Quandary Peak Trail: A Complete Guide to Hiking This Iconic Colorado 14er

Jul 12

ABSTRACT

Discover the ultimate guide to hiking Quandary Peak Trail in Colorado. This 7.57-mile hike, known as the easiest 14er, offers breathtaking views and a challenging yet accessible climb. Learn about the best time to hike, weather conditions, parking costs, essential equipment, and personal tips to ensure a memorable adventure on Quandary Peak. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts and personal training clients looking for a rewarding outdoor experience.

Keywords

Quandary Peak Trail
Colorado hikes
14er hikes in Colorado
Quandary Peak parking
Quandary Peak difficulty
Quandary Peak weather
Quandary Peak equipment
Best 14er in Colorado
Quandary Peak hiking experience
Hiking in Breckenridge
14ers

Colorado Hikes: Quandary Peak Trail

Time of Year: Late June.

Weather: 47 degrees and cloudy until 10 am (sunny until the end).

Cover: 100% exposed.

Time: 7:29 am - 11:47 am.

Distance: 7.57 miles.

Cost: The cost is $55 for a parking permit and $7 for a roundtrip shuttle to and from the Breckenridge gondola. Visit www.hikequandary.com for more information.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (14262 feet), elevation gain (3442 feet), and length (7.57 miles); Class 1 (technical).

Route: Quandary Peak Trail out and back.

Traffic: Moderate to high.

Parking: Half of the lot was full at 7:20 am.

Equipment: Hiking boots, microspikes, hiking poles.

Terrain: A dirt path with scattered rocks that builds into a manicured rocky path up to the rock scramble and the final 30 yards of climb in snow.

Experience: Quandary Peak is often regarded as the easiest 14er. On my list, it was the eleventh I checked off in ten months and probably my favorite. While the trail is well-curated and approachable, a climb of 3442 feet over 7.57 miles isn’t for the faint of heart. It was a joy to minimize the route-finding on my phone when following the clear path to the sky. Thank you, rangers and the fine folks who manage the trail! The hike is a gradual grade of elevation climb until you reach the last mile. From there, expect a switchback of approachable boulder steps until you reach the remaining snow of the season. With microspikes, it’s an easy step up until you finish a relatively flat walk to the peak's highest point. The contrast of blue skies, green cover, and rocky terrain provide the magical landscape often missing on other 14ers.

Personal Trainer Notes: For eager personal training clients who want to see the world from another perspective, Quandary Peak serves the right amount of work without tipping over the boundary line. While I recommend that everyone approach this 14er, like any other, with a substantial baseline of cardio and muscular endurance, it really is accessible for the general fitness population.

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!