Quandary Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quandary Peak |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,271 ft (4,350 m) |
| Prominence | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Isolation | 3.16 mi (5.09 km) |
| Parent peak | Mount Lincoln |
| Listing | Colorado Fourteener 13th |
| Geography | |
 Quandary Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Summit County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | Mosquito Range, Highest summit of the Tenmile Range |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Breckenridge, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | East Slope: Hike (class 1) |
Quandary Peak is a very tall mountain in Colorado, U.S.. It's the highest point in the Tenmile Range, which is part of the larger Rocky Mountains. Many people love to climb Quandary Peak because it's one of the most popular "fourteeners" in Colorado. A fourteener is a mountain that is over 14,000 feet (about 4,267 meters) tall.
This mountain is located in Summit County. It's also inside the White River National Forest. Quandary Peak is about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the town of Breckenridge. It stands almost as tall as other famous Colorado peaks like Castle Peak and Mount Evans.
Climbing Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak is known for being one of the easier fourteeners to climb. This makes it a great choice for many hikers. The most common way to reach the top is by following a trail on its east side. This trail starts about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Hoosier Pass.
Why is Quandary Peak a Popular Hike?
There are a few reasons why Quandary Peak is so popular. First, the main trail is considered a "class 1" hike. This means it's a relatively easy walk without needing special climbing gear. Second, its location is convenient. It's close to major cities like Denver and popular mountain towns like Breckenridge.
Winter Sports on Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak is not just for summer hikers. It's also a favorite spot for backcountry skiers and snowboarders in winter. The eastern side of the mountain has a gentle slope. This makes it safer for winter sports, as there's less risk of avalanches compared to other fourteeners.
However, the other sides of Quandary Peak are much steeper. These challenging slopes attract expert skiers who are looking for a more thrilling adventure. One famous steep ski route is called the Cristo Couloir.
