Grays and Torreys Peak
For those wanting to climb to two of the highest points in the state of Colorado, Grays and Torreys are a popular way to summit two 14ers in one day. This is a popular location for hiking and can have a lot of people on the trail.
From Interstate 70 you will take Stevens Gulch Road to the trailhead. It is three miles from the highway to the trailhead but the road is rough. It is best to have a 4WD with ground clearance, but 2WD with enough clearance can make it. We took a 2019 Toyota highlander to the trailhead and made it without scraping anything. The parking lot at the trailhead can fill up early, as many hikers start before sunrise. The alternative is to park in the lower lot, but this will add 6 miles to your total hike.
We started hiking at about five in the morning and did the first mile or so with our headlamps. The trail crosses a stream and begins a steady climb up the mountain. As the sun began to rise we arrived at a section of trail where the climb lessens and you walk across the contour for a while. The glow of dawn was coming and we were able to hike most of this section without the headlamps. At the end of this section, we got the full beautify of the alpine glow revealing the two mountains that were our destination in full glory.
This is where the trail gets steeper and you start to climb up some serious elevation gain. The trail here becomes rocky and there are many large steps. You quickly learn to pace yourself and make your steady climb by taking the trail in sections and setting goals as you go. You soon come to a trail junction, we headed to the left to work our way up to summit Grays Peak first. If you choose to go right the trail will climb to the saddle between the peaks and on to Torreys Peak.
The trail up Grays Peak has a pretty steady climb but provides some lengthy switchbacks to help ease the climb. It is in this section that we saw mountain goats for the first time that day, which we would see later in the day as we came down the other trail. Grays peak is kind to hikers by not creating any false summits and while the climb is long it is not too terribly steep. Once on top there are numerous places to sit and enjoy the views while you refuel your engine and great ready for the next part of your hike.
We headed down the trail that leads to the saddle between the two peaks. This trail is much steeper than the way we came up, and with every step, you take down in elevation gain you know that you are going to climb again as you climb up to Torreys.
Once at the saddle the trail gets steep again as you climb up. From below this trail looks much more exposed, but it is not too bad as you climb up it. It feels great to make that second peak for the day and you are blessed with great views into Summit county. You can see Loveland pass, the different ski areas in summit county, Lake Dillon, and the Gore Range.
It is then time to head back down. Once you make it to the saddle you take the trail to the left which will work its way back down to the trail juncture you hit earlier. Going down seems to be as hard as going up as your knees absorb each step-down.
If you have not climbed 14ers before make sure that you are prepared. Remember that it can be much colder at the top than at the trailhead where you started. Many of those girls who take their pictures on top in their sports bra are quickly putting on a sweatshirt or jacket as soon as the moment is captured. Also, make sure that you can be headed down the mountain by noon so that you can avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm above tree line.
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