Mt. Bierstadt in late June? Or Maybe Quandary Peak?

[jolynne]

My goal is to climb a 14er for my 60th birthday, which is on June 29.

Having read through info on this site, it looks like Quandary Peak is one of the easiest 14ers to attempt and I've seen Mt. Bierstadt recommended. I know we'll have a better idea about weather conditions after we see what the May snowfall is like.

My husband is going with. We've both been doing CrossFit Movement (adapted for older folks) for a couple years. I am dealing with an Achilles tendon injury which seems to be resolving and I'm back to running again. My husband is strong but overweight and has some joint issues. We live at a lower elevation (Kansas City) and plan to acclimate beforehand. A few years ago we hiked the Monte-Cristo Gulch/Blue Lakes trail.

I've looked at the recommended gear list and am gathering supplies.

Advice? Am I crazy? Think we can do it? Other routes you might recommend? Other times during the season?

What haven't I thought of yet but need to know?

[cottonmountaineering]

By June 29 that mountain will be in summer conditions, get an early start to get a parking space and avoid thunderstorms. Plan to be off the ridge by noon. Other 14ers that would be good for a beginner are Mt Sherman, Quandary, Grays/Torreys which should also be mostly dry.

Aside from that, check state/county restrictions related to covid-19 to make sure you aren't breaking any laws by visiting. I imagine things will open up by that date but something to keep in mind.

[jolynne]

Since I first posted I started looking at the Quandary Peak trail and now I'm considering that as well. Based on our experience with Monte Cristo Gulch, we know to leave early and get down off the mountain before the weather hits. Thanks for the advice and recommendations.

[jolynne]

Above all, stay hydrated 1-2 days prior and eat a good breakfast a couple hours before your hike. Good idea to get a headlamp start to avoid crowds and find parking. Also trekking poles are your friend

I hadn't thought of a headlamp. That's a good idea. And I'm planning on taking trekking poles. When we were hiking Monte Cristo Gulch I saw people with them, and they looked like a very good idea.

[Chimera]

The previous posts encompass pretty much everything I was going to say. Be sure to check the weather forecast and conditions reports the day or two before, but in all likeliness it should be summer conditions by then. You can totally do this! Early Happy Birthday!

[jolynne]

Since I first posted I started looking at the Quandary Peak trail and now I'm considering that as well. Based on our experience with Monte Cristo Gulch, we know to leave early and get down off the mountain before the weather hits. We're certainly keeping our eye on the covid-19 situation. Thanks for the advice and recommendations.

By June 29 that mountain will be in summer conditions, get an early start to get a parking space and avoid thunderstorms. Plan to be off the ridge by noon. Other 14ers that would be good for a beginner are Mt Sherman, Quandary, Grays/Torreys which should also be mostly dry.

Aside from that, check state/county restrictions related to covid-19 to make sure you aren't breaking any laws by visiting. I imagine things will open up by that date but something to keep in mind.

[jolynne]

Thanks for the encouragement and the early birthday wishes.

The previous posts encompass pretty much everything I was going to say. Be sure to check the weather forecast and conditions reports the day or two before, but in all likeliness it should be summer conditions by then. You can totally do this! Early Happy Birthday!

[peter303]

Late June is when the summer 14er hiking starts. Most, but not all snow has probably melted. There may be some runoff streams.

Bierstadt is extremely popular. The formal trailhead parking lot at the summit of Guanella Pass fills up by 7AM. You should start before then to avoid afternoon lightning.

I'd recommend 2 or 3 altitude conditioning hikes before then. Getup to at least treeline and hike upwards. I like to starting from road passes such as Loveland Pass southside, Trailridge Road eastside (quarantine inaccessible), Mt Evans Summit Lake (quarantine inaccessible), and Berthoud Pass eastside. These places may still have significant snow through mid-June.

I would keep your eyes open as to quarantine closures and police harassments at these various sites. The rural counties have made lots of noises about keeping hikers away, but havent necessarily followed through with any action. I expect the campaign to heat up over Memorial Day and July 4 holidays.

[Ptglhs]

If you go on the 29th, which is a Monday, you should be able to find parking at or very close to the trailhead. If you attempt to go the weekend prior then Bierstadt is going to be a conga line to the summit of hundreds of hikers and no parking for about a mile in either direction by 0600).

If you're solely looking for easy, and also a day drive to and from Denver then I would rank your options as:

Sherman
(Usually evans but the highway is closed til July at least)
Bierstadt
Quandary

[TomPierce]

jolynne: IMO all of the advice you've gotten above is solid. Coming from KC you'll want to acclimatize to our altitude, but you've already commented that you will. If you have the luxury of time, a day or two in Denver before heading up to the mountains would be a gradual schedule that I think you'll appreciate.

One thing to consider: If things don't go perfectly and you decide to come down, consider coming back in early September. No guarantee but afternoon thunderstorms aren't nearly as common in September, so that might give you more time for hiking. It's a beautiful time of the year out here. Just an idea.

Finally, you aren't crazy! I think it's a great idea, go for it! Just train, plan, watch the weather and do your best. Summit or not it's a great goal!

-Tom

[mtree]

You mentioned you're getting over an Achilles injury and your husband has some joint issues. Quandary Peak is considerably steeper and rougher on the joints than any of the others mentioned. Something to take into consideration. Otherwise, have fun!!!

[jolynne]

Your response is timely, because I was just researching acclimating to the higher elevation. Also, we're keeping an eye on the covid-19 restrictions and know we'll have to be flexible and my plans may not happen. I figure I'll plan anyway. Luckily my husband is an attorney, so he can discuss restrictions knowledgeably with law enforcement.

Late June is when the summer 14er hiking starts. Most, but not all snow has probably melted. There may be some runoff streams.

Bierstadt is extremely popular. The formal trailhead parking lot at the summit of Guanella Pass fills up by 7AM. You should start before then to avoid afternoon lightning.

I'd recommend 2 or 3 altitude conditioning hikes before then. Getup to at least treeline and hike upwards. I like to starting from road passes such as Loveland Pass southside, Trailridge Road eastside (quarantine inaccessible), Mt Evans Summit Lake (quarantine inaccessible), and Berthoud Pass eastside. These places may still have significant snow through mid-June.

I would keep your eyes open as to quarantine closures and police harassments at these various sites. The rural counties have made lots of noises about keeping hikers away, but havent necessarily followed through with any action. I expect the campaign to heat up over Memorial Day and July 4 holidays.