Quandary Peak peak
Quandary Peak rises to 14,265 ft in Central-Colorado-Ranges within the Central Colorado Ranges range.
With an elevation of 14,271 feet (4,350 meters), it is one of the highest peaks in the state of Colorado, attracting mountaineers and hikers from around the world.
During the winter season, Quandary Peak experiences a significant snowpack, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack range varies depending on the year, with an average of around 150-200 inches (380-510 cm). This creates excellent conditions for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding.
Several creeks and rivers benefit from Quandary Peak's runoff, including Blue River and Wheeler Lakes. These water sources are vital for the surrounding ecosystem, providing nourishment to flora and fauna in the area.
The name "Quandary" is said to originate from a story about a group of miners who became lost near the mountain. When they finally found their way out, one of the miners exclaimed, "I don't know where we've been, but I'll be damned if it wasn't a Quandary!" This tale has become part of the lore surrounding the mountain, adding to its unique charm.
Quandary Peak, with its impressive elevation, winter snowpack, and scenic creeks, offers a captivating experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Central-Colorado-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Quandary Peak
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Wright | 3 in | → |
| Tower | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Sawtooth | 1 in | → |
| Vail Ski Area Mid-Mtn | 4 in | → |
| Tower | 1 in | → |
| Black Mountain | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Zirkel | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Joe Wright | 3 in | → |
| Nohrsc Loveland Basin | 1 in | → |
| Porphyry Creek | 1 in | → |
| Loveland Basin | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Black Mountain | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Quandary Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tomichi Creek At Sargents | 8 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Nathrop | 186 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River At Salida | 214 cfs | → |
| Taylor River Below Taylor Park Reservoir | 221 cfs | → |
| Cotton Creek Near Mineral Hot Springs | 5 cfs | → |
| Saguache Creek Near Saguache | 15 cfs | → |
| Cochetopa Creek Below Rock Creek Nr Parlin | 3 cfs | → |
Weather Forecast
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Quandary Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Quandary Peak.
Ski areas
- Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley)
- Sandia Peak Ski Area
- Sipapu Ski Area
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Echo Mountain Park
- Eldora Mountain Resort
River runs
- Upper-Upper Ten Mile
- East Fork Arkansas River
- Breckenridge Whitewater Park (Town Run)
- Upper Ten Mile
- Middle Ten Mile
- Lower Ten Mile
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