Winter Hike to Quandary Peak: The Start of My 14er Journey

As part of my ongoing quest to climb all 58 Colorado 14ers, I kicked things off with a winter hike to Quandary Peak. This was my first time hiking a 14er in the winter, and the experience was truly unforgettable. From breathtaking views to meeting fellow hikers along the way, it was the perfect start to this adventure.

The day began early—I woke up around 5:00 AM, grabbed my gear, and hit the road by 5:30 AM. I arrived at the Quandary Peak trailhead around 7:30 AM, eager to begin my climb. The trailhead was easy to find, and it’s worth mentioning that during the winter, you don’t need any reservations for parking, which was a huge relief. Parking was simple, and the hike began right away.

The weather was perfect for a winter hike. I didn’t need snowshoes despite having them packed. The snow was compact enough that all I needed were microspikes to help with traction. The climb took me about four hours to the top, and I spent about five and a half to six hours total, including breaks to rest, hydrate, and take in the views.

Once I reached the summit of Quandary Peak, I was greeted with an almost windless day—perfect for taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The lack of wind at the top was a pleasant surprise and made for a peaceful, serene moment. I was beyond stoked to have made it to the top!

Along the way, I met a guy from Wisconsin who had just arrived in Denver and was tackling Quandary Peak for the first time as well. He was struggling a bit with the altitude, but it was motivating to see him push through. There were also a few folks snowboarding and skiing down the mountain, which was incredibly inspiring and fun to watch.

This winter hike to Quandary Peak was the first of many on my journey to summit all Colorado 14ers. I’m so excited to share this moment with you all, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure. If you’re looking to start your own 14er journey, Quandary Peak is a great first hike—easy to access, not overly difficult, and with some of the best views you’ll find.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue climbing all Colorado 14ers!