Again I was wishing for some hiking poles to help balance and steady myself on the treacherous rocks that covered the majority of the hike down. The best part of the hike were the views, being in a beautiful area, and sharing the challenge between our group and other hikers.
To me, the worst part was the final summit to Torreys and the decent down to the bottom of the trailhead. It was a great time overall and was very glad we did it!
We arrived at am to a completely full upper trailhead parking lot, but there was still ample parking along the road. When people tell you to get there early, they're not kidding. Some parts of the trail were so crowded you couldn't even step off to the side to let someone pass. That being said, it was well worth it.
As far as fourteeners go, Grays was about as easy as it gets. The trail is well defined and wide the entire way up. The top is wide enough that we didn't feel crowded. In my opinion, the ridge down from Grays to the saddle was the hardest part, followed closely by the snow bank you have to traverse after Torreys still there on July with no real signs of disappearing.
Just go slowly and you'll be just fine! This hike was especially great when we camped the night before! There is a very small parking lot, so using the free, dispersed campsites completely eliminated the stress of not being certain of a parking spot. We also didn't have to wake up super early to drive to the trailhead! If you're new to Colorado these are great first fourteeners, just be prepared for the big weekend crowds. This can be a great long run if you start from the parking lot next to I Going for the combo can be done is one day, but be sure to give yourself enough time to summit both peaks and off the trail before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Much of this trail is exposed, so there won't be much cover if a thunderstorm pops up on you. The access road can be bumpy and you'll need high clearance to get all the way to the trailhead.
There are several pullouts on the way up, however, so if you're in a commuter car you can make it about halfway up the road. Grays and Torreys are easily knocked off in a day hike. Be sure to leave early to avoid the inevitable summer thunderstorms and beat the multitude of hikers. For the more adventurous, check out the Kelso Ridge route up Torreys! Mountain Goat are frequently seen on the highest slopes of Grays and Torreys peaks. Look for bighorn sheep on nearby ridges, and elk and moose in the lower tundra and valley floor.
Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest. Camping is prohibited within ' of any lake or stream. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal and location-specific restrictions. Campfires are not permitted above or within. Contact the Clear Creek Ranger District Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location.
After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. The Clear Creek Ranger District maintains eight developed campgrounds. Operating seasons vary, however most range from mid-May through mid-October. Contact the Clear Creek Ranger District for availability and detailed information on each.
From I, exit and turn south over the highway. The road to the trailhead is narrow and bumpy. High clearance 4x2 and 4x4 vehicles are recommended, although less-capable vehicles can make the drive in perfect conditions.
Parking spaces fill up very quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a space. Roadside parking is permitted, but can add significant distance on foot to reach the trailhead. Box Idaho Springs, CO View from the saddle between Grays Peak and Torreys Peak. Practical info Ask a question.
Seven Rila Lakes Hike. Trekking to Orlovo Oko. Hiking in Carpathian Mountains. Hike to Big Trees. Hiking Trolltunga. Hike to Preikestolen Pulpit Rock. Exploring Tusheti. Hiking in Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela.
Trekking Season. Took us 4. We were back by Lots of snow above ft. More like winter climb. We somehow managed with trail running shoes and spikes. It was extremely windy at the top so we decided to skip Torrey's.
Glad we turned back as a storm rolled in with lots of snow and wind which made coming down a tad difficult. You need a really good car to get to the trailhead, with about 4 inches of snow ,getting down in our subaru was quite an adventure. Hike on Oct Arrived at and started in the dark in snow.
Was not expecting the entire trail to be snow covered so come prepared. Hiking poles and true crampons are a must. The snow up top was DEEP but the trek to the top was well worth it. Never felt unsafe and took it nice and slow. Arrived at , only half full lot. Cold and a lot of snow. Some parts went up to my knees. Took about 4 hours to get to Grays peak. Give yourself plenty of time and come prepared. Oct 10th full on winter conditions so come prepared for a snow trek with spikes and poles.
Fog rolled in and sat so we had no views at the summits but still a rewarding day as snow makes for a harder hike! Parking lot half full at 8 AM on a Friday. Chilly but gorgeous morning. Spikes and poles recommended for Grays, particularly from the split upward and back down toward the saddle to Torreys. Decent patches of snow and ice pack on inclines.
Come prepared! Hiked Oct 7. First one at the trailhead parking lot at around am. Made it up the rough road with a rented front wheel drive Hyundai sedan. You can make it with a sedan but you have to pick your lines. I still bottomed out a few times but nothing major. First one on both summits. I would recommend either poles or micro spikes for certain areas.
I was basically too lazy to put them on. Straightforward hike nothing really challenging. Did the loop, Grays first over the saddle up to Torreys and then back to the saddle and then the switchback to the main trail. Great views. Weather was perfect. The road to the trailhead is a pretty rough in certain sections but any vehicle with a bit of clearance will be fine.
The trail was perfect and well defined. Once we started the ascent to Grays, there was snow on most the trail from the base. Made it up fine without spikes but would suggest bringing them for the downhill.
I left mine and it was a bit slow going in more steep parts once the sun heated up the snow and made it slick. Girlfriend had hers though and had no issues. Once on the saddle over to Torreys, and most the way up Torreys, almost all the snow was melted on that part of the trail so it was much better with traction.
Great hike though; beautiful day and views! Def worth the effort! Did Torreys but started 2 miles down road. Only had shorts on because I had planned to hike Ptarmigan Peak in Silverthorne but trail was still closed I guess due to wildfire they had earlier in week. Since I got a late start am , I got to trailhead around and about a mile up, I was in sun and it was quite warm. Ended up taking off jacket, gloves and hat and it was quite warm hiking up to Torreys Peak. No wind at top and really clear blue skies.
Torreys had no snow or ice on trail to it from saddle. Grays had a lot more snow. Did not have microspikes with me but wished I did when I came down from the saddle because the trail was slippery packed snow. Had to go slow until I got on bare trail again about a mile further down. All in all it was a good hike but slower coming down the snow packed part of trail. The road to the trail is rough.
My Ford fusion did not make it, I had to park and walk 3. Started at Took just about 3hrs to the first summit. Snow was powdery and we moved a bit faster with them on.
Took another hour to the summit of Grays. Made it before Light snow, not too windy. Light snow and hail on descent. Made it to the car not long after noon. Our 3rd time up a 14er. Glad we got it in before the real snow comes!
Tough hike for a 46 year old in decent shape but so worth it!
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