Conquering Quandary Peak -4 adventures to help you train for your first 14er in Colorado.
We set our hearts into conquering Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's most popular and accessible 14ers (mountains that rise above 14,000 feet), located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, standing at 14,265 feet (4,350 meters), it is the highest point in the Tenmile Range offering stunning panoramic views and an exhilarating hiking experience.
These are the 4 adventures that prepared me to hike all the way up my first Colorado 14er:
1. Manitou Incline
Although this may have been made way too early into the trip, it is a great starting point for training.
Ideally, it is recommended that you should come early and acclimate to the Colorado altitude a few days prior of hitting the trails. I was in Denver, Colorado a week before this first training but I was still feeling the altitude setting in my body.
Manitou Incline is a famous trail in Manitou Springs, a small town near Colorado Springs part of the Pikes Peak region.
More than a trail it basically is a 2768 staircase to the top, where you can usually enjoy an amazing view. This time was very cloudy and we could only see the magnificent views while running down the alternate trails.
2. Royal Arch Trail
Located just a few minutes driving from downtown Boulder, Flatirons is one of my favorite destinations in Colorado and an iconic place within the Rocky Mountains. The view is striking and quite atypical from your regular mountainous landscape. A natural playground offering adventures like hiking, rock climbing,
There is a circuit of different trails, explorations and activities you can do around within the Chautauqua Park. For this adventure we chose Royal Arch.
It is not the lengthiest trail of the bunch, it is about 5.1km (3.2 miles). But a moderate to difficult trail leads you through an amazing forest to beautiful red rock formations with a natural shape of an arch.
Expansive views of Boulder and flatirons will be enjoyed at the top.
3. Longs Peak
Longs Peak is one of Colorado's most iconic mountains, known for its striking features and challenging climb it does offer both technical and non-technical routes to the top . Standing at 14,259 feet (4,346 meters)is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park.
The hike begins on a well-maintained dirt trail through pine forests and alpine meadows. The first few miles are relatively moderate, passing through the Pine Ridge and Chasm Meadows, with several switchbacks along the way.
We planned for a hike to Lake Chasm which is a 7.5 (9.32 miles) hike one way, which is located about 3kms (1.8 miles) away from the actual summit.
According to my research this trail starts getting complicated at this point and as you reach the Keyhole Route.
4. Mt Massive
This was really a great adventure, the last one before the real deal. I have to say, it was the best one, definitely the hardest one —even more so than Quandary itself all the way.
Leadville
Our adventure started at Leadville, famous for its high elevation. We made this a camping trip, which always makes things more interesting. We did this during a holiday weekend, however it was not as busy as you would think. Leadville is home to Mount Elbert the highest peak in Colorado and Mt Massive, the second highest and our target for this weekend.
The town of Leadville is full of cute shops, restaurants and ice cream shops.It has retained much of its Victorian charm, with beautifully preserved buildings from the late 1800s. Walking around town, you can explore the historical district, which showcases period architecture, and visit historic buildings.
Mt Massive is another 14er and the second highest peak in the state part of the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains, we actually hiked this one with the intention of going as far as we could and asses all of our previous training efforts. We took the Mt Massive Trail (Southwest Ridge Route) and hiked about 26km (12 miles) roundtrip in the mountain, a little bit more mileage than usual due to a detour in the trails.
This is a strenuous hike due to the significant elevation gain and the high altitude of the summit at 14,421 feet (4,398 meters). Although we didn’t summit Mt Massive, we were around 1km (0.6 miles) away to make it. A few meters prior to the top we encountered a rocky section that required scrambling, this part involves loose rocks and some exposure, though it's not considered technical climbing. It's more about using your hands for balance and help with the steep terrain. This part made me very nervous as I do have a fear of heights, the trail got very confusing and it prevented us from arriving to the peak. However, Mt Massive was a great experience, a physical and mental challenge filled with beautiful views, scenery and mountain goats.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek —the base camp for our final mountain adventure.
Quandary Peak is South of Beaver Creek —where we started our adventure—a charming and upscale resort town renowned for its world-class ski slopes, picturesque alpine scenery, and luxurious amenities. Located just a short drive from Vail, Beaver Creek offers a more intimate and laid-back alternative while maintaining the same level of high-end service and natural beauty.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek has been on my list for a long time, and as you know my premise is that you can have wild adventures but give them a luxury twist. I mean, after a strenuous hike, mentally and physically challenging yourself and scrambling rocks, the least you can do for yourself —and your body— is having a comfortable 5 star hotel bed, pillows, delicious food and even a spa waiting for you when you get back from the mountain.
