Overview

Summit County’s Fourteeners are Famously Challenging!

Want to challenge yourself to climb some of Colorado's tallest peaks? Attempting these peaks is an excellent way to immerse yourself in gorgeous mountainous terrain for a full-day of adventure. Since there is no such thing as an easy fourteener (14'er) our guides will help to minimize risk while maximizing enjoyment with an understanding of local weather patterns, a thorough knowledge of trail conditions, and keeping morale high. We suggest a minimum age of 12 years and strong physical condition for all trying to summit.

Quandary Peak - Our Local 14'er

Quandary Peak (14,265 ft) offers easy trailhead access, a straightforward yet challenging hike, and stunning 360-degree views of Summit County and its Tenmile Range. Our local 14'er standard trail boasts about 3500 feet of elevation gain and loss over a 7 mile round trip. We take trips up Quandary year-round! Join us for an ascent of Colorado’s 13th highest peak!

Grays Peak and optional Torreys Peak Ascent

These peaks are typically only open in the Summer months. Grays Peak (14,270 ft) and Torreys Peak (14,267 ft) are two 14'ers that are often climbed in the same outing by traversing their connecting ridgeline. From their summits, expansive views open up east towards the Front Range and west towards Summit County. Our route options are located on the south side and offer a less crowded experience compared to the popular Stevens Gulch Trailhead. Both options are based off of Peru Creek road near the towns of Keystone and Montezuma.

Double 14'er Ascent: Looking to get the best bang for your buck? Go for a double 14er summit and add Torreys Peak to the list! Torreys Peak is accessed via an out and back on the connecting ridge from Grays. Adding on Torreys to your trip give adds an extra 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet of vertical.

Itinerary

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This will be a full day hike with an early start. Your meeting time will be determined by your guide based on the weather forecast on your ascent day.

Trip Package Includes:

• CAG professional mountain guides
• A 6:1 maximum guide to client ratio
• A safe, fun, and educational experience

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Accommodations
• Transportation to and from designated meeting place
• Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
• Guide gratuities
• Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

About CAG and Your Guides

Go Beyond the Resort! Colorado Adventure Guides (CAG) is a four season adventure and education guide service based in Silverthorne, Co. The largest AIARE educator and multi-season permit holder in the Dillon Ranger District, CAG is also permitted to operate in six adjacent USFS and BLM districts. CAG serves a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts and our all-season, guided operations Include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Ascents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Avalanche Snow Safety

Colorado Adventure Guides has been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQs

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Previous Experience

The elevation in town in Silverthorne is 9,035 feet above sea level and most towns in Summit County share similar or higher elevations. When adjusting to altitude, the body needs to work a little harder. You might experience difficulty sleeping, difficulty catching your breath even during mild exertion, a racing heart rate, nausea, and a loss of appetite. For our Peak Ascents we strongly recommend and encourage clients to spend around 3 days in Summit County or similar elevations prior to your attempt to one of our higher peaks, especially if traveling above 13,000 ft.

Altitude affects people differently, and can affect the same person differently on separate occasions. If you deal with chronic pulmonary, cardiac, or other health issues like asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHF or if you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before your activity. Our guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms in the field and reserve the right to end the trip at any time.

Should We Tip Our Guide?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We typically accept participants 12 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian and are very fit. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.

How Physically Fit do I need to Be for this Activity?

Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our guides and instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

When & How Do I Meet Up With My Guide/Instructor?

Your guide or instructor will contact you prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

What Should I Bring?

• Water
• Food/Snacks
• Closed-shoes
• Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Appropriate clothing for a full day in the great outdoors.