Gray's and Torrey's from Loveland Pass (The Loveland Double)

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This is a highly technical, high-altitude mountain hiking route that will also test your your scrambling skills.

The Loveland Double, named for the two 14er peaks (one of them twice) you'll need to cross, begins at the Mt. Sniktau Trail on the east side of Loveland Pass. Begin climbing east on the Mt. Sniktau Trail, and enjoy your last moments below 12,000 feet! The is a very broad and easy-to-follow trail. Stay left until you reach the second junction; then turn right and join up with the Torreys West Ridge Trail.

Now you are on the approach for Grizzly Peak (13,427 feet). The trail is fairly easy to follow until the summit. You'll cross just below the summit of Cupid (13,177 feet) and a "small" hump before making a scree-filled final push to the summit of Grizzly. Now that you've reached the top of Grizzly, the real adventure is just beginning!

While there is a published route that takes switchbacks down off Grizzly's summit, it is advised to stick to the ridge down to the saddle. There are some steep drops to the left, but the trail is fairly easy to follow. Following the published route will result in "scree surfing" down to the bottom.

Looking up and left, you'll see the first 14er summit that you'll cross during this hike. Start heading up the western side of Torrey's Peak. This section of trail to a point just below the summit will be steep and loose. Be prepared to slip and slide your way up. As the trail begins to mellow out and bears left, the summit will only be a few hundred feet away. Once on the summit, Gray's Peak will be evident. Follow a well-defined trail (and all the people) to the summit. Congrats on making the halfway point. Now turn around and reverse course.

Enjoy the views on your way back!