Got caught in a hailstorm above treeline near Quandary Peak and learned to check the radar twice

Robert Smith · 2026-10-09T09:35:03.955453+00:00

Went up the West Ridge route on a Tuesday in July with a forecast that said 20 percent chance of rain. Two hours in, the sky went black and golf ball sized hail started, so we bailed down to the car with soaked packs. A guy named Dale at the trailhead later told me afternoon storms roll in around 1pm almost daily that time of year. Now I plan to be back below treeline by noon. Anyone got a route where starting early really saved you?

Librear

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Got caught in a hailstorm above treeline near Quandary Peak and learned to check the radar twice | Backpacking Routes - Librear