Hiking My Second 14er
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Quandary Peak – 14,271 Ft.
Hiking a 14er isn’t supposed to be easy, but man, this mountain was a grizzly gal! This was only my second fourteener, and already I am learning that every mountain is different. It’s possible that I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been, being a native flatlander. My husband and I decided to YOLO this trip, moving it up four weeks earlier than we originally planned. It’s also possible that I went into hiking this 14er a little too confident, and so Quandary decided to put me in my place.
We started out at 5:15 a.m. The earlier the better, because storms can roll in on the mountain in the afternoons and they can be dangerous. So hiking up and back down before the afternoon is best. Even though it’s July, I still had to wear layers, gloves, and a hat due to colder temps in higher elevations.
Once we made it up past the tree line (approx. 11,500 ft. in CO) I had shed some layers. We decided to stop and take a picture of the surrounding area.
A little further along and the terrain began to get quite rocky, with a lot of scree. This would have been waaaay easier to traverse had I used poles… My husband would be rolling his eyes at me if he were reading this, because he asked if I wanted to get a set a few days prior, and I declined. Apparently I think I’m awesome. On the way up it wasn’t too terrible. It was when we started down that my legs wanted to give out on me. Feeling like I was going to slip and fall, every step did a number on me.
The wildlife we saw was adorable. This is one of the coolest things about hiking a 14er. You’re just right there, with the wildlife. We saw little chipmunks scurrying around down closer to the tree line and pikas that also scurried around and made the cutest little chirp sounds. These mountain goats were pretty adorable too. As long as you don’t bother them, they tend to just look at you. One possibly did not like the color of my leggings, because it started to walk towards me with its head down as if to say, “Get out of here!” So, of course I moved as quickly as I could out of the way!
Finally about 200 feet or so from the top, we ran into snow. This also would have been a great time to have poles or shoe crampons (spikes).
Finally we made it to the top! It’s an awesome feeling, as well as very cold! The wind picked up, so we only sat to enjoy the view, eat a snack, and take a few pictures before we decided to head down. Overall, it was a wonderful experience to enjoy with the hubs. He brings out the adventurer in me. I also appreciate his patience with me as we hiked up and down.
What Would I Do Different?
After completing this 14er, I decided to go ahead and start looking for a pair of poles to use, or at least carry with me. I may also get some new hiking boots with a little more support in the ankle. The boots I used for Mount Bierstadt and Quandary Peak are cute, but maybe not the BEST for hiking a 14er. I’ll definitely use my current boots for hiking around the hills here in my home town. Finally, it seems a little silly, but I will also do something to pull my hair back. Pigtail braids or one braid… something to keep my hair from blowing in my face as I trek down the mountain. I felt like mine was constantly in my face and blocking my view. Overall, it was another exhilarating experience, and I’m already looking for the next mountain to climb next summer!
My Gregory hydro backpack (#ad) was an essential item on this hike and all others! The color is cute and it has room for snacks, your cellphone, and more water bottles. Check it out by clicking the link below! If you’re looking for something a little less purple, my husband loves his Camelbak. See link below! #ad
