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 Mt. Torrey's and Gray's Peak

Length: Approx. 8.5 miles roundtrip
Highlights: 14,000' summits, wildlife, amazing views!
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
Elevation Gain: Approx. 3,000 ft.
Below: Starting out in the morning. Note the beautiful blue skies. That's Grays on the left and Torreys poking up on the right. (just to either side of the SCE hikers)
Directions:
On the eastern border of Summit County, Gray's and Torrey's peaks provide hikers with the challenge of conquering two of Colorado's fifty four fourteeners. The most popular route is the Stevens Gulch Trailhead. From Silverthorne, take I-70 east to exit 221 at Bakerville. Turn right off the exit and enter a dirt road that begins a steep ascent through a series of switchbacks.
 The road is rough and 4WD is recommended. On a recent early season outing remnants of a winter avalanche, deep ruts and mud made just getting to the trailhead an adventure. It is approximately three miles from the I-70 exit to the trailhead. Parking and rest rooms are available on your left as the trail begins on the west side of the road crossing a small creek.
 

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 Below: After 2 miles you reach Arapaho National Forest sign. The true fun begins here!


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Description:
The first two miles ascend steadily back through the gulch via a series of switchbacks. Spectacular wildflowers highlight this section of the trail during July and August.

At two miles you reach an Arapaho National Forest sign for Gray's National Recreation Trail. Here you will begin to get clear views of Gray's on your left (south) and the sharper peak of Torreys on the right. From this point you will begin to experience the aerobic benefits of your hike. As you ascend the rocky ridges ahead watch for mountain goats that frequent the area. 

Steep switchbacks take you all the way to the summit. If you are looking for an additional challenge, walk west off the summit and descend to the saddle between Gray's and Torrey's where you can begin a steep half mile climb to the top of Torrey's.

 

  
Above:  As you begin to gain altitude, The pathway becomes much steeper and rockier. A beautiful bowl of snow is off to the right.

Above: Gray's massive peak. A few hikers dot the snowfield providing a visual reference for the true size of the peak.

 

  
For those who wish to bypass Gray's you can stay on the trail to about 13,800' and then head straight across some talus to the Gray's-Torrey's saddle. Be aware that guide books caution you to avoid the snow slope east of the saddle by staying above its south side (easily seen as you approach the saddle).

 

  
Above: On the peak of Grays, low clouds roll in and thunder is heard off in the distance...  

Above: A quick shot of 2 SCE hikers in the rapidly disappearing blue skies...

 

  
Numerous mishaps have occurred on the slope - one described in a recent issue of Reader's Digest.

Whether you choose one summit or two, this hike will enable everyone to understand why "we like to be on top."

 

  
Above: Looking over at Torrey's peak - the ominous clouds begin to roll  in. Hint: If your view looks similar to this, we would urge you to descend immediately.

Ascending Torrey's during an approaching white out - note the snow field on the saddle. Stay to the south (left) and above this. Unfortunately white out conditions eliminated our chance for additional views/photos.

 

  

Just another word of caution: compare the bottom photos with the top. How quickly the weather changes at this altitude! When you see approaching cloud cover and/or hear distant thunder, we urge you to descend to safety immediately. Safety comes first, its best to live to climb another day!

 

    

 

  
  beginner intermediate advanced
    Black Powder Pass   Mohawk Lake   Quandary Peak  14,265'
    Lily Pad   Chihuahua Gulch   Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
    St. John's   Mt. Royal   Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
    Mayflower Gulch   Wheeler Lakes   Willow & Salmon Lakes
    Loveland Pass   Radical Hill Trail   Upper Crystal Lake
    Salt Lick Trail   McCullough Gulch   Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
    Mesa Cortina Trail   Mt. Sniktau   Mt. Democrat 14,152'
    St. Mary's Glacier   North Ten Mile Trail   Mt. Victoria
    Sally Barber Mine   Willow Falls  

Mt. Elbert  14,433'
    Oro Grande Trail   Eaglesmere Lakes   Buffalo Mountain  12,777'
    Meadow Creek-Salt Lick   Mosquito Pass   Eccles Pass
    Shrine Mountain Trail   Webster Pass   Mt. Huron  14,003'
    Ptarmigan Trail   Ptarmigan via Wilder Gulch    
    Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch   Wheeler Lake - Park County    
    Hoosier Pass Loop   Lenawee Trail    

 

  Spruce Creek Loop NEW! Nightmare on Baldy Mine    
  NEW! Tenderfoot Mountain Trail        
   

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.