Quandary Peak Trail

The Trail
This difficult trail is 3.5 miles (one-way) with about a 3,375 foot elevation change. This is actually one of the more accessible 14ers to hike in Colorado, but it is still challenging, especially for those not accustomed to the elevation. The climbs are pretty steep, especially during the final accent to the top. As with other high peak hikes, plan ahead, check the weather, be prepared, and go early in the day so that you can be safely off the mountain before danger of afternoon thunderstorms. Keep in mind that half of this trail falls above the tree line.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

There is very little parking at the trailhead, so most likely you will have to park in the overflow parking below. This does add about a third a mile to the length of the trail, and is the route shown in the information above. From this parking area, there is a trail up to the road above. Walk along this road until you reach the well marked signs indicating Quandary Peak Trail.

Large sign marking the trailhead

More signs marking where the trail starts

The trail climbs up the entire distance, but it does become particularly steep for a mile about 1.5 miles into it, and it is particularly steep during the half mile or so right before the end of the trail.

This is a popular trail though and easy to follow. The rocks have been formed into steps in a number of spots. Enjoy the views of Blue Lakes Reservoir on your way up.

Blue Lakes Reservoir

 

Looking up at the final steep ascent to the peak

Even going in mid-July there was snow on the trail. Use caution when considering sliding down snowy areas...it is easy to get going to fast and get hurt. One person there near the same time as us got off track and landed roughly. These areas can also be slick, so just use some care. Through May there often is a lot of snow, and it is common for people to also hike up here and ski down.

Final leg to the top after the steep climb

The views from the top are fantastic! This year was wet and cool, leaving the valley below and the McCullough Gulch Trail below inaccessible still and covered with snow and ice. The lakes were still iced over as well.

Looking north down at the McCullough Gulch area, Upper Blue Reservoir,
and the other smaller lakes above it.

Geological Marker at the top of Quandary Peak

View looking southwest from the peak at Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Democrat

View looking southeast from the peak toward Red Peak and
Mount Silverheels

After reaching the top, taking in the views, and enjoying the feeling of accomplishment, head back down the way you came.

 
Also, be aware there are lots of mountain goats along this trail. Enjoy watching them, but keep your distance as well. Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail. Keeping your dog leashed is especially important for safety reasons due to the other wildlife on the mountain.

Directions
This trail is located in Colorado near Breckenridge. To get there from Breckenridge, take Highway 9 south to Blue Lakes Rd. and turn right. Turn into the dirt parking area labeled for Quandary Peak. If you want to try parking at the trailhead, you can drive slightly further to McCullough Gulch Rd. and turn right. Continue a short ways until you reach the sign for the trailhead. If this area is full, return to the lower lot. Do not park out along the road in front of resident's houses. GPS Coordinates for lower lot:N39 22.957 W106 03.776
GPS Coordinates for trailhead: N39 23.124 W106 03.717