Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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huffy13
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Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

I am wondering if anyone has detailed information concerning the directions to get to Gray's Greek TH as well as what kind of conditions I might run into. I am wanting to take my son and his cross country teams on a hike of Mt. Ouray this summer since our team hike of Pikes Peak last summer was such a great success. Any information is appreciated. Looks like we will be in at least 2 Stock Chevy trucks, a Chevy Tahoe and my Chevy Blazer....so clearance might be an issue if that road is bad.
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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Greenhouseguy
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by Greenhouseguy »

It's a well-maintained dirt road, so clearance is not an issue. Passenger cars can make it easily. This GPS track show where the TH is; you will see a small sign fro Grays Creek just before you get there.

Image

There is a pullout with enough room for a few cars, but the TH is not the most obvious. This is what you'll see:

Image

It's really one of the nicer Centennial 13ers, so enjoy!
"May your boulder be your blessing." - Aron Ralston
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Vermont Mike
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by Vermont Mike »

I hiked Ouray via Gray's Creek last month. As Greenhouseguy says, you won't have any problems getting to the trailhead (my Civic did just fine). However, a minor correction: the small Gray's Creek sign is just *after* the trailhead parking area, not before -- unless there's another one before it that I didn't see. As far as the trail goes, it is fairly easy to follow all the way to treeline. From there to the ridge crest there are occasional cairns, but it's probably best to just take the path of least resistance to the ridge. Once on the ridge you should be able to regain the trail. There are quite a few downed trees on the first half of the trail but nothing that is time consuming to get around. Hope this helps!
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

Thanks, Mike!
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by RyanSchilling »

I can't seem to find it now, but I thought I saw mention of this winter's blowdown event affecting Grays Creek, as well?
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

I'll look for mention of it too...hopefully it is all cleared out by mid-late August
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by RyanSchilling »

Found it:

http://www.14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=34929" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

Thanks, Reinhold...I will ask for info as the time gets closer and see if anyone has more timely info next month...we will be staying close enough that we could just head up the road and get Princeton. I need that one also. Hell, just a few days to get away from the Panhandle heat is the main reason we enjoy this trip.
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by Jim Davies »

Dave Cooper's description (http://davecooperoutdoors.com/page53.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;):
Getting to the Trailhead: From Poncha Springs, drive south on US285 for 5.1 miles to Chaffee County Road 200. Turn right on CR200 (signed to Marshall Pass) and drive 2.3 miles to an intersection. Turn right at this intersection, again signed to Marshall Pass and drive 0.9 miles to another intersection. Turn right again on the Marshall Pass road. From this intersection the Grays Creek trailhead is 4.3 miles at a sharp left hand bend, while the Marshall Pass trailhead parking is reached after 10.5 miles.
It's a great hike, enjoy!
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

Jim Davies wrote:Dave Cooper's description (http://davecooperoutdoors.com/page53.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;):
Getting to the Trailhead: From Poncha Springs, drive south on US285 for 5.1 miles to Chaffee County Road 200. Turn right on CR200 (signed to Marshall Pass) and drive 2.3 miles to an intersection. Turn right at this intersection, again signed to Marshall Pass and drive 0.9 miles to another intersection. Turn right again on the Marshall Pass road. From this intersection the Grays Creek trailhead is 4.3 miles at a sharp left hand bend, while the Marshall Pass trailhead parking is reached after 10.5 miles.
It's a great hike, enjoy!

Thank you, Jim.
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by boudreaux »

I'll be hiking Ouray next week on the 16th and will give you an update!
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huffy13
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Re: Mt. Ouray-Gray's Creek TH questions

Post by huffy13 »

Thanks!
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
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