Taken from 14er Quandary Peak,
1 shows the upper portions of this route. From the trailhead, pass a gate and follow the road up to the left. After 0.5 mile, leave the road on a signed trail -
2. Continue into the forest, over small log bridges and across a boulder field -
3. Near 11,600', stay right (
4) and continue up a rocky hill and to an unnamed lake, at 12,000' -
5.
Walk around the right side of the lake and follow the trail up a rocky slope -
6. Continue to 12,400', just south of a rib which runs west-to-east in the basin below Fletcher Mountain and Atlantic Peak. Enter the upper basin and follow the faint trial west toward Atlantic Peak -
7. Just north of a small lake (12,555'), turn right and continue north -
8. Work your way across 1/2 mile of rough talus to reach the base of a slope/headwall, at the northwest end of the basin -
9 and
10. This headwall is the crux of the route.
Look for the easiest section in the center and ascend the loose terrain -
11. When snow-covered, an axe and crampons are recommended. Near the top, angle left and gain easier terrain at 13,200' -
12. Hike northwest to reach the ridge connecting Atlantic and Pacific Peaks -
13. Angle slightly right of the saddle and ascend to the ridge crest -
14. Hike north along the ridge, bypass a small point near 13,500' (
15) and continue up Pacific's south ridge (
16,
17 and
18) to reach the summit.
If you'd like to add Atlantic Peak on your ascent or descent, leave this route near 13,400' and hike south to reach Atlantic -
13. Gaining Atlantic and returning to this route adds about 0.75 mile. Refer to
Atlantic Peak's Northeast Slope route for more information and photos of the upper route.
GPX Track File
