Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
The hike up Grays Peak and Torreys Peak is a great day out near Denver. If you’re not from Denver, be aware that getting up over 22,531 km can cause altitude sickness, so that this hike shouldn’t be your first hike when you arrive in Denver.
From the Grays and Torreys trailhead (also known as the Stevens Gulch Trailhead), follow the trail up Stevens Gulch. The well-defined trail up to Grays can easily be seen in the distance as it makes its way up the mountain. Initially the path will be a wide trail with an information sign posted 2.4 km from the trailhead.
Follow the trail as it crosses over a rocky section and heads towards a small ridge. Torreys Peak will be visible to your right as you continue to climb up Grays. At a trail junction roughly 4.5 km from the parking lot, stay left on the main trail.
Eventually, you will arrive at an overlook of Stevens Gulch. From the overlook, take a right and climb up the north slope of Grays all the way to the summit (4,352 m).
To link the two summits, you must descend from the summit of Grays Peak via the North Ridge. This is the most difficult section and is rated Class II as you make your way across the rough and rocky trail
Once you arrive at the Grays-Torreys saddle the trail widens out, momentarily reducing the overall exposure and technical nature of the hike. From the saddle, there is a trail that can be used to descend, if you need to bail, this will also be the trail you will use to descend back to the main trail that leads down to the trailhead. To climb to the top of Torreys Peak, follow the loose Class II trail up the southeast ridge of Torreys all the way to the summit (4,351 m).
To make your way back to the trailhead, descend off of the summit, back towards the Grays-Torreys saddle. Descend the trail which connects back to the main trail, all the way down to the parking lot.
Check out some other great hikes around Denver:
Insider Hints for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
- Altitude sickness is a real thing! Give yourself time to acclimate to the higher elevations and stay hydrated!
- Start early, this is a popular hike and afternoon thunderstorms mean you want to be down off the mountain.
- Conditions near the peaks are typically colder and windier than at the parking lot. Bring an extra layer on this hike.
Getting to the Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail Trailhead
From Denver, take I-70 west towards Silver Plume. Take Exit 221 onto Stevens Gulch Rd, high clearance vehicle is recommended. After 5 km, park at the Grays and Torreys Trailhead (also known as the Stevens Gulch Trailhead).Route Information for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
When to do:
April to November
Backcountry Campsites:
No camping is allowed on Grays and Torreys
Toilets:
Yes, primitive pit toilet
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Family friendly:
No
Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
This trail is challenging. Aside from the steep ascend, everything else was manageable.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was a windy day when I hiked this trail, but it was great.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
All the sweat an tears were worth it. This is not for the faint-hearted.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was worth all the sweat! Perfect stretch workout to burn your leg fats.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Very fun and challenging 14er! Amazing views!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was a tough climb to the peak! It was a nice experience still.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
What a thrilling hike! The moment I started seeing the beautiful views, I stopped complaining!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This hike is pretty long and arduous. I don't recommend it for amateur hikers.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was a thrilling journey to the summit. Extensive views look so gorgeous. You'll never run short of good views here.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was a thrilling journey to the summit. Extensive views look so gorgeous. You'll never run short of good views here.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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