Overview
Kelso Mountain is the peak right beside the busy Grays and Torreys trailhead. The easy way up is to follow the Grays Peak Trail almost two miles, then turn up Kelso's steep but simple grassy south slopes and walk over a string of false summits to the top.
It is Class 2. The first 400 feet off the trail are the steepest; the rest is a gentle grassy ridge. The north and northeast sides have cliff bands, so don't take a shortcut down them.
The round trip is about 5.5 miles with 2,000 feet of gain. It is also a nice add-on after climbing Grays and Torreys.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the summit by 11:30 a.m.
The first steep 400 feet of grass off the trail.
Easy. Leave the Grays trail near 12,300 feet, a little before the side trail to the Torreys-Kelso saddle.
The creek along the Grays trail. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Grays Peak (Stevens Gulch)
Take I-70 exit 221 (Bakerville) and go south to the dirt lot where Forest Road 189 begins, which serves as the winter trailhead; low-clearance cars should park here.
Otherwise drive about 3 rough miles up the road, staying straight at a junction after 1 mile, to the Grays Peak trailhead at 11,280 feet. There are restrooms and a few camp spots.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Grays Peak (Stevens Gulch). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →