Grays and Torreys Peaks

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

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 run them both in one day.

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

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.

Scrambling and scree involved to reach the summit, be wary.

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.

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