Grays Peak Trip Report 07/19/2007

Peak(s):	Grays Peak - 14,275 feet Torreys Peak - 14,272 feet
Date Posted:	07/19/2007
Date Climbed:	07/07/2007
Author:	grace1st

NM group to Gray‘s and Torrey‘s
I hiked with a group of 15 from Las Cruces, NM. The day was absolutely wonderful; almost perfect! We had heard about the snow at the end of June but we were undeterred and it paid off! All of the people in our group range from the ages of 27-50+ and most of us are in good shape. Many of us jog or bike on a regular basis. Most of us felt like we have been in better shape in the past, but we felt good enough for two 14ers anyhow. We headed up the road to the trailhead and I was actually pleased. Considering some of the reports that I had read, I was fairly concerned about the road. There was one spot near the highway that would have been tough on sedans, but I did see some that made it through just fine (very slowly, but fine). I still wouldn't have taken a sedan of my own over that spot unless it was a beater and I didn't care if dents or scratches happened. Anyhow, we were in a SUV (Toyota FJCruiser) and did very well. 4WD was nice but not necessary. We started late (um, I mean casual) on the trailhead around 7:50 a.m. It was not cold at all. The people were shedding jackets within a half mile of the TH. The trail seemed to be in good condition all the way around. The flowers were good and there were plenty of Columbine along the way. Once we got above the few trees that were there and more in the open, we noticed a little bit of a chill from the wind. It wasn't gusty, just steady. That made it just cool enough that a couple of the women in the group put their windbreakers back on. We had the pleasure of meeting two Mountain Goats. The first was near the big rock (less than 1/2 from the summit). He stayed near the trail and maybe let hikers get within 30 feet or less. It seemed to me that he was not reluctant about the people. That made me wonder how many people have fed him, or if he just finds scraps from the hikers. (Please do NOT feed the animals!) He posed for plenty of photos, so I was happy with that. Beautiful animal! The second animal was just below the summit. He was not quite as friendly but we managed to be within 50 feet of him. Plenty of photo ops with him too. We summitted Gray's Peak first. Every person in our group made this summit. And that was the lunch break for most people. By now, the breeze was plenty cool, but not quite cold. (Differences in opinion on that, of course.) The view was incredible. Breckenridge was clearly in view and there were still many spots with snow patches on the ground and fluffy clouds in the area made for one of the better views I've had from a summit in a long time. There were probably 50-60 people on the summit. I didn't know what to expect for crowds, but considered it was the Saturday after the holiday and didn't complain. A few in the group decided to turn back to the cars while we were at the summit, perferring to return to the TH instead of going for Torrey's. So, most of us moved on (in two groups). The trek over to Torrey's was brief. It only takes 30-40 minutes to traverse that saddle for most people. The snow still remains on the East side of the saddle, but the trail is not blocked and is very good. I stayed with the one friend and we summitted together. I hadn't had much time with him in recent years since he moved to Albuquerque, so it was a treat for me. Torrey's was great; crowded but great. The summit isn't as spacious as Gray's, but there were just as many people up there. It‘s amazing to see so many people taking pictures and movies at the same time. You‘d think we were at a wedding or graduation! In the "small world" category, I met a young lady who goes to school with a young woman who is a friend of my wife. Cool! Ahem, going on... The jaunt down the slopes was very good. We traversed the single snow patch that covered a path with little difficulty. The snow was somewhat slippery with the afternoon heating going on, but it was okay. I managed to slip and fall one time, but figured it cooled me off. My whole hike was very good, with good comfort from my shoes (a must!) except for the way down. I wore Merrell Chameleons. They have a great sole! They were very comfy on the way up and accross the saddle, but they don't feel like the right shoe for significant downhill. I recommend leaving those shoes for backpacking trips. This hike was doable with lightweight hikers, running shoes, or even some good Chaco sandals. Anyhow, my big toe nails felt the pinch and made it fairly painful to make it back to the car. (Twelve days later, the nails have a bruise under them, but it looks like I'll be able to keep the nails. Thank God!) But, I'll be getting new shoes for the next 14er. On the way down, I noticed that Torrey's was a photo op waiting to happen. The color and depth and texture of that rock were awesome, especially with the snow patches. I took loads of photos (almost 300 over the whole day). We made it back to the car in seven hours of total trail time. I would say that anybody in good shape would be able to do six hours on the trail fine on a day like this day. This hike is a good one for many. We did Handie's Peak last year and some in the group had mixed feelings about which one was easier. As for doing two 14ers on the same day, if you're thinking about it, put these two on your list! Also, if you‘ve never done a 14er with a group of friends, it‘s an awesome experience. I am one of the first types of people to want a big hike with just one or two people, but there‘s something special about working hard, sweating, and having a working fun with close friends. It‘s almost as good (maybe better) than doing a 14er! God bless America! 8) Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

NM group to Gray‘s and Torrey‘s

I hiked with a group of 15 from Las Cruces, NM. The day was absolutely wonderful; almost perfect! We had heard about the snow at the end of June but we were undeterred and it paid off!

