Quandary Peak Trail

The Quandary Peak Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Summit County, Colorado. The trail is starting from Quandary Peak Trailhead and the trail is well-marked and maintained.The trail is approximately 6.1 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 3,310 feet. The trail is considered moderately difficult, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail starts out through a subalpine forest with aspen, spruce, and fir trees. As you hike up, you will begin to see alpine wildflowers such as columbine, paintbrush, and lupine.As you gain elevation, the tree line will start to fade and the trail will become steeper. You will be hiking on mostly rock and loose gravel, so be sure to have good hiking boots or shoes. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see marmots, mountain goats, and other wildlife.The last part of the trail is a steep, rocky scramble to the summit. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including Mount Lincoln, Mount Bross, and Mount Democrat. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Front Range and the Continental Divide.Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and should bring plenty of water, food, and warm clothing, as well as a map and compass. It's also a good idea to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun at high elevations. Remember to be prepared, stay on the trail and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.For information on how we grade trails, please click here.This trail can be completed in approx 1 day. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.