In an effort to get back to over 14,000′ and test out our old Millet Everest boots again before we wear them for days on end in Antarctica, we took a jaunt up the fun 14er near Breckenridge, Quandary Peak (14,265′).
Kristine reaching 14,000′ on Quandary’s east ridge with Bald Mountain (13,684′) in the background
Now, we have all been up this peak so many times we have lost count, but its close, convenient, relatively short, great winter access, and gets us to altitude. Its a favorite for sure. It had been over three years since we had worn our Millet Everest boots and Quandary’s snow-packed trail up standard east ridge route was a good test for these boots once again. In just about 2.75 miles one-way to the summit, the trail climbs 3,400′ and is a nice workout. It was a gorgeous Colorado bluebird day and except for the summit ridge and summit, which the extreme west winds were just hammering, the winds were relatively marginal.
Looking southeast to Mt. Silverheels in the foreground and Pikes Peak in the far distance from Quandary’s summit ridge
A blustery & cold Quandary Peak summit (14,265′)
Looking north to Pacific Peak, Crystal Peak, and the Gore Range from Quandary’s summit
Rainier & I on Quandary’s summit
I think Rainier was actually cold on Quandary’s summit – could be a first
The boots did fairly well, though we couldn’t remember quite what socks and sock layers we had used three years ago on Everest. As a result, we could feel the hot spots on the final 1,000′ and unfortunately received a few minor blisters. However, now we remember what we did in terms of which socks and liners and we’ll try these boots out again before we leave.
Heading down for lunch with friends
It was a fun morning and only took us about 3 hours and 15 minutes roundtrip just in time to meet our good friends from Jackson Hole, Brett & Carrie Richer, for lunch at the Breckenridge Brewery.
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