Torreys Peak
14,272 feet
Your Gateway to the Continental Divide
Why Torreys Peak?
Torreys Peak is one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly 14ers in Colorado. Sharing a trailhead with Grays Peak, Torreys offers a well-maintained Class 1 trail with steady elevation gain and no technical sections. The summit rewards you with stunning 360-degree views of the Continental Divide and the chance to stand above 14,000 feet. For many hikers, Torreys is their very first 14er. It is an achievable, memorable, and absolutely beautiful introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.
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
Torreys Peak via South Slopes
Class 1
This is a straightforward out-and-back route that follows a well-defined trail the entire way. The trail is heavily trafficked, making it nearly impossible to lose. You will gain 3,000 feet over approximately 3.9 miles to the summit, with a steady but manageable grade throughout.
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. This section is shared with Grays Peak hikers, so expect company. 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 right for Torreys. The trail steepens noticeably but remains Class 1 the entire way. You will switchback up the southern slope with increasingly expansive views behind you. The terrain is rocky tundra with a clear, maintained trail. Above 13,500 feet, the air gets thin and you will need to pace yourself. The final push to the summit is steep but short, and the trail is obvious all the way to the top.
The summit of Torreys is a rocky plateau with a summit register, a cairn, and incredible views. Just across the saddle to the south, you will see Grays Peak. The Continental Divide stretches in both directions along the ridge. On clear days, you can see Denver and the Front Range to the east. The summit is often windy, so bring layers. Many hikers continue to Grays Peak from here via the connecting ridge, which adds about 0.5 miles and 600 feet of gain.
Descent
Retrace your steps back down the same trail. Expect about 2 to 3 hours for the descent. Watch your footing on the steep upper section. The descent is easier on your lungs but harder on your knees.
What's Special About Torreys Peak?
Class 1 Trail
The entire route is a well-maintained hiking trail with no scrambling, no exposure, and no technical sections. If you can hike, you can do this trail.
Clear and Obvious
The trail is heavily trafficked and extremely well-marked. Cairns mark the route above treeline. It is nearly impossible to get lost.
Moderate Elevation Gain
At 3,000 feet of gain, this is on the lower end for 14ers. The grade is steady but never overly steep, except for the final push.
Shared Trailhead
Since this trailhead serves both Grays and Torreys, there are always other hikers around. You are never alone, which provides both safety and motivation.
Escape Options
If you start feeling altitude sickness or fatigue, you can turn around at any point. The trail is straightforward, making retreat simple.
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 early allows you to summit by noon and descend before afternoon thunderstorms. It also improves your chances of parking.
Sunrise Bonus: Starting early means you might catch sunrise from the trail, and it is absolutely magical.
Weather Considerations
Colorado mountain weather is unpredictable. Check forecasts but be prepared for rapid changes. Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are the biggest danger. The saying goes that you should be off the summit by noon, so take this seriously.
Pro Tips
Consider the Combo
If you are feeling strong at the Torreys summit, you can continue to Grays Peak via the connecting ridge. It adds only about 0.5 miles and 600 feet of gain to your day. Bagging two 14ers in one day is an incredible accomplishment.
Related Peaks
Grays Peak
Shares the same trailhead
Grays is often climbed together with Torreys. The two peaks are connected by a scenic ridge. Grays is slightly taller at 14,275 feet and equally beginner-friendly.
Learn MoreGrays & Torreys Combo
Two summits in one day
This is one of the most popular 14er combos in Colorado. From the Torreys summit, continue along the ridge to Grays Peak. The full combo covers 8.25 miles with 3,600 feet of gain and takes 6 to 8 hours.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Grays and Torreys Peak
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Torreys Peak
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 Torreys Peak?
Prepare for your summit with our 13-week training program.