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Quandary Peak - East ridge PR-014

based on 982 tracks & routes #1 hike out of 642 in
3.1 mi
Distance
1 hrs 2 min
Time
terrain
3,248 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail to Quandary Peak in White River National Forest.

This is one of the shorter hikes of the Colorado "14ers", therefore usually a very busy, popular summit, even when snow is present. But as with all the high peaks the high elevation makes it a difficult hike especially to those not acclimatized. There is nothing exceptional about the hike, but at the right time of the year, mountain goats may be seen and of course in summer, lots of wildflowers. As with all the higher peaks, the views are great of surrounding mountains.

Be mindful of the quickly changing weather and be prepared for cooler temps and wind even in summer. Get out early to avoid potential thunderstorms.

Most of the hike follows a broad ridgeline to the top.

Getting Started

To access the trailhead it is just a short drive south from Breckenridge. There is a trailhead parking lot that fills quickly, and also an overflow parking lot next to the highway. Arrive early even on weekdays.

Taking Children

This trail is suitable for older children accustomed to hiking.


Sights to See


    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    4 years, 1 month ago
    Easy, but steep. So many people. Parking was full by the time I arrived at 7:15am
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    user_profile
    4 years, 2 months ago
    08/07/2020 Friday; at trailhead by 0730, limited parking by then. We are average hikers, took 3.5 hours up, 3 hours down with a total of 1 hour in stops. Last mile of the ascent relatively crowded but do-able. RT distance 7.1 miles from the overflow lot. It's a classic Colorado 14'er.
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    user_profile
    4 years, 3 months ago
    Hiked it on June 14, perfect conditions , snow has melted mostly and the trail stays, in the final push from the saddle, to the left of the white stuff. There is a short, 120 yard section of snow to cross near the top, no snow shoes or spikes were needed to cross it, good traction and solid enough to step right over. Summiting 6 PM had the Peak to myself. The views from the top are phenomenal. The trail is straight forward, no technical sections. Highly recommend.
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    user_profile
    4 years, 3 months ago
    This was my second 14er ever, and it was amazing! Definitely good for beginners, (I live in Florida, and climbed this after 4 days in CO) and one of my all time favorite hikes. There was even some snow on the summit because CO can't make up its mind about what season it is. Mountain goats and fellow hikers alike were great, and the terrain is never horribly sustained or difficult. My favorite 14er so far!
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Public Tracks

user_profile
sachiarya 5 years, 7 months ago
Quandary Peak Ridge Route
<div class='gmap-infowindow-description'><span class='gmap-infowindow-subheader'>East Ridge<br><br></span><a target='_blank' href='https://www.14ers.com/route.php?route=quan1&peak=Quandary+Peak'>View Route Description</a><br><a target='_blank' href='https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/download.php?file=quan1.gpx&type=routegpx''><img src="https://www.14ers.com/images/icon_download_medium.png" border=0 width="12" height="12" title="Download" alt="Download">&nbsp;GPX File</a><br><a target='_blank' href='https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/download.php?file=quan1.kml&type=routekml'><img src="https://www.14ers.com/images/icon_download_medium.png" border=0 width="12" height="12" title="Download" alt="Download">&nbsp;KML File</a><br></div>
user_profile
Hiking Habit 7 years, 2 months ago
5.0 - Quandary Peak
Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Difficulty: 4.5 of 5.0 Solitude: 2.0 of 5.0 Distance from Littleton: 2h 15m Left trailhead at 3:30 AM. First ones to the top. Saw about 150 people on way down. Weekdays/early; 14er; Exposed; views
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opalaschak 4 years ago
Quandary with Jac
HAHAHAHAHHAHA remember when you thought city folk would be slow on 14ers so you pack a 50 pound bag worth 2k and leave it at the bottom of the trail lol
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Byron 7 years, 2 months ago
Quandary
First 14ker Hiked. Wrote up blog post: https://rockchucksummit.com
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armonia11 5 days, 19 hours ago
Breckenridge Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/17195391972
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aawatt 10 years, 2 months ago
Track (25/07/2014 06:21:36)
Morning climb to Quandary Peak 4348mtr
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KidMidnight 5 years, 2 months ago
Track (7/21/19, 6:17:21AM)
My Quandary -East Ridge
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