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QUANDARY PEAK

Mountains and Summits


Rocky Mountains Central Colorado Ranges

Quandary Peak

14,265 ft

Quandary Peak is a prominent mountain located in the Rocky Mountains mountain range, known for its stunning beauty and challenging hiking trails. 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.


Outdoor Recreation

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Selkirk 15 10,488 ft
Peak One 74 9,030 ft
Mcdonald Flats 13 7,955 ft
Willow Creek 35 8,201 ft
Lowry 24 9,068 ft
Beaver Creek Unti - Hot Sulphur State Wildlife Area 10 7,592 ft
Chalk Lake 19 8,743 ft
Blue River 24 8,472 ft
Cascade 22 9,033 ft
Kite Lake 5 12,043 ft
Pine Cove 56 9,022 ft
Mount Princeton 19 8,618 ft
Cottonwood Lake 24 9,586 ft
Buffalo Springs 18 9,187 ft
Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area None 7,651 ft
Gore Creek 25 8,720 ft
Davis Springs 7 7,984 ft
Prairie Point 33 8,002 ft
Hecla Junction - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area None 7,415 ft
Byers Creek 6 9,352 ft
Heaton Bay 81 9,072 ft
Fourmile 14 10,824 ft
Weston Pass 14 10,277 ft
Horseshoe 19 10,538 ft
Railroad Bridge - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area None 8,039 ft
Williams Fork Reservoir - SWA 24 7,848 ft
Camp Hale Memorial 21 9,318 ft
Prospector 107 9,105 ft
Collegiate Peaks 56 9,837 ft
Cataract Creek 5 8,578 ft
Willows 35 7,973 ft
Sugar Loaf 11 8,989 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Ski Cooper 36" 40° 20.92"
Loveland 62" 37° 21.12"
Vail 39" 44° 20"
Beaver Creek Resort 152" 55° 19.62"
Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) 45" 47° 46.03"
SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch 54" 42° 42.31"
Copper Mountain Resort 38" 45° 18.72"
Breckenridge Ski Resort 38" 45° 18.72"
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area 36" 36° 9.12"
Keystone Resort 28" 42° 20.24"
Arapahoe Basin 62" 37° 21.12"
River Run Streamflow Length Class

Regional Water Data

Gauge Streamflow Stage
Hunter Creek Near Aspen
USGS 09074000
8 cfs 1.1 ft
Arkansas River Near Leadville
USGS 07081200
98 cfs 5.2 ft
Lake Fork Below Sugar Loaf Reservoir
USGS 07082500
166 cfs 1.4 ft
Taylor River At Taylor Park
USGS 09107000
170 cfs 1.9 ft
Clear Creek Above Clear Creek Reservoir
USGS 07086500
38 cfs 3.1 ft
Arkansas River Below Granite
USGS 07087050
407 cfs 11.7 ft
Ef Arkansas R At Us Hiway 24
USGS 07079300
30 cfs 2.8 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change

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