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Grays and Torreys Peaks

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Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (133)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Georgetown
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“Summit two 14ers on the Continental Divide along an alpine lollipop loop close to Denver. ”

Mike Langenkamp
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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.3

KM

Lollipop

14,246' 4,342 m

High

11,242' 3,427 m

Low

3,479' 1,061 m

Up

3,466' 1,056 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting at the lower Chimney Lot trailhead (winter / 2WD) adds 6 miles to the overall distance (3 miles each way), for a total distance of 14.5 miles round-trip.

Overview

Grays and Torreys are the only two 14ers situated on the Continental Divide and provide great views of the area. Grays is considered the highest point on the Continental Divide. The peaks are in close proximity to eachother so it is popular to hike them both in one day.

The standard route is from Grays Peak Trail at Stevens Gulch. This is one of the most popular 14er hikes in Colorado due to its proximity to Denver and the Front Range.

Need to Know

Take exit 221 for Bakerville off of I-70. The Lower/Winter/2WD (Chimney Lot) trailhead is located on the south side of the overpass near the freestanding chimney. Use this trailhead in winter (always) and in summer if you have a 2WD vehicle.

The upper trailhead is only accessible in summer and is only recommended if you have a 4WD vehicle and high clearance. There is a parking area at the upper trailhead that accommodates around 40 cars and is often full. Park in designated areas only, there is private property along the road and county police actively ticket illegally parked vehicles.

There are no services or bathrooms at the lower trailhead/Chimney Lot, but there are pit toilets at the upper trailhead.

Description

From the Grays Peak Lower/Winter/2WD trailhead (Chimney Lot), go south through the dirt parking area to the start of Forest Road 189/Stevens Gulch Road. After 1 mile, stay straight at the junction, following the sign for Grays Peak. Continue another 2 miles to the Upper/Summer/4WD trailhead.

From the Grays Peak Upper/Summer Trailhead (Stevens Gulch Trailhead), cross a well-maintained bridge and travel southwest, already near treeline at 11,259'. The trail meanders along the south slopes of Kelso Mountain to Kelso Junction 1.85 miles in. The small trail on the right leads to Kelso Ridge and Torreys Peak. Continue straight on the main trail heading west of the ridge until reaching the upper slopes.

The trail reaches the Torreys Peak South Slope junction 2.8 miles in at 13,270'. Heading right leads to the saddle between Grays and Torreys Peak. When hiking both peaks in one day, most travel in a clockwise direction, hiking up Grays Peak first. To do so, turn left at the junction to continue to Grays Peak up talus slopes. The trail traverses across the north slope and begins a series of switchbacks at 13,840'. The trail turns southeast just before the final pitch to the summit (14,270'), 3.75 miles from the trailhead.

From the summit of Grays Peak, Torreys Peak is less than a mile away. Descend the North Ridge of Grays toward Torreys Peak. Follow the trail through tight switchbacks for 0.40 miles to the trail junction with the Torreys Peak Trail. The saddle between Grays and Torreys is a short distance ahead. Follow the Torreys Peak Trail along the south slope to the summit. Torreys Peak lies at 14,267' and is 4.6 miles in when doing both peaks.

To return to the trailhead, descend to the Grays-Torreys saddle again, traverse across the North Slopes of Grays to join the Grays Peak Trail. Descend the Grays Peak Trail to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Alpine and subalpine plants and animals including various spruce/fir trees, marmots, pika and many more organisims.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

Land Manager: USFS - Dillon Ranger District, White River NF

Shared By:

Mike Langenkamp with improvements by M M
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 133 votes

#1

in Georgetown

#39

Overall
  4.4 from 133 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Georgetown

#14

in Colorado

#39

Overall
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57,144 Since Apr 9, 2015
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Photos

Looking back down to Kelso Mountain, a fun 13er to warm up on!
Dec 6, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
The Path - Grays Peak Trail
Apr 14, 2015 near Georgetown, CO
On the trail up to Grays Peak.
Jul 3, 2017 near Georgetown, CO
This mountain goat went off trail to climb it's own mini summit!
Dec 12, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Near the Grays Peak Trailhead
Apr 9, 2015 near Georgetown, CO
Mountain goat near top of Grays.
Jul 3, 2017 near Georgetown, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 83 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 16, 2024
Jordon
5h 00m
Jul 27, 2024
Private User
Jun 25, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Jun 18, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 6, 2023
Ethan B
8.3mi
Sep 24, 2023
Jill Out
8.3mi — 10h 00m
Aug 13, 2023
Dylan Pradas
Did years ago (2015?)
Sep 24, 2022
Matt Culpepper
Perfect day for a 14er! (7.9/3100) 7.9mi — 6h 54m

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