Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
Table of contents
Hiking Grays Peak and Torreys Peak is a popular intro hike to the famous Colorado 14ers (peaks above 4,267 m). Having the two peaks so close together makes for an exciting and scenic day, hiking two Colorado 14ers in a single day out!
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 22,530.8 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 5.0 km, park at the Grays and Torreys Trailhead (also known as the Stevens Gulch Trailhead).
Route Information
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
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Pavilion Point Hike
Front Range
Griffin Memorial Trail
Front Range
Grays Peak via I-70 Hike
Front Range
Bard Peak Hike
Front Range
Kelso Mountain Hike
Front Range
Watrous Gulch Trail
Front Range
Citadel Mountain Hike
Front Range
Mount Parnassus Hike
Front Range
Kelso Ridge Hike
Front Range
Grizzly Gulch Trail
Front Range
Argentine Pass Trail
Front Range
Herman Gulch Trail
Front Range