Quandary Peak - summit climb via west ridge, descent of east ridge, with maps & route description.

[@CentennialTreks]

The west ridge up Quandary is an exciting class 3 climb. On this varied mountain, the standard east ridge route is the peak's "other personality" - a scenic (albeit often quite crowded) class 1 walk-up. Here I do the full circuit in a "tour-de-Quandary," experiencing the mountain's Jekyll and its Hyde. And don't forget: the first person to correctly identify this video's "mystery peak" gets the 1st place trophy. For my trip up nearby Mosquito Range 14er Mt. Sherman, which shares much of the same mining and place-name history as Quandary, go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gofcoYOvZ7Rmja8 . Happy trails and rocks!! -CT

[@bryanmills5517]

I did this on a misty, snowy October day last year. Super eerie knowing your thousands of feet up on a ridge but seemingly suspended in a white fog, unable to see more than 100 feet in any direction.

[@CentennialTreks]

It was pretty nice the day I did this in mid July. I can only imagine it in a shroud of fog - like maybe an edge-of-the-world kind of feeling.

[@josephjackson2010]

I believe the mystery peak is mount Lincoln. Nice hike! Good examples of route finding and problem solving in real time.

[@CentennialTreks]

Thank you, and I'm glad if I can capture some of that. This was one of the most rugged and route-finding-involved routes I have done so far. Especially on a mountain easy to underestimate, it would be easy to get into an adverse situation. Also, thanks for venturing a guess at the un-named mtn.....However, it is not Mt. Lincoln.

[@chapelontherock]

Really great video, really enjoying this. You put a lot of work into this, best Quandary video around, I subscribed. And looking forward to more great content!

[@CentennialTreks]

Thanks for your kind assessment. And yes, these videos are a lot of work, but that is part of the enjoyment of it. Right now I am looking forward to this year's high mtn. season and making the next video. Later!

[@chapelontherock]

@CentennialTreks Sounds great sir. Stay safe out there too!

[@OutdoorExistential]

Excellent work buddy! That west ridge looks awesome! And the helmet cam footie climbing those cracks is money. :) Well done sir!

[@CentennialTreks]

Awesome - thanks for letting me know what you thought of the camera positioning toward the end. That was the first time I have done that - it is more convenient for me that way, and can often give a better view, even though sometimes I'm not a fan of the sudden jerky movements. Anyway, I'm glad you liked this, and hope you're doing well these days.

[@OutdoorExistential]

@@CentennialTreks Yeah I noticed. It is cool to see roughly what you see. Also comforting to know your hands are both free and you are climbing safer. Keep it up!

[@CentennialTreks]

Yes - the previous version of a hands-free camera setup that I had been using on the more difficult stretches was a functionally chest-mounted setup that consisted of a haphazard use of a combination of a jacket pocket and a backpack strap - very tedious and annoying. This works much better! 🤣

[@ruggedland]

Looked fun. May try the west ridge sometimes although the summit scene scares me a little. Looks likes the mysterious peak is to the NE. Longs?

[@CentennialTreks]

I'm not sure if the cruxes scared me more, or the summit/descent scene 🤣. Anyway, thanks for venturing a guess (not Long's though).

[@bilboswaggins7629]

I've said it before but you have the best format of any 14er channels. Treating them like the adventure that they are. Do you do most of your hikes solo? I am thinking of doing some solo climbs myself next summer, it does look like a much more immersive experience.

[@CentennialTreks]

Well thanks again - obviously you have very good taste. I do most of the 14er climbs by myself. I only have one video where a friend was with me. Every once in a while someone goes on one with me, which is enjoyable also, but usually I'm all I can get. 🤣. Besides, someone else might get irritated by all the narrating and footage-taking I do along the way, and by having to be in a video.

[@greenlenny3926]

Excellent video. Quandary summit views are great. Do you have a grand finale planned for summer? I think mine will be halo ridge.

[@CentennialTreks]

The Halo Ridge gives the full Mt. of the Holy Cross experience, especially if you use the regular way down. I will probably be able to get in a couple more outings, but don't know what they will be yet. Yesterday I was able to make it up and down a mountain which was on my lifetime to-do list, but I didn't think I would get to it this soon. It should make a good video.

[@kevinjoest2738]

Mystery peak is Mt Jackson?

[@CentennialTreks]

Thank you for venturing a guess - at least someone is! However, it is not Mt. Jackson.

[@Valaran1]

I'm going to guess the mystery peak is Holy Cross.

[@CentennialTreks]

Thank you for making the effort to venture a guess. But, it is not Mt. of the Holy Cross.