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Peak(s):  Quandary Peak  -  14,272 feet
Fletcher Mountain  -  13,943 feet
Date Posted:  08/14/2014
Modified:  10/11/2019
Date Climbed:   07/20/2014
Author:  Marmot72
 Goodbye Mountain Snobbery, Hello Wonders of Quandary   

I was recently called a mountain snob by a buddy at work, to which I countered, "would a mountain snob repeat Quandary?" It was lost on him, not being a hiker or climber, but my itinerary also doesn't vindicate me...I am too snobbish to repeat the parade route up Quandary's standard route.

Overview: A short scenic trail approach up McCullough Gulch leads to a fun, challenging scramble up the Ironwood Arete to reach Quandary's east ridge only minutes from the summit. Negotiating the towers on the west side of Quandary offers more scrambling, then it's a simple hike to Fletcher's summit and return down another scenic basin to reach the Blue Lake trailhead. Without a car shuttle, you then have a little over three miles of road.

Link to the full report is accessible here: Quandary Fletcher Tour

Here are a few highlights:

Approaching the Ironwood Arete from just below McCullough Lake.
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About midway up the arete.
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Goat basking in the morning sun on the northeast slopes of Quandary.
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On top of the third tower out from Quandary's summit on the west ridge.
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Goats learning their craft by Blue Lake.
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Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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Comments or Questions
boudreaux
User
Awesome Arete Ascent!
8/14/2014 3:55pm
Thanks for sharing your adventure!


tsizz
User
Thank You!
8/14/2014 5:27pm
I found the CO scrambles book doesn't do this route justice. Great report, thanks for the beta, and nice work!



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