Grays & Torreys Combo
14,275 and 14,272 feet
Two Summits, One Epic Day
Why Grays & Torreys Combo?
The Grays and Torreys combo is one of the most popular two-peak days in Colorado. Starting from the Grays Peak Trailhead in Stevens Gulch, you will summit both 14,275-foot Grays Peak and 14,272-foot Torreys Peak in a single day. The peaks are connected by a scenic ridge with a saddle at about 13,700 feet. This is a Class 1 route with well-maintained trails, and the second summit adds only 600 feet of elevation gain. For hikers who have summited their first 14er and want to step up their game, this combo is the perfect challenge. You will experience the incredible feeling of standing on two different summits above 14,000 feet in one day.
Getting to the Trailhead
Grays Peak Trailhead (Stevens Gulch)
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 11,280 feet
- From Denver:
- About 54 miles (1.5 to 2 hours, including the rough final road)
Directions
From Denver, take I-70 West to exit 221 for Bakerville. Cross to the south side of the highway and follow the Grays Peak road (Forest Road 189) for almost 3 miles to the trailhead parking area. Stay straight at the junction after the first mile.
Road Access
The Grays Peak road is rocky and rutted. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes for the final 3 miles. Vehicles with good clearance can usually reach the trailhead, but low-clearance cars should park at the lot near the highway exit and walk the rest. The upper road is closed in winter, typically from November through May.
Parking Information
- There is a gravel parking area with restrooms and a few dispersed camping spots nearby. The county no longer allows parking along the road, so if the lot is full, you will need to park at the bottom of the road and walk up.
- Capacity: About 40 vehicles, plus a few spots past the restrooms
- There is no parking fee at this trailhead.
Pro Tip: The parking lot fills up very early. Strongly consider arriving the night before and camping at one of the dispersed camping spots near the trailhead. If you are day-tripping, arrive before 5:00 a.m.
The Route
Grays and Torreys Combo Route
Class 1
This route summits both peaks with minimal additional effort. You will hike the standard trail to Grays, traverse the connecting ridge, summit Torreys, and descend back to the trailhead. The full route covers 8.25 miles with 3,600 feet of gain and takes 6 to 8 hours.
The trail begins in a beautiful alpine valley alongside a creek. You will hike through wildflower meadows (peak bloom is in July) with views of both Grays and Torreys ahead. The grade is gentle to moderate. The trail is obvious and well-worn. You will cross a few small streams on easy rock hops and pass through grassy tundra dotted with boulders.
At the signed junction, turn left for Grays. The trail continues with steady switchbacks up the northern slope. The route is Class 1 the entire way. Above 13,500 feet, the air gets thin and you will need to pace yourself. The final approach to the summit is a gradual climb across a broad plateau.
From the Grays summit, descend north along the ridge to the saddle between the two peaks. The trail is rocky but clear, and the terrain stays Class 1. The ridge walk offers stunning views in both directions. Hiking along the Continental Divide above 13,700 feet is the magic of this combo.
From the saddle, climb the final stretch to the Torreys summit on a steep but clear trail. This is where you will feel the accomplishment of bagging two 14ers, because the second summit comes into view as you climb.
The summit of Torreys offers incredible views back to Grays Peak and across the Continental Divide. Take time to celebrate, because you have just summited two 14ers in one day. Sign both summit registers to document your achievement.
From the Torreys summit, descend the standard South Slopes route back to the trail junction, then follow the main trail back to the trailhead. Expect about 2 to 3 hours for the descent. Watch your footing on steep sections.
Descent
Descend from Torreys Peak via the standard South Slopes route to the trail junction, then follow the main trail back to the Grays Peak Trailhead.
What's Special About Grays & Torreys Combo?
Minimal Extra Effort
Once you summit Grays, Torreys requires only about 600 additional feet of gain. The ridge traverse is straightforward and scenic.
Class 1 the Entire Way
14ers.com rates the full combo route Class 1. There is no scrambling, no exposure, and there are no technical sections.
Clear Trails Throughout
The route is extremely well-marked and heavily trafficked. It is nearly impossible to get lost.
Incredible Achievement
Bagging two 14ers in one day is a major milestone. This is one of the most popular combos in Colorado for good reason.
When to Go
Best Time of Year
July through early September
These months offer the safest conditions for beginners with minimal snow coverage and the most predictable weather patterns. Mid-July to mid-August is peak season with the best trail conditions.
Caution: Attempting this peak in June or late September significantly increases difficulty due to snow conditions. Winter attempts require mountaineering skills.
Time of Day
Starting very early is critical for the combo. You need extra time for two summits and the ridge traverse. Be off both summits before afternoon storms roll in.
Sunrise Bonus: Starting early means you might catch sunrise from the trail or from the Grays summit, and it is absolutely magical.
Weather Considerations
Colorado mountain weather is unpredictable. With two summits above treeline, you are exposed for longer. Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are the biggest danger. Plan to be off Torreys, your second summit, by noon. Take this seriously.
Pro Tips
Choose Your Route
Most people summit Grays first by going left at the junction, then traverse to Torreys and descend via the Torreys trail. This is the most popular and scenic route. You could also do Torreys first, but the Grays approach is slightly gentler.
Bring Extra Food and Water
This is a longer day than a single peak. Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. You will be above treeline for 4 to 5 hours.
Take Your Time on the Ridge
The ridge traverse is one of the most scenic parts of the hike. Do not rush it. Enjoy the Continental Divide experience.
Related Peaks
Grays Peak
First summit on this combo
Grays Peak at 14,275 feet is the highest point on the Continental Divide. It has a well-maintained Class 1 trail.
Learn MoreTorreys Peak
Second summit on this combo
Torreys Peak at 14,272 feet is connected to Grays via a scenic ridge. It is equally beginner-friendly.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Grays and Torreys Loop
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Grays and Torreys Combo
Read the detailed route description and trip reports.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Check winter conditions and avalanche forecasts if you plan an off-season attempt.
Mountain Weather Forecast
Check the hour-by-hour summit forecast.
Ready to Summit Grays & Torreys Combo?
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