Hike Quandary Peak in the Spring

Hiking a 14er in Colorado in the spring can be a difficult task.  Conditions have to be just right, and even then it can be considerably harder than a summer hike.  There are no switchbacks on a snow-packed mountain.  However, the difficult task is made worthwhile by the rewards it offers.

Anybody who has hiked a 14er anywhere near the Front Range in the summer know that these massive peaks achieve the seemingly impossible task of being crowded.  Bottlenecks are common occurrences and solitude is only accomplished when starting at 2AM.  Spring hiking is a completely different story.  Imagine starting your hike as the sun rises, catching every view on the way up the mountain.  Listen to the birds chirping; see the wildlife scurry about its business.  If you’re lucky, or unlucky as some might suggest, break off trail to go around a stubborn mountain goat that refuses to stop blocking the trail.  Soak in all the mountain has to offer while setting your own pace and finding only a few other people on the trail.  Did I mention the breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains as far as the eye can see?  This is the way that nature is supposed to be enjoyed.

I could wax poetic about the majesty of the mountain all day, but you would probably like to know about the details of hiking Quandary Peak in the spring.  To get there, drive about 8 miles south of Breckendridge.  After a hairpin turn in the road, take a right on Blue Lakes Road.  Immediately on your right will be a parking lot.  Depending on the conditions, you may have to park here.  There is a small parking lot at the trailhead on McCullough Gulch Road (the next right after the first parking lot) but it may be snowed out or full.

Depending on the conditions you may need microspikes or snowshoes or neither.  The hike is pretty steep, so microspikes make it much easier.  On a good freeze, the trail will be packed and solid enough for you to forego the snowshoes, as long as you descend before the snow softens up.  Most people bring snowshoes as a precaution in case they go off trail or the hike takes longer than they expected.  Otherwise, you can posthole your way down the mountain.  Quandary is also an excellent 14er to do some backcountry skiing on.

Assuming you park at the first parking lot, take the little trail to McCullough Gulch Road and hike up .1 miles to the trailhead.   The first part of the trail is below the timberline.  Most of the snow should be melted from this part of the trail by spring.    Once you reach the timberline (about 11,600’) you will see a trail sign telling you to go left.  This is the summer trail.  If there is still a lot of snow of the mountain, this will lead you to avalanche terrain.  Instead, pick your line and hike straight up the mountain.  The first false summit will take you to about 12,100’.  Be sure to turn around and see the gorgeous views that this point offers.  Rest, eat, and drink water if needed.  You still have 2,000’ to gain. 

Continue up the ridge to the second false summit, at 13,150’.  This will be the final break you get before hiking the final 1100’.  It’s another mile to the top and it can be very windy.  I had to stop a few times to hunker down against the wind and the ice that it was throwing in my face.  Once you reach the summit, look out on the world and enjoy some quiet reflection.  On some days, there will be no wind at the top and you won’t be able to hear a sound.  If you look to the southwest, you’ll see the high desert surrounding Spinney Mountain State Park.  Any of you who are fly fishers will recognize this as the home of the Dream Stream. You have a few options to get down this beautiful mountain, depending on the snow.  You can simply walk down, or you could ski or snowboard down the mountain if you brought them.  The Cristo Couloir provides some excellent backcountry skiing, as well as glissading if you brought your ice axe.  It is very steep, so I would only recommend that route to the experienced.  If you do choose to go that route, you will end up on Blue Lakes Road.  You can then hike this road to your car in the parking lot at the beginning.  There may also be some glissade chutes down the East Ridge (the ridge that you hiked up).  Some sections of these aren’t very steep and have long run outs.  I would recommend anyone who is interested in learning how to glissade to try these out.  They are very fun and after a long day of hiking, a very easy and quick way down the mountain.