Full Hike [CC]: (Not Easy) "Easy" Fourteener in Colorado

On these high slopes, people may encounter salt-deficient mountain goats. Which does not sound good for clumsy humans because those creatures are not timid in going after what they crave and can climb rocky slopes with great finesse. More likely, however, is crossing paths with... A LOT of other bipedal visitors. Because Quandary Peak has become one of the most sought-after Colorado fourteeners (a mountain in the United States that is 14,000 feet or higher). Several factors have caused the outsized popularity. It takes Denverites less than two hours to reach the Tenmile Range, where Quandary is located. The standard route—6.2 miles and 3,330 feet in elevation—is at most class 2 scrambling. Incredible views come quickly after breaking though timberline. The nearby resort town of Breckenridge provides hikers with plentiful venues for post-hike sodium recovery. Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/r9CPd1J7K5M... Route: McCollough Gulch Road-Quandary Peak Trail Type: Out-And-Back Distance: 6.2 mi. Elevation Gain: 3,330 ft. Location: White River National Forest, Colorado, USA Date/Time: 2021-09-10 0918 My Thoughts: I had a thought to film an easier Colorado fourteener. Being the most popular (per recently besting Mount Bierstadt) and in close proximity to Colorado Springs (my next destination), I decided on Quandary Peak. To spice things up, however, I aimed to hike the route in under three hours. My completion time came close to the runners', but I was never running. Logistically, my day began pre-dawn in Breckenridge, where I made used of the recently implemented shuttles. That service turned out to be a smooth experience. I did not start recording from the lower parking lot to actual trailhead because it was not a part of the hike. Due to active wildfires, I could not see/show many other fourteeners from the summit. One of those being "America's Mountain"—which had camped on my mind for far too long. #Hiking #LeaveNoTrace