A few others joined in watching the sun quietly and gracefully drop behind the mountain peaks. It had been almost a year since having been on top of a 14er, but I was quickly reminded of how cold the air is at that altitude!
Anna and I headed back to the car around 8:30pm, and made the drive back to the city. I am eager to return again to this special mountain for sunset, as I suspect that each night is unique...
On August 11th, just after my fifth-month anniversary of my knee injury, I decided that it was time to climb my first 14er of the year (#5 total). Anna and I left Denver at 4:30am en route to Quandary Peak. Quandary Peak is a popular 14er due to its proximity to the city (located in the Tenmile Range just past Breckenridge) and for its relatively short length--6.75 miles. The East Ridge route is deemed Class 1, but it still has a 3,450 ft elevation gain. Let's go!
In the early morning light, Anna and I set off from the trailhead at 6:30am--10,850 ft. We followed the trail up through the forest, and passed through some clearings where the trees began to thin out.
We gained the crest of the east ridge near 11,600' and continued through a flat area to reach the base of a slope. From there, we gradually ascended west.
At last, we began climbing the final 1,000' of the upper ridge. It was very steep and rocky, and we were completely exposed to the elements.
At last, we gained the summit at 14,265 ft! A familiar high.
A 360-degree panorama of mountain peaks included nearby 14ers Mt. Bross, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Cameron and Mt. Democrat to the south. Looking north, we could see Pacific Peak and Crystal Peak, as well as the Gore Range in the distance.
My knee slowed us down significantly on the descent (even with trekking poles). Fortunately, we lucked out with fantastic weather--mild temperatures with afternoon clouds, but no storms. Unfortunately, however, the route was packed with other hikers; one of the last opportunities of summer break, I guessed.
About halfway down, we were accompanied by mountain goats walking along the ridge, obviously not bothered at all by us. Small pikas could also be heard and seen scampering alongside the trail.
As we finally reached the trailhead, I was filled with mixed emotions. We completed the hike in 7 hours, which was about 1.5 hours longer than it normally would have taken. Anna encouraged me to still see this as an enormous victory. One thing is for certain--we would both be sore the following day!
As we finally reached the trailhead, I was filled with mixed emotions. We completed the hike in 7 hours, which was about 1.5 hours longer than it normally would have taken. Anna encouraged me to still see this as an enormous victory. One thing is for certain--we would both be sore the following day!
