SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – As the hiking season approaches, changes to the shuttle and parking systems for Summit County’s beloved Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch trails are kicking off in June. This initiative, announced by the Summit County officials, aims to promote sustainable visitation to the area while limiting the reliance on personal vehicles.
Quandary Peak Hiking Regulations 2023
Starting from June, the shuttle service will pick up passengers seven days a week from Breckenridge’s South Gondola parking lot. The revamped system will provide free shuttle rides for residents, while non-residents will enjoy a reduced fee of $7, down from last year’s $15. Moreover, those using the shuttle service can now avail free parking at the South Gondola lot using a one-time code issued after securing their ticket.
As part of the new regulation, the pricing for parking at the trailheads will be $50 on peak days, including Friday through Sunday and holidays, and $30 on non-peak days, Monday through Thursday excluding holidays. Notably, this represents a $5 increase in the non-peak parking fee from the previous year.
There is also an option for short-term parking, no more than four hours, which will cost $20 on peak days and $10 on non-peak days. Parking after 3 p.m. is free, although officials discourage hikers from starting a summit of Quandary after this time for safety reasons.
Beginning June 1, hikers can make shuttle and parking reservations for visits starting from June 17. These reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance and will be required until Sept. 17 for full-day or short-term use. Residents are required to reserve a shuttle trip at least 48 hours in advance.
For more details, interested parties can visit HikeQuandary.com.
Note: The previous website used to manage parking and shuttle reservations (parkquandary.com) is no longer active.
This strategic reform was built upon a proposal discussed in January by the Summit Board of County Commissioners and the county’s Open Space and Trails Department. These measures aim to make hiking more accessible for everyone and increase shuttle ridership without compromising public safety and trailhead congestion.
To share feedback with Summit County, contact Summit County Open Space & Trails by Email or 970-668-4060.
Tips for Hikers
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch trails, hikers are recommended to:
- Plan ahead and secure parking and shuttle reservations in advance.
- Start hikes early in the day and avoid starting a summit after 3 p.m.
- Stick to the designated paths to protect the natural environment.
- Carry essential hiking gear, including plenty of water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Check weather forecasts prior to setting off.
- Practice the Leave No Trace principles:
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
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By abiding by these guidelines, hikers can ensure that the natural beauty and integrity of Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch trails will be preserved for future visitors.
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