Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
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!
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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
Grays Peak and Torreys Peak Trail Elevation Graph
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