After my attempt at Mt Whitney, I thought of climbing high mountains from time to time. Maybe not Whitney - it is too hard to get a permit to climb it, but high mountains in Colorado and other places - mainly the so called 14ers - mountains with elevations at 14000 feet or more in continental USA.
Lily and I finally decided to climb a 14er in Colorado last 4th of July
We did online literature search and consulted an experienced hiker about which 14er to climb first. Quandary Peak was chosen for its class 1 grade and ease of access to trail head.
topography at Quandary peak
We arrived at Colorado on 4th of July, and gave ourselves a 2 day window to climb the mountain - need to climb on a good weather day. This also allowed us to assimilate to high altitude. Fortunately the weather was near perfect during our stay, everything went as originally planned
We explored the trail in the afternoon of 4th of July, to get familiar with trail head access as well as the initial portion of the trail. The trail head is not prominent, steep and rocky. We hiked on it for about one mile until we were blocked by a big mountain goat! Reading a story about mountain goat gored a climber to death just a couple days before, we were very careful around this seemingly tame creature, and turned back.
trail head
near tree line
a mountain goat was resting on the trail on 4th of July at Quandary peak
On July 5th, we got up early, ~ 5am, and drove to Quandary peak. We arrived at trail ahead ~ 6am, many cars were there at trail head parking. The Sun just lit the summit of Quandary peak, the surrounding was quiet, the air was crisp. We started our ascend in excitement.
View of Quandary peak from trail head parking
on the trail in early morning
The first mile of the hike was pretty easy. It is getting more and more difficult from one mile onward. Part of the trail was snow covered, the last mile is a 45 degree slope with loose rocks. High altitude made every step forward a struggle for me there. Lily on the other hand had no problem at all. While waiting for me, she recorded my struggles. I persevered with her encouragement and reached the top with jubilation!
It was exhausting and literally breathtaking for me! However the unbelievable feeling of reaching the top and the awesome view from the summit made it worthwhile
I had to pause after a few steps
final quarter mile to the summit
on top of Quandary Peak
view from the top
Elevation 14265 feet
We rested at summit for about 20 - 30 minutes, taking pictures, having snack and enjoying the view. The way down was much easier. I tried glissade, slide down a slop without any device. I was much faster than Lily who was hiking down, but with wet bottom.
Glissade
On the way down, we also stopped below the tree line to have lunch. The elevation change from trail head to peak is 3350 ft, our total round trip hiking distance was 7 miles.
tracking record
Quandary peak area is gorgeous and has plenty of wildlife - birds, chipmunk, tail less mouse, mountain goat, marmot. A great place to enjoy nature while hiking.
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