14ers.com • Trip Report - Torreys

Peaks:	Torreys Peak - 14,267 feet "Cupid" - 13,117 feet Grizzly Pk D - 13,427 feet
Post Date:	03/13/2012
Date Climbed:	03/09/2012
Posted By:	NYannacone

Torreys - The Scenic Route
Mountains: Cupid, Grizzly, Torreys Route: Westridge from Loveland Pass, to and fro Who: Myself Forecast was excellent. Left my bed in Denver a quarter to 5:00 and enjoyed the full moon and NPR on the nice drive up the hill, just me and a lot of tractor trailers. Top of Loveland Pass/Trail head, Full Moon just past 6:00 I had been scoping this route (West Ridge from Loveland pass, Continental Divider Roller Coaster) for a real long time and continually checking weather for the right time to try it. Well for those who were out.. this past weekend turned out to be awesome blue bird days with no wind. The Starting Line Full Moon and Sunrise over Loveland/Continental Divide Cupid W/ Torreys and the goal towering above! After riding at A-basin last week and getting a good look at the snow and ridge lines above, I felt no need to bring flotation and very much did not regret that decision. I was walking along dirt/grass trail and rock 80% of the time. Wind Waves A top Cupid with Grizzly, Torreys, Grays in view Fun section between Cupid and Grizzly Looking back Arapahoe Basin back there!! Keystone, Breck, Tenmile and Gore Ranges. Grizzly Gulch On Top Grizzly looing south towards Lenawee and East Wall of the Basin Looking at the Ridge that continues south towards Lenawee!! looks like a lot of fun, I think I may start at Loveland pass trailhead another day and go for that ridge and hike into Abasin and maybe bring my season pass along and decend Lenawee down into A-basin and hitch a ride back up the Pass to my car! Does anyone have any info or advice on this ridge/route, East wall?? maybe class 3/4? it did look more aggressive, any info? Thanks Looking Back at progress Lonnnnng way to go! Fun section decending Grizzly I threw on my microspikes on the decent of Grizzly, the top section was the most technical of the route with most exposure, glad I had some traction and poles. About midway down I traversed across some snow fields, tried to stay with some rock bands, post holed very little and didnt suspect any Avy Danger but I am no expert!! Huge saddle, looking back up Grizzly Strenuous Talus Field, Choose your route Rear view Mirror Dig in VERY TIRED! cant quite Torreys' Big Sis Summit I finally summited at half till noon, took me almost six hours. I took a nice break, ate the rest of my food. Nearly right as I sat down my phone rang... haha it was my mom, just checking up on me.. she had no idea I was hiking, we had a nice long talk, she told to be safe and stop going solo.. I have verizon service, worked great. Shortly after I noticed some movement and the silhouttes of some friendlies on the switch backs heading up Grays. It was amazing I could hear their voices and just nearly make out the words in the silence of the summit. Kelso Stevens Gulch, Mcclelland, Edwards and ANNA's sweet route!!!! Bierstadt, the Sawtooth and Evans A bit of butt tubbing on the decent of Torreys Divided Holy crap I was tired going back up Grizzly and Cupid and up and down and up and down the remaining miles of the mellow trail leading back to my car. I made it back to the trailhead at 16:00 and chated a bit with some tourists from Chicago wondering where I was coming from. Total round trip was 10 hours. I really loved the route but not sure I would do this one agian Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Go To Top

Comments or Questions (5)

RJansen77	Nice Work 2012-03-13 20:30:58 I've never done this route, but have wondered about it's feasibility with the low snow year we've had. Looks like you caught a great day, I really like the shot with the moon over the divide. Congrats!
tockelstein2005	sweeet 2012-03-14 18:16:46 Nice pics and cool route.
anna	Nice work ... 2012-03-17 13:58:21 on a very tiring roller coaster route! Definitely on my someday list, but that reclimb of Grizzly ... whew. Getting tired just thinking about it. Way to go!
Mikeo	Black Mountain Traverse 2012-03-19 13:07:15 Nice work! Grizzly twice on one sitting is no joke. A few weeks after the Basin shut down last season I made the trek from the pass onto Lenawee Ridge. Once you start across Black Mountain route finding can be difficult. The time it took me to traverse it was equal to if not more than crossing Cupid and Grizz. Obviously there is no skiing on the East Wall this season. Hopefully next winter will give us that oppertunity. My advice for when that chance comes... save your legs and stick to the lifts.
ClimbingCo	Nice Ascent 2012-03-22 19:50:39 Going tomorrow and cant wait. Thanks for posting you're pictures. I have attempted so many summit's this year and have had plenty of failed attempts, but that's just part of the fun. Stay on the mountain side!

Go To Top

Caution: The information contained on this page may not be accurate and is not intended to be used as an instructional guide. Trip report text and photos can sometimes make terrain appear easier (or more difficult) based on the descriptions or photos provided by the author. Before climbing a 14er, make sure you have the proper equipment and skills. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. Hike, climb, or ski with care and use your best judgment and climb with experienced partners when possible. Mountaineering requires sound judgment and adequate physical conditioning. Be wary of all terrain and know when to turn back.

14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using information provided in this report you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

View Trip Report