My co-worker, Neil, and I got an early start on a mutual day off. We followed I-70 to the Bakerville exit, and off-roaded 3 miles to the summer trailhead. Low clearance vehicles are strongly discouraged from attempting the drive.
After gearing up (and allowing our stomachs to catch up), we set off by 7:15 am. We followed the trail up the hill into Stevens Gulch.
The red and yellowed fall foliage glowed warmly in the morning sun.
A short while later, Grays (left) and Torreys (right) loomed into view up ahead.
First up was Grays Peak, classified as Class 1 difficulty. Gradually, we ascended the rocky terrain, pausing to view Stevens Gulch below and Torreys Peak to the left. I also spotted a solitary white mountain goat on a ridge high above.
After a 3,000' elevation gain in 3.5 miles, we had gained Grays Peak at 14,270'. We didn't stay on the summit long due to the cold strong wind.
The next step was to hike down the North Ridge of Grays. This 575' rocky descent is where the trail becomes Class 2 difficulty.
From the Grays-Torreys saddle, I captured the 360-degree view between the giant 14ers.
Without further delay, we began the final (and slightly intimidating) ascent to Torreys Peak. The loose and rugged terrain was vaguely reminiscent of what I imagine the moon to look like.
Glancing behind revealed a stunning view of Grays Peak.
After 575' of elevation gain from the saddle, 4.5 miles from the trailhead, and a decent amount of heavy breathing, we had reached the summit: 14,267'.
The conditions were considerably milder than on the summit of Grays, so we afforded more time on Torreys to enjoy our accomplishments.
Despite climbing to 14,000' on more than one occasion, the summit views remain unique to each peak. I joined other hikers in pointing out familiar landmarks, including Frisco and the unmistakable summer slopes of Breckenridge.
Eventually, we carefully dropped back down to the saddle and merged on a trail that ultimately connected to our original path to Gray's Peak.
By the time we had returned to Stevens Gulch, the day had warmed up generously. I had grown accustomed to watching the clouds roll in by early afternoon at the end of my hikes, but we were blessed with ideal weather.
Neil and I really took our time with this one, clocking in around 8.5 miles in 7.5 hours. Needless to say, we were dog tired when we reached the car. It was then that I realized that I had climbed 4 14ers in [less than] 4 weeks!
