Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Combo route · Grays and Torreys
Overview
This route climbs Grays Peak and Torreys Peak in one day from Stevens Gulch, just off Interstate 70. You follow the Grays trail to Grays Peak, cross a wide saddle to Torreys Peak, then drop back to the main trail. The round trip is about 8.25 miles with around 3,600 feet of gain.
It is Class 1, with a good trail the whole way. It is one of the most popular ways to climb two 14ers in a day and a common first 14er. The extra effort to add Torreys after Grays is only about 600 feet and under a mile.
Plan on 6 to 9 hours. Expect big crowds on summer weekends.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5:30 a.m. You are above treeline almost the whole way, and the lot fills early.
Turnaround
If you are not on Grays' summit by 10:30 a.m., skip Torreys. If storms are building when you reach the saddle, go down instead of climbing Torreys.
Crux
The rugged stretch along a small ridge near 12,600 feet, and the steady climb up the upper slopes of each peak. All of it is on trail.
Route-finding
Easy. The trail is well marked. At the 13,300-foot junction stay left for Grays. On the way down from the saddle, take the trail on the Grays side that drops left back to the main trail.
Water
Stevens Gulch has a creek near the start. Filter it. There is no water higher up, so carry about 2 to 3 liters.
Take Interstate 70 to the Bakerville exit (Exit 221). Cross to the south side and go to the dirt lot where Forest Road 189 begins. This lower lot serves as the winter trailhead. Cars with low clearance should park here, even when the upper road is open.
Higher-clearance vehicles can continue up the rough road. Go straight at a junction after about 1 mile and continue about 2 more miles to the summer trailhead at 11,280 feet. The upper lot has restrooms, with a few campsites nearby.
TundraRidgeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Grays Peak trailhead 11,280' · 0 mi
Cross the big bridge over the creek and start up the Grays trail into Stevens Gulch.
2
First full view of Grays 11,800' · 0.8 mi
Near 11,800 feet you get a clear look at Grays Peak ahead. Keep following the wide trail up the valley.
3
Information sign 12,100' · 1.5 mi
Pass an information sign. A little farther on, cross a flat, rocky area.
4
Behind the small ridge 12,400' · 1.9 mi
The trail slowly bends left behind a small ridge that runs toward Grays. Torreys is on your right.
5
Rugged section near 12,600 feet 12,600' · 2.2 mi
The trail turns left and heads south along the small ridge. This part is rockier. It then gets easier.
Watch for: Watch your footing on the rocks.
6
Trail junction 13,300' · 2.8 mi
Keep to the left and stay on the main Grays trail. The right fork goes directly to the saddle and Torreys.
7
Stevens Gulch overlook 13,700' · 3.1 mi
At a corner overlooking the valley, turn right. Climb west across the north slope of Grays on a few switchbacks.
8
Summit of Grays Peak 14,275' · 3.5 mi
This is the first summit and the highest point on the Continental Divide. Check the time and the sky before heading to Torreys.
Watch for: Decide here whether to continue.
9
Grays-Torreys saddle 13,700' · 3.9 mi
Drop north down Grays' north ridge on the trail to the wide saddle.
Watch for: Exposed to wind and lightning.
10
Summit of Torreys Peak 14,272' · 4.3 mi
Cross the saddle and follow the trail up Torreys' southeast ridge to the top.
Getting down
Go back down Torreys to the saddle. Just past the low point, on the Grays side, a trail branches down to the left. This is the direct Torreys trail. Follow it down to rejoin the main Grays trail near 13,200 feet, then walk back down Stevens Gulch to the trailhead.
If things go wrong
From Grays, go back down the main trail. From the saddle, take the direct Torreys trail down to the main trail. It is the quickest way off the high ground. If a storm arrives, get below the saddle and off the ridges fast. Many other hikers are usually nearby. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.
