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- Quandary Peak
14,265 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado
Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak is a 14,265 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Ridge: 6 mi, 3,450 ft of gain, Class 1.
Quandary Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,265 ft4,347 m
- RouteEast RidgeClass 1
- Distance6 mi3,450 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeTenmile RangeColorado
Climbing the East Ridge
From Breckenridge, Colorado, take Highway 9 south about 8 miles and turn onto County Road 850 (Blue Lakes Road) to the trailhead. The standard east ridge route is Class 1 with steady grades on a well-maintained trail. Very popular as a first 14er due to accessibility and moderate difficulty. Expect large crowds on summer weekends. A Quandary Peak Trailhead parking reservation is required from mid-June to mid-September, so book ahead. Start before dawn to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The summit offers excellent views of the Tenmile Range. Good trail conditions throughout. One of the best beginner 14ers in Colorado.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
Quandary Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 96 climbs of Quandary Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Quandary Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Quandary Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Quandary Peak?
Quandary Peak is 14,265 feet (4,347 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.
How does Quandary Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,265 feet, Quandary Peak is the 14th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Quandary Peak?
The East Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,450 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Quandary Peak?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the East Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,450 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Quandary Peak?
The East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,450 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need a helmet for Quandary Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Quandary Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Quandary Peak reaches 14,265 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Quandary Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Quandary Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Quandary Peak?
The East Ridge starts at about 10,910 feet, roughly 3,355 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Quandary Peak?
The standard route is the East Ridge. Other routes include the West Ridge.
Climb Quandary Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list