This hotel is usually a winter destination, but it was wonderful to visit during the fall, the scenery is beautifully made up by bright yellow, orange and green pines. The weather is not too cold and the crowds are much less than when the town turns into a ‘‘Christmas’’ movie.
Coming into the lobby you are welcomed by a modern fireplace and alpine sophisticated design. You will discover seating areas thoughtfully placed throughout the property. These cozy nooks and elegant lounges offer intimate spaces where guests can relax, enjoy a quiet moment or socialize. The areas are refined and inviting; with carefully curated decor that reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The property offers convenient direct access to the village, providing guests with an easy connection to shops, restaurants and ski lifts —when in season.
Although we didn’t officially visit the spa, the space itself was impressive and expansive, reflecting the resort’s strong emphasis on wellness. The boutique was fantastic, offering a great selection of stylish swimsuits and activewear. The gym and fitness classes offering were exceptional, with top-tier facilities. The outdoor area was lovely, featuring a heated pool and hot tubs, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
For accommodations, we got an upgrade to a suite, the vibe was of rustic mountain charm and elegance. The room was spacious and offered a living space with a sofa bed and a fireplace. The bathroom was a winner; marble finishes, dual vanity and high-end toiletries.
The Quandary Peak Trail
Also known as the East Ridge Trail, this is a popular route to the summit. It’s a moderate to challenging hike, with an elevation gain of about 3,450 feet (1,050 meters) over a round-trip distance of approximately 10.8 km (6.75 miles).
The trail is generally well-marked and maintained but can be steep and rocky, especially near the summit. The final stretch involves some scrambling over rocks and requires careful footing, making it important for hikers to be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
The hike usually takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace, experience, and weather conditions. This hike in particular took us a little longer, since I decided to fully enjoy the present, take it all in and not rush it. The past hikes I had been really on ‘‘training mode’’ so now that we are into the actual adventure I wanted to bask in it and take a ton of pictures and videos of the experience .
We started around 3am and were able to see the sunrise just about getting above the tree line. When you are in the mountain it is easy to feel small. The quietness, the colors, the air make you reflect about your life, about your goals, question everything and often you are able to find the answers you are looking for right there, within you — is something hard to explain with words —but I think that’s why we do it. I still remember vividly the feeling of fullness I felt in my heart after conquering this peak, the sense of accomplishment goes beyond any words. Never underestimate the power of nature, it reenergizes and brings you into a high vibrations state.
There are two ways to access the peak, and we took the most common which is the East Ridge route. The trail is well maintained, however once you go above the tree line it starts to get rugged and exposed. It is considered a class 1 trail, although there are sections near to the top that could be considered class 2 since scrambling and footing are necessary to summit this peak.
The views throughout the hike are spectacular and once you get to the top you are rewarded with panoramic views and you can see kilometers of the mountainous landscape. As you know, conditions can change in a heartbeat and once we started our descent it started snowing.
The Quandary Peak Trail is a classic 14er hike that provides stunning views, a satisfying challenge, and a sense of achievement once you reach the summit. While the hike is strenuous and has some technical sections, it’s doable for most experienced hikers and provides a rewarding experience with incredible scenery. Just be sure to prepare for the high altitude, ever-changing weather, and rocky terrain, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure.
Conquering a 14er for the first time? Know before you go.
Acclimate to altitude, try to spend a few days near your peak before actually trying to summit. The high elevation and steep terrain can make this hikes very challenging.
Prepare for a strenuous hike by getting into great physical shape. Besides hikes, walks and running, I also did functional workouts and made sure to be active for 6 days a week.
Wear layers, sturdy hiking shoes, bring a headlight, snacks and enough water for an average of 10 hours expedition.
The weather in high mountains is unpredictable and can change rapidly, especially as you gain elevation. Thunderstorms are common and temperatures can drop drastically even during summer months. Start early, to avoid dangerous climate conditions plan to summit and be down again by noon.
Know your limits, and always be respectful to the mountain. If you feel unsure about the conditions it’s better to turn back than risk it.
Always let someone know where you are and around how long it will take.