Grays & Torreys Combo
14,278 & 14,275 feet
Two Summits, One Epic Day
Why Grays & Torreys Combo?
The Grays and Torreys combo is the most popular two-peak day in Colorado. Starting from Stevens Gulch Trailhead, you will summit both 14,278-foot Grays Peak and 14,275-foot Torreys Peak in a single day. The peaks are connected by a scenic ridge traverse at over 14,000 feet. This is a Class 1 route with well-maintained trails and only 600 additional feet of elevation gain to bag the second summit. 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
Stevens Gulch Trailhead
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 11,280 feet
- From Denver:
- 52 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)
Directions
From Denver, take I-70 West to exit 221 for Bakerville. Turn right onto Stevens Gulch Road and follow for approximately 3 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Road Access
Stevens Gulch Road is rocky and not well-maintained. Plan on at least an hour drive for the last two miles to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles can make it to the trailhead, but it takes much longer than expected. Standard cars can park about 2 miles from the trailhead and walk the rest. The road is closed in winter (typically November through May).
Parking Information
- There is a large gravel parking area with restrooms. Multiple dispersed camping spots are available near the trailhead.
- Capacity: Approximately 50-60 vehicles
- No fees required
Pro Tip: The parking lot fills up very early. Strongly consider arriving the night before and camping at one of the many dispersed camping spots near the trailhead. If day-tripping, arrive before 5:00 AM.
The Route
Grays & Torreys Loop
Class 1
This loop route summits both peaks with minimal additional effort. You will hike the standard trail to one peak, traverse the connecting ridge, summit the second peak, and descend back to the trailhead. Total stats: 8.25 miles, 3,600 feet gain, 6-8 hours.
The trail begins in a beautiful alpine valley alongside a creek. You will hike through wildflower meadows (peak bloom 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 (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 southwest along the ridge toward the saddle between the two peaks. This section drops about 300 feet before climbing back up to Torreys. The trail is rocky but clear. The ridge walk offers stunning views in both directions. This is the magic of the combo - hiking along the Continental Divide above 13,700 feet.
From the saddle, climb the final 600 feet to the Torreys summit. The trail switchbacks up the southern slope. This is where you will feel the accomplishment of bagging two 14ers - 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 - you have just summited two 14ers in one day. Sign both summit registers to document your achievement.
From 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 Stevens Gulch Trailhead.
What's Special About Grays & Torreys Combo?
Minimal Extra Effort
Once you summit Grays, Torreys only requires 600 additional feet of gain. The ridge traverse is straightforward and scenic.
Class 1 the Entire Way
Both peaks and the connecting ridge are Class 1 trails. No scrambling, no exposure, 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 the most popular combo 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. 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 summit (your second) by noon. Take this seriously.
Pro Tips
Choose Your Route
Most people summit Grays first (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 4-5 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 14,278 feet is the highest point on the Continental Divide. Well-maintained Class 1 trail.
Learn MoreTorreys Peak
Second summit on this combo
Torreys Peak at 14,275 feet is connected to Grays via a scenic ridge. Equally beginner-friendly.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails - Grays and Torreys Loop
Trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers
14ers.com - Grays and Torreys Combo
Detailed route description and trip reports
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Winter conditions and avalanche forecasts (if attempting off-season)
Mountain Weather Forecast
Hour-by-hour summit forecast
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