Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Summit County Rescue Group assisted in the rescue of two hikers and their dog who wound up stranded on Quandary Peak in Colorado last week. Fortunately the report included no major injuries through the incident.
Search and Rescue on Quandary Peak
The two hikers were on Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s many 14ers, when their dog injured its paw and became unable to continue walking. Hoping to get the dog back down to the trailhead, one of the hikers carried the animal as far as they could. Eventually she became exhausted and lightheaded, leading to a need for rescue.
The duo called the Summit County Sheriff’s Office for assistance and deputies and the Summit County Rescue Group set out to locate them. Upon reaching the trio, rescuers gave the woman oxygen allowing her to walk out on her own and crews helped the dog using a litter.
Hiking Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak, located south of Breckenridge, Colorado, has a summit of 14,272 feet. Its trailhead is significantly popular and those hoping to hike the mountain between June 14th and September 14th, 2025, are required to make a parking reservation or take the shuttle from Breckenridge. Both parking and shuttle reservations are available here.
Quandary Peak Trail is a 6.6-mile round trip. It usually takes around 6 hours to hike, depending on experience and ability level. As with most hikes in Colorado, Summit County encourages visitors to start their hike early in the morning and begin descending the mountain early in the afternoon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Visitors should prepare for major crowds along the trail. The trail does allow dogs but owners must keep them on leash at all times.Â
Hiking With Your Dog
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to keep a companion by your side and provide some exercise for your furry friend, but hikers must do it in a safe and responsible manner. Make sure the trail is dog friendly in the first place and keep them on leash at all times unless the trail specifically notes otherwise. Almost every trail prohibits unleashed dogs.
Pack out any waste your dog creates. Bagging the dog poop and leaving it behind for later pickup is not acceptable as it ruins other people’s hikes and can attract wildlife. There are plenty of doggy backpacks that allow your dog to carry its own waste until you reach a garbage can. Additionally, keeping a dog rescue harness like the Fido Pro can help ensure your dog can make it back to the trailhead in case it gets exhausted or injured.
