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At a glance:
Distance: 8.25 miles
Difficulty: Class 2 Ascent: 3,600 ft Starting Elevation: 11,280 ft Summit Elevation: 14,270 ft Map Link: Grays and Torreys Peak 14ers.com Link: Grays and Torreys Peak Google Maps Link: Grays and Torreys Peak Dogs: On a leash |
Grays and Torreys Peak
Garys and Torreys are two 14ers that are within an hour drive of Denver. Because of this proximity, there are more people here on a nice weekend than at Empower Field at Mile High on game day. Having said that, these trails are well marked, with lots of bodies moving up the trail. It's hard to get lost and you can bag two peaks relatively easily without any technical worry. They are good peaks to cut your teeth on if you are new to high country hiking or if you are preparing for a harder climb and just need to get in some mileage and elevation. Plus, the views are pretty great and the mountain goats exciting to watch. You can do them independently, but that's a bit of a waste when you get two for the price of one.
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Grays and Torreys map
getting there:
Address: 3025 Stevens Gulch Road, Silver Plume, CO 80476
1) From Colorado Springs, head North on I-25 and get on 1-70 West going up into the mountains.
2) Take exit 221 from I-70 W toward Bakerville.
3) Head South on Route 321 (Steven's Gulch Road) and follow it for about 3.1 miles. The Trailhead has a proper parking lot and bathroom. However, unless you get there at 2:30 am, all the Starbucks employees that moved to Denver from Indiana will have taken all the parking spots and will be standing by their Subaru's talking about their new gear from REI. This kind of stinks because if the lot is full, you can no longer park on the side of the road, so you'll have to drive back down and walk back up. This adds a bit of a hike to an already long day.
1) From Colorado Springs, head North on I-25 and get on 1-70 West going up into the mountains.
2) Take exit 221 from I-70 W toward Bakerville.
3) Head South on Route 321 (Steven's Gulch Road) and follow it for about 3.1 miles. The Trailhead has a proper parking lot and bathroom. However, unless you get there at 2:30 am, all the Starbucks employees that moved to Denver from Indiana will have taken all the parking spots and will be standing by their Subaru's talking about their new gear from REI. This kind of stinks because if the lot is full, you can no longer park on the side of the road, so you'll have to drive back down and walk back up. This adds a bit of a hike to an already long day.
the hike:
If you are lucky enough to start at the parking lot, cross the bridge that spans Stevens Gulch. Just follow the Grays trail into the Gulch. At about mile 1.5, you'll find a sign and a view of your two summits for the day. It's a bit daunting at first, but hey, the end is in sight!
You basically follow this rocky trail toward Grays Peak slowly gaining elevation until you have to make a more concerted effort to gain the ridge. At about 13,300 ft you'll find yourself at the trail junction where you can chose to go to Torreys or Grays. Most people seem to start with Grays, so head left on the main Grays trail. Switchback your way to the summit and get some glamor shots to show all the people back at Starbucks.
If the weather is good, you'll probably want to head over to Torreys Peak. Descend the north ridge or Grays peak (watch out for mountain goats). Follow the trial to the Grays-Torrey saddle which sits at about 13,700 ft.
You'll see a trail leading back down (don't be tempted just yet!). Follow the trail up to Torreys Peak. Once you gain the summit, enjoy a moment, take in the views, and make sure you stay hydrated.
Once you've had your fill of radiation and wind whipping your likely sun burnt face, head back down tot he saddle. Drop down out of the saddle and regain the main Grays trail. It's a long hike back down, so don't forget to drink some water. When you do, turn around and enjoy the views of what you just accomplished. Somehow, they look prettier on the way back down.
You basically follow this rocky trail toward Grays Peak slowly gaining elevation until you have to make a more concerted effort to gain the ridge. At about 13,300 ft you'll find yourself at the trail junction where you can chose to go to Torreys or Grays. Most people seem to start with Grays, so head left on the main Grays trail. Switchback your way to the summit and get some glamor shots to show all the people back at Starbucks.
If the weather is good, you'll probably want to head over to Torreys Peak. Descend the north ridge or Grays peak (watch out for mountain goats). Follow the trial to the Grays-Torrey saddle which sits at about 13,700 ft.
You'll see a trail leading back down (don't be tempted just yet!). Follow the trail up to Torreys Peak. Once you gain the summit, enjoy a moment, take in the views, and make sure you stay hydrated.
Once you've had your fill of radiation and wind whipping your likely sun burnt face, head back down tot he saddle. Drop down out of the saddle and regain the main Grays trail. It's a long hike back down, so don't forget to drink some water. When you do, turn around and enjoy the views of what you just accomplished. Somehow, they look prettier on the way back down.