All of the people in our group range from the ages of 27-50+ and most of us are in good shape. Many of us jog or bike on a regular basis. Most of us felt like we have been in better shape in the past, but we felt good enough for two 14ers anyhow.

We headed up the road to the trailhead and I was actually pleased. Considering some of the reports that I had read, I was fairly concerned about the road. There was one spot near the highway that would have been tough on sedans, but I did see some that made it through just fine (very slowly, but fine). I still wouldn't have taken a sedan of my own over that spot unless it was a beater and I didn't care if dents or scratches happened. Anyhow, we were in a SUV (Toyota FJCruiser) and did very well. 4WD was nice but not necessary.

We started late (um, I mean casual) on the trailhead around 7:50 a.m. It was not cold at all. The people were shedding jackets within a half mile of the TH.

The trail seemed to be in good condition all the way around. The flowers were good and there were plenty of Columbine along the way.

Once we got above the few trees that were there and more in the open, we noticed a little bit of a chill from the wind. It wasn't gusty, just steady. That made it just cool enough that a couple of the women in the group put their windbreakers back on.

We had the pleasure of meeting two Mountain Goats. The first was near the big rock (less than 1/2 from the summit). He stayed near the trail and maybe let hikers get within 30 feet or less. It seemed to me that he was not reluctant about the people. That made me wonder how many people have fed him, or if he just finds scraps from the hikers. (Please do NOT feed the animals!) He posed for plenty of photos, so I was happy with that. Beautiful animal!

The second animal was just below the summit. He was not quite as friendly but we managed to be within 50 feet of him. Plenty of photo ops with him too.

We summitted Gray's Peak first.

Every person in our group made this summit. And that was the lunch break for most people. By now, the breeze was plenty cool, but not quite cold. (Differences in opinion on that, of course.) The view was incredible. Breckenridge was clearly in view and there were still many spots with snow patches on the ground and fluffy clouds in the area made for one of the better views I've had from a summit in a long time. There were probably 50-60 people on the summit. I didn't know what to expect for crowds, but considered it was the Saturday after the holiday and didn't complain.

A few in the group decided to turn back to the cars while we were at the summit, perferring to return to the TH instead of going for Torrey's. So, most of us moved on (in two groups).

The trek over to Torrey's was brief. It only takes 30-40 minutes to traverse that saddle for most people. The snow still remains on the East side of the saddle, but the trail is not blocked and is very good. I stayed with the one friend and we summitted together. I hadn't had much time with him in recent years since he moved to Albuquerque, so it was a treat for me.

Torrey's was great; crowded but great. The summit isn't as spacious as Gray's, but there were just as many people up there. It‘s amazing to see so many people taking pictures and movies at the same time. You‘d think we were at a wedding or graduation!

In the "small world" category, I met a young lady who goes to school with a young woman who is a friend of my wife. Cool! Ahem, going on...

The jaunt down the slopes was very good. We traversed the single snow patch that covered a path with little difficulty. The snow was somewhat slippery with the afternoon heating going on, but it was okay. I managed to slip and fall one time, but figured it cooled me off.

My whole hike was very good, with good comfort from my shoes (a must!) except for the way down. I wore Merrell Chameleons. They have a great sole! They were very comfy on the way up and accross the saddle, but they don't feel like the right shoe for significant downhill. I recommend leaving those shoes for backpacking trips. This hike was doable with lightweight hikers, running shoes, or even some good Chaco sandals. Anyhow, my big toe nails felt the pinch and made it fairly painful to make it back to the car. (Twelve days later, the nails have a bruise under them, but it looks like I'll be able to keep the nails. Thank God!) But, I'll be getting new shoes for the next 14er.

On the way down, I noticed that Torrey's was a photo op waiting to happen. The color and depth and texture of that rock were awesome, especially with the snow patches. I took loads of photos (almost 300 over the whole day).

We made it back to the car in seven hours of total trail time. I would say that anybody in good shape would be able to do six hours on the trail fine on a day like this day.

This hike is a good one for many. We did Handie's Peak last year and some in the group had mixed feelings about which one was easier.

As for doing two 14ers on the same day, if you're thinking about it, put these two on your list! Also, if you‘ve never done a 14er with a group of friends, it‘s an awesome experience. I am one of the first types of people to want a big hike with just one or two people, but there‘s something special about working hard, sweating, and having a working fun with close friends. It‘s almost as good (maybe better) than doing a 14er!

God bless America!
8)

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

rj2000	Nice 7/20/2007 3:50pm Good trip report. I am hiking these tommorow, thanks for the update!
ChloeBlue	Goats! 7/21/2007 1:13pm Thanks for the photos and great report.

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 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 the information provided, 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.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App