Fletcher Mountain rises west of Quandary Peak in the southern Tenmile Range, part of the long, jagged ridge that runs south from Atlantic Peak over Fletcher and Drift Peak toward Wheeler Mountain. It is the topographic parent of Pacific Peak, and a high trailhead makes it a short day hike.
The Southeast Ridge starts at the Blue Lakes trailhead near 11,700 feet. Colorado Springs Utilities controls the road, and when the gate is closed you park below it and walk, which can add about three quarters of a mile each way. A good trail follows the reservoir shore and crosses the basin west of Quandary to a gully marked by rust-colored rock, and above that it is mostly talus and big slabs. The ridge steepens and loosens between 13,600 and 13,800 feet, with serious drop-offs on the east side. The round trip is about 4.25 miles with 2,250 feet of gain at Class 2. Strong scramblers can add Drift Peak on the Fletcher and Drift traverse, about 5.5 miles and 2,800 feet at Class 3 with high exposure.
The summit looks straight across at Quandary's rugged west ridge. This side often holds snow into early summer (skiers use it), so bring an axe early in the season, and plan to be off the ridge before afternoon storms build.
