Quandary in Late May?

[littlerocks]

First time poster here!

Taking a trip to Colorado in late May (Thursday-Tuesday around Memorial Day) for Bolder Boulder (10k) on Monday. Planning to attempt my first 14er while I'm up there.

Research so far has pointed me towards Quandary at that time. I had my eyes set on Gray's and Torreys, but we'll have a somewhat high clearance vehicle but no 4wd so getting to the trailhead might be an issue.

There will be a group of us, all already in pretty good physical condition (mix of crossfitters, hikers, indoor climbers, runners) and also training intentionally. We are flatlanders (like 200 ft) but incorporating hills, stairclimber, bleachers, hopefully some weekend hikes with roughly 500 ft-1000 elevation gain (not super easy to find around here) to prepare. Majority of the group has handled moderate altitudes without sickness (6000-12000 feet).

Since it's our first 14er we are wanting to maximize safety and success. Quandary recommended at that time? We know to bring spikes and poles and will rent snowshoes if it seems necessary. Does Quandary typically require snowshoes around that time?

Any other points of advice?

We're very open to safety tips, are doing our research, and very willing to accommodate changing conditions.

Thank you so much in advance!

[benlen]

Everyone in the group will be fine except the crossfitters. They'll surely perish if they attempt Quandary.

[peter303]

It is snow hiking until at least July 4 this way above normal snow year. Spring snow conditions. Ice crusts in the early morning where you might need traction such as micospikes. Soft deep slush later in the day where you might need flotation like snowshoes with gaiters. If you hike on a Sunday or Monday you might catch the trenches made by Saturday folks and have less hiking effort.
Also the thunderstorms will have begun by late May. So rememdation is to begin at dawn. Summit and be back to the trees well before noon.

[Ptglhs]

Given the high amount of snow, as peter303 mentions, I'd plan on being wet and cold and going through a lot of slush.

Check the condition reports the week before you go, be prepared to bring snowshoes. I'd make a point to have quick-dry pants, wool socks, etc, and a complete change of clothes back at the car! If it's 2-3' snowfields turning to slush in the afternoon sun you'll be wet, and you'll posthole, even with flotation. When I hike on spring days that high I always bring my ax, because sometimes I've needed to dig my snowshoes out of a 3' deep post hole.

Quandary is hiked enough that you may luck out and hit a trench, especially if you do the Tuesday after memorial day. Start early: harder snow surfaces before the sun hits make for easier going, better chance of avoidong afternoon weather, and to accomodate for the slow pace that is natural for going uphill in thin air.

[Trotter]

Given the high amount of snow, as peter303 mentions, I'd plan on being wet and cold and going through a lot of slush.

Check the condition reports the week before you go, be prepared to bring snowshoes. I'd make a point to have quick-dry pants, wool socks, etc, and a complete change of clothes back at the car! If it's 2-3' snowfields turning to slush in the afternoon sun you'll be wet, and you'll posthole, even with flotation. When I hike on spring days that high I always bring my ax, because sometimes I've needed to dig my snowshoes out of a 3' deep post hole.

Quandary is hiked enough that you may luck out and hit a trench, especially if you do the Tuesday after memorial day. Start early: harder snow surfaces before the sun hits make for easier going, better chance of avoidong afternoon weather, and to accomodate for the slow pace that is natural for going uphill in thin air.

+1 to all that

Also, consider staying a night up higher then denver. A hotel room up at 9,000 like at Frisco, Breckenridge, etc will help yall with altitude acclimatization, and also put you close to the trailhead for a early (dawn) start. By noon the snow will be mashed potatoes generally.

[pw]

The lower part of the hike, the stretch in the trees, will have snow at that time. But the snow storms are over by then, and Quandary is popular, so there will be a well worn trail through the snow. As others have said, most likely frozen in the morning (that's good), packed slush on the way down. Once you get up above treeline I think that ridge will be mostly dry. Should be a good first fourteener. Nice views to the west from the top at that time, lots of snow covered peaks.

[littlerocks]

You guys are great. Thanks so much for all the advice. Will definitely try to find a place at higher elevation the night before and get an early start.

Plan on finding places to rent snowshoes just in case trip reports look a little less than microspike only friendly.

Wanting to make sure I'm not "that idiot that doesnt belong out here!"

Hoping to return in August to do more with better conditions but May may be my only shot before I start physical therapy school...then I'm at the mercy of my loans!

[tsand]

You guys are great. Thanks so much for all the advice. Will definitely try to find a place at higher elevation the night before and get an early start.

Plan on finding places to rent snowshoes just in case trip reports look a little less than microspike only friendly.

Wanting to make sure I'm not "that idiot that doesnt belong out here!"

Hoping to return in August to do more with better conditions but May may be my only shot before I start physical therapy school...then I'm at the mercy of my loans!

I really doubt snowshoes will be useful on Quandary at that time, but if you want them, REI in Dillon should have them for rent.

[littlerocks]

Just wanted to post an update and say thanks! It's a bit late but we did hike Quandary on Sat of memorial day weekend. Not as packed as I expected and PERFECT weather. I followed advice given (we stayed at New Smmit Inn in Frisco the night before and loved it!).

I did bring snowshoes and was happy to have them. They weren't essential but fatigued me less than I would be otherwise. 4/6 of us summitted; 2 turned back at 12,100 due to altitude issues and old injuries acting up. I handled the altitude well, did get some mild AMS symptoms upon descending but drove straight to Denver and they subsided pretty quickly.

Thanks so much for the advice-you guys helped make this a fantastic first 14er! I'm hooked! Driving back to CO from AR in August before classes start for another one. Going to acclimate a bit better this time as well.