❄️ Quandary Peak (East Ridge) — Winter 14er Systems & Snow Travel

❄️ Quandary Peak (East Ridge) — Winter 14er Systems & Snow Travel

Purpose:
This outing builds directly on our January winter training hike and serves as a practical winter 14er application day. The goal is to take the systems we’ve been practicing — pacing, layering, snow travel, decision-making — and apply them on a classic, conservative winter 14er route.

Rather than treating this as a checkbox summit, we’ll focus on moving well together in winter conditions, reinforcing good habits before spring snow climbs and more committing objectives later in the year.

We’ll use this hike to:

• Practice winter 14er pacing and nutrition
• Refine snow travel and traction choices
• Continue dialing group communication and logistics
• Build confidence for upcoming spring snow climbs
• Assess comfort levels before longer or more technical objectives

🏔️ Route Overview
Route: Quandary Peak via East Ridge
Distance: ~6.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,450 ft
Difficulty: Class 2 (winter conditions)
Terrain: Packed snow, wind-scoured ridge, sustained exposure above treeline
The East Ridge is one of the most reliable winter 14er routes in Colorado, with straightforward navigation and manageable avalanche exposure when approached thoughtfully.

🎯 What to Expect

• Early start and steady, conversational pace
• Cold temperatures and frequent wind above treeline
• Snow travel for most of the route
• Intentional regrouping and decision points
• Emphasis on turnaround discipline and group awareness
  This is a winter systems hike, not a race or summit-at-all-costs push.

🎒 Bring

• Microspikes (required)
• Snowshoes (optional, conditions dependent)
• Alpine boots, crampons, helmet, and ice axe (optional — based on conditions, comfort, and personal preference)
• Winter layers (shell, insulation, hat, multiple gloves)
• 2–3 L water + electrolytes & calories
• Trekking poles
  Headlamp
• Navigation app (AllTrails / GPX)
• Basic survival and medical supplies.
• Cash for gas ⛽️ 💰

🧭 Who This Hike Is Good For
This hike is a good fit for:

• Hikers looking to step into winter 14ers in a measured way
• Those planning to join spring snow climbs or RMNP objectives
• People wanting to practice cold-weather systems on a real 14er
• Anyone interested in meeting consistent climbing partners
• You don’t need technical climbing experience, but you should be comfortable with winter exposure, long uphill efforts, and managing yourself in alpine conditions.

⚠️ Disclaimer
Pikes Peak Mountaineers is a group of friends hiking together — we are not professional guides or instructors. All participants are responsible for their own safety, preparation, and decisions.
Winter mountain travel involves inherent risk. By joining, you acknowledge that you participate at your own risk.