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Quandary Peak (14,265)
Monte Cristo Trailhead (10,900)
Roundtrip 5.4 miles
Elevation gain 3,370
Time 4hr 15min
if you've read my numbered trip reports, you can probably tell i prefer to arrive to the trailhead the night before, as anticipation typically gets in the way of early bedtime and 4 am wakeups, a personal preference i suppose And so it was on the eve prior to my Quandary hike. I am not a big fan of checking the weather reports as high alpine whims seem to follow none; however the drive up 285, through Fairplay and Hoosier pass placed me amidst atypically consistent and long lasting rain storm. Would i really have to drive back empty handed? I figured to spend the night at the Monte Cristo Trailhead (10,900) and see what the early morning would bring. I awoke at 5:30 am to a cheery chatter belonging to a group of about 8 girls, whose overt excitement was certainly contagious. It didnt take long to realize that the bad weather was gone and a cool morning was setting the day off. Taking my time and enjoying the morning with freshly pressed coffee is my routine I headed up at 7:00 am.
Greys and Torreys (i think) in the far distance
Blue Lake above Monte Cristo Creek, nestled between Fletcher (13,951) and Quandary (14,265).
The moment i worked up some sweat hiking through and out of the tree line, the winds picked up and temperature dropped significantly. The gusts got more fierce as i approached the last section of the ascent. Here i saw a number of hikers turn around. Here is a plug for the North Face Windstopper, couldnt have done it without it Once at the summit, wind shelters provided additional protection from the gusts. I thought a few pictures, snacks, and moments to take it all in before I head back down.
Turned out to be a beautiful day and my distrust of weather reports in the high country prevailed.
Good summitting to you all!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I was on Quandary the next day and the winds were brutal on the summit. But it was a great hike and I got to hike a little with Horton the famous Quandary dog.
for the good word Bob, glad you weathered the winds. saw Horton near the bottom of the trail on my way down, joining 2 large labs and a very nice couple, i guess he slept in that day
Uri
I‘m glad to see the 3 pak peaks from the other side. Thanks for the report.
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And so it was on the eve prior to my Quandary hike. I am not a big fan of checking the weather reports as high alpine whims seem to follow none; however the drive up 285, through Fairplay and Hoosier pass placed me amidst atypically consistent and long lasting rain storm. Would i really have to drive back empty handed? I figured to spend the night at the Monte Cristo Trailhead (10,900) and see what the early morning would bring. I awoke at 5:30 am to a cheery chatter belonging to a group of about 8 girls, whose overt excitement was certainly contagious. It didnt take long to realize that the bad weather was gone and a cool morning was setting the day off. Taking my time and enjoying the morning with freshly pressed coffee is my routine 
Once at the summit, wind shelters provided additional protection from the gusts. I thought a few pictures, snacks, and moments to take it all in before I head back down. 
