Ascending Quandary Peak in Colorado Rockies

Benjy Orbach is an entrepreneur in Methuen, Massachusetts who has overseen diverse sales, marketing, and operations management activities. An avid skier, Benjy Orbach also enjoys hiking and has explored mountains in the Colorado Rockies.

One of the classic routes in the Rockies is Quandary Peak, which is the most accessible of the “14ers” that rise more than 14,000 feet in elevation. Twenty minutes from Breckenridge, the 6.75-mile trek starts just to the north of Hoosier Pass and includes a significant climb, from 10,850 feet to 14,265 feet. Despite the elevation changes being within short stretches, there is little exposure to drop-offs along the course.

However, the trail gains a daunting 1,100 feet over the last mile to the summit, which makes the hike strenuous and recommended only for those who are fit. The peak also has the highest number of accidents for any peak of its height, which reflects the popularity and year-round accessibility of the route.

With the Quandary Peak ascent above the tree line, hikers often encounter marmots and hardy mountain goats. With lightning risk in summer months, hikers are advised to climb before midday to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.