Grays Peak and Torreys Peak - 8.35 Miles Round-Trip

Grays Peak (14,270') and Torreys Peak (14,267') are the two highest points along the Continental Divide, and considered among the most accessible fourteeners in Colorado. The summits are connected by a .8 mile long saddle, making both attainable in a day with an early start.

The peaks stand over a deep valley framed by Kelso Mountain (13,164') to the north, and Mount Edwards (13,850') and McClellan Mountain's (13,587) serrated ridge to the south.

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The Grays Peak National Recreation Trail scales Stevens Gulch into the upper valley, where it splits for Grays Peak and the saddle between the summits. The following describes clockwise travel to Grays, crosses the saddle to Torreys, and returns by a connector trail to form a lollipop loop:

The trail crosses Stevens Gulch Creek and climbs steadily on a wide, rocky path through the last of treeline. Travel is moderate from .8 miles (11,890') - 1.7 miles (12,245'), a chance to make up time in advance of more demanding sections ahead.

In 1.7 miles (12,245') the trail steepens up the north side of a divisive ridge in the upper valley; once over it bends east and south again on a more assertive climb into the tundra.The trail curls several times toward the valley-center on a rugged path, pressing steeply in spurts to the split for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak (2.8 miles : 13,273').

Bear left toward Grays on a steady, strenuous climb through uneven talus. Though generally well-defined, be mindful of false splits in the indistinguishable rock-scape. These social trail options generally link back to the main, but lead through unnecessarily challenging terrain.

A sharp east-southeast bend marks the final approach, crossing 14,000' at 3.45 miles. The trail narrows and tightens up a few turns just before leveling on Grays Peak (3.7 miles : 14,270').

Look for a Torreys Peak sign on the summit's north side to resume travel. Torreys' conical summit stands .8 miles away across a saddle on the Divide. The trail drops steeply on a rugged, tightly-wound path to the saddle trail connector (4.05 miles : 13,805').

Continue past this split to the saddle's lowest point (4.1 miles : 13,757') before turning uphill for Torreys. The trail is considerably narrower and less stable than what led you to Grays, requiring greater attention to footing and other hikers.

You'll cross 14,000' after 4.4 miles on the final push to Torreys Peak (4.55 miles : 14,267'). Retrace your steps back down the saddle, mindful of sliding rock, drop-offs and other hikers.

You'll reach the saddle trail connector once again (5.05 miles : 13,805'), this time splitting left down a perennial snowfield on the east side of the Divide. Tread cautiously on this section.

Once through the trail becomes quite clear (5.15 miles : 13,795'), and falls quickly back to the original split for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak (5.5 miles : 13,273').

Continue back down the main trail, which gradually moderates back to the Grays Peak - Stevens Gulch Trailhead to complete the hike (8.35 miles : 11,259').