PHOTOS: Hikers Summit Mount Quandary for Colorado 150 Day

By August 1, 2026 | updated 3 months ago

Mount Quandary, with a long line of climbers heading to the summit, is seen from the false summit, 1,100 feet below the summit, while a group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures makes their way up the hill as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, talks with other climbers as she takes a break just past the tree line during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, talks with other climbers as she takes a break just past the tree line during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Mount Quandary, with a long line of climbers heading to the summit, is seen from the false summit, 1,100 feet below the summit, while a group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures makes their way up the hill as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Mount Quandary, with a long line of climbers heading to the summit, is seen from the false summit, 1,100 feet below the summit, while a group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures makes their way up the hill as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, makes her way along the trail as they new the tree line during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, makes her way along the trail as they new the tree line during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, make their way along the trail during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, make their way along the trail during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break to admire the sunrise as a group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures make their way up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break to admire the sunrise as a group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures make their way up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, takes a water break as she and a group of volunteers and employees from the nonprofit climb Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, takes a water break as she and a group of volunteers and employees from the nonprofit climb Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
A group of hikers with Adaptive Adventures pause for a water break as the sun rises over the nearby peaks during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
A group of hikers with Adaptive Adventures pause for a water break as the sun rises over the nearby peaks during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Kennedy Ames, an intern with Adaptive Adventures, pauses to refuel as her group makes its way back down from the summit of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. This was Kennedy’s first 14er. When asked about it at the summit she said “it was alright. I’d rather be drinking a Mai Tai on the beach.”
Kennedy Ames, an intern with Adaptive Adventures, pauses to refuel as her group makes its way back down from the summit of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. This was Kennedy’s first 14er. When asked about it at the summit she said “it was alright. I’d rather be drinking a Mai Tai on the beach.”

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
A mountain goat follows along as hikers with Adaptive Adventures make their way down the mountain after summiting Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
A mountain goat follows along as hikers with Adaptive Adventures make their way down the mountain after summiting Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, make their way along the trail during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, make their way along the trail during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break at the peak of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break at the peak of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Gilbert Vasquez, a program director for Adaptive Adventures, makes his way up a set of stairs near the tree line during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Gilbert Vasquez, a program director for Adaptive Adventures, makes his way up a set of stairs near the tree line during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
(From left) Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, and Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, make their way along a rocky ridge above the tree line on Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
(From left) Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, and Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, make their way along a rocky ridge above the tree line on Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
A goat wanders onto the trail as hikers make their way off the peak while clouds roll in during a hike up Mount Quandary with a group from Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
A goat wanders onto the trail as hikers make their way off the peak while clouds roll in during a hike up Mount Quandary with a group from Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at bringing outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities, as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers move past a group from Adaptive Adventures as they take a water break during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers move past a group from Adaptive Adventures as they take a water break during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Colin Scollard wears a flag commemorating Colorado’s 150th birthday as he makes his way towards the Summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. Scollard said he received the flag after taking part in Breckenridge’s 4th of July parade, and thought it was a fitting way to honor the day. A group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures summited the mountain as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Colin Scollard wears a flag commemorating Colorado’s 150th birthday as he makes his way towards the Summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. Scollard said he received the flag after taking part in Breckenridge’s 4th of July parade, and thought it was a fitting way to honor the day. A group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures summited the mountain as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break as she waits for the rest of her group during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, takes a break as she waits for the rest of her group during a hike up Mount Quandary as part of a Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, left, and Chloe Hansel, an Intern with Adaptive Adventures, make their way up a rocky switchback during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, left, and Chloe Hansel, an Intern with Adaptive Adventures, make their way up a rocky switchback during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Employees and volunteers with Adaptive Adventures pose for a photo as some make their way down from the summit and others continue to push upwards during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Employees and volunteers with Adaptive Adventures pose for a photo as some make their way down from the summit and others continue to push upwards during a group hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers from Adaptive Adventures pose for a group photo at a the summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The group made the climb as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers from Adaptive Adventures pose for a group photo at a the summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The group made the climb as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, navigates the rocky scramble near the summit of Mount Quandary as her climbing group makes their way back down after reaching the peak as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Ariana Wilson, Adaptive Sports Coordinator for Adaptive Adventures, navigates the rocky scramble near the summit of Mount Quandary as her climbing group makes their way back down after reaching the peak as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers make their way along a rocky ridge on Mount Quandary as a group of climbers from Adaptive Adventures make their way towards the summit as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures stop to admire a goat near the trail as they make their way down from the summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The group made the climb as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Hikers with Adaptive Adventures stop to admire a goat near the trail as they make their way down from the summit of Mount Quandary on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The group made the climb as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, makes her way up a rocky switchback as a group of volunteers and employees from the nonprofit climb Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Steph Wilson, a volunteer with Adaptive Adventures, makes her way up a rocky switchback as a group of volunteers and employees from the nonprofit climb Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, drinks a summit beer with her lunch after making it to the top of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Jess Rutherford, Development Manager for Adaptive Adventures, drinks a summit beer with her lunch after making it to the top of Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
A group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures prepare near their cars before starting a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
A group of hikers from Adaptive Adventures prepare near their cars before starting a hike up Mount Quandary as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Michelle Nolen, left, and Cyndy DeMartino talk with other hikers from their group as they make their way down from the summit of Mount Quandary during a group hike as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.
Michelle Nolen, left, and Cyndy DeMartino talk with other hikers from their group as they make their way down from the summit of Mount Quandary during a group hike as part of Colorado 150 day celebration aiming to get a group on the summit of every 14,000-foot peak in the state at the same time on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort on the 1976 centennial.

(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
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