traveled and elevation gain/loss. Since Quandary is Class 1 but rated as difficult, that shows this hike is formidable, but can easily be conquered by an average hiker given adequate preparation.
Derek and Ashley conquering Quandary Peak.
To reach the trailhead, travel south on Hwy 9 from Breckenridge for about 8 miles, then take a right onto Blue Lakes Road. Almost immediately, you'll spot an overflow parking lot on your right. To reach the main parking lot, proceed about 50 yards, turn right onto McCullough Gulch, and drive a short distance to the small parking lot. Due to its popularity, parking at the main trailhead is often full, so it's worth checking for available spots when you arrive. All Trails states this hike is 6.7 miles out-and-back, but our GPS showed an 8-mile round-trip distance after parking in the overflow lot.
Hiking the Quandary Peak Trail
Any 14er, or really any Colorado summer hike, demands an early start. Afternoon pop-up thunderstorms are common in these mountains, and weather conditions can quickly change, especially at 14,000 feet above sea level. We started the hike at around 6:30am, although we would've preferred to start earlier if we hadn't encountered some car troubles that morning. With just under 3,400 feet in elevation gain (and loss), this hike is a constant uphill trek. In recent years, the forest service has installed steps to make the trail less strenuous, but that just makes it tougher on the knees in my opinion. The first half of the hike traverses through forest, with the trees gradually thinning out as you ascend. Eventually, you'll reach tree-line, at which point the hike becomes significantly rockier and steeper. The last mile is the most challenging, as you're already exhausted and encountered some steep, rocky sections. But you're so damn close to the summit!
As you follow the trail west towards the top, you'll encounter a false summit. Keep going slightly to the left, and you'll find the true summit marked by a gold-colored, circular plaque in the ground. There, you'll likely run into plenty of fellow hikers, making it the perfect spot to take a lunch break and soak in the view. We didn't linger for long before making our way back down. The descent is always quicker, but it's harder on the knees, especially with the recent addition of steps. Trekking poles were helpful, but my knees still screamed the whole way down.
With the late snowfall, we were lucky enough to sled down part of the most challenging portion of the hike, which was an absolute blast! Just wrap your fucking rain jacket around your waist and hold the corners in your hands, creating a protective cushion for your butt, and you're good to go. Sledding was definitely one of the best parts of this particular hike.
The Final Verdict
While this hike is tough, it's far from impossible. I highly recommend preparing for a 14er and acclimating to high altitudes before attempting this hike. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and there are scenic vistas to admire throughout the entire climb. There are no streams on the trail, but I'd strongly advise taking a dip in an ice-cold mountain stream afterward, if possible. It feels incredible after logging all those miles!
For those looking to tackle their first 14er, read our post 14 Tips for Hiking a 14er. This post offers additional advice on different hike classifications and suggestions for easier peaks for beginners.
Always check local weather and snow conditions before hitting the trail to ensure you have the appropriate gear. A good place to start is Open Snow.
To see current trail conditions, take a gander at All Trails, sorting reviews or photos by "most recent" to see if anyone has hiked the trail recently and shared any helpful advice. Less popular trails may not have as many reviews, but frequently visited trails like Quandary Peak always have a wealth of up-to-date information.
There are 58 14ers in Colorado, each offering a unique challenge. Some are more popular, like Quandary Peak, while others are less crowded. Make sure to research and choose the trail that's right for you.
- When planning for a hike to Quandary Peak, remember to prepare for the weather conditions, especially in the afternoon and at the higher elevations, as sudden thunderstorms are common during summer.
- Alongside the essential hiking gear, don't forget to pack appropriate outdoor-living items such as climbing spikes for snowy sections and a snow shovel for navigation.
- After a grueling hike, the respite of home-and-garden essentials can make a world of difference. Try a soothing herbal bath or apply a relaxing essential oil to help ease sore muscles.
- For individuals new to hiking 14ers, exploring lesser-known trails or those classified as easier, such as Torrey's Peak, can serve as a great starting point, offering an accessible introduction to Colorado's mountain trails and the outdoor-living lifestyle.
