Log In 
Photo

Torreys Peak

snow Dead Dog Couloir
Difficulty Class 3 
Snow Steepness: Steep 
Ski/Board: Advanced, D12 / R3 / II  
Risk FactorsExposure: Considerable
Rockfall Potential: Considerable  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Considerable  
 
TrailheadGrays Peak
Start11,280 feet
Summit14,272 feet
Total Gain3,000 feet
RT Length6.5 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
Show More
Photo
?WARNING!
This route should only be climbed with consolidated, stable snow, usually in spring or early summer. In mid-winter, many snow routes have frequent risk of avalanche.
?NOTICE
Please read the "In Winter" notes on this route.

Trailhead

Take I-70 to the Bakerville exit (#221). Leave the highway and drive south over to the dirt parking area near the start of Forest Road 189. This is the winter trailhead and even if the upper road is open, low-clearance passenger cars should park here. It's almost 3 miles to the summer trailhead. Continue up the Grays Peak (189) road. After 1 mile, stay straight at a junction. Continue another 2 miles to the trailhead, at 11,280'. There are restrooms and a few dispersed camping spots near the parking area.

Route

Once at the summer trailhead, cross the bridge and follow the well-defined Grays trail into Stevens Gulch. Follow the trail for 1.5 miles to a trail sign near 12,100'. Continue to a flat area at 12,300' and up a small hill, with Torreys in view - 1. Near 12,400', leave the trail and hike southwest toward Torreys and Dead Dog Couloir- 2. Continue to a small basin below the run-out of Dead Dog - 3 and 4.

This is a good place to put on your helmet and crampons, and turn on your avalanche beacon. Reach the large snow "apron" below the couloir and start climbing - 5. The terrain quickly gets steeper and the route ahead is obvious as you climb toward the couloir. Near 13,000', the terrain narrows as you enter the couloir - 6 and 7. Just above the entrance to the couloir, you may see a rock outcrop in the center - continue to the rock outcrop at 13,200' where the pitch eases a bit - 8. Dead Dog may look very steep during your early morning approach, but most of it is below 40 degrees.

Rockfall is a hazard in Dead Dog and you may encounter small rocks dropping into the right side of the couloir so it may be safer to stay near the left side. Continue climbing ( 9, 10, 11, and 12) to 13,800' where the route turns slightly to the right. Near 13,900, pass a rock outcrop on the right and continue toward the top of the couloir - 13. Now, depending on how much snow has been deposited at the top, you may be faced with snow angle of 45 to 50 degrees and you may also encounter a cornice. Climb the remaining snow as you aim for the left side of the white rocks seen in 14. More views from this area - 15. Climb the steepest portion of the route and exit the top of Dead Dog - 16, and 17. Turn left (south) and climb the remaining 200 feet ( 18) to reach the summit - 19 and 20.

In Winter

In winter months, the southeast side of Kelso Mountain is prone to avalanche activity which may run over the summer Grays Peak trail. Unless you're confident that the snow in this area is stable, it's best to leave the trail near 11,600' and take a more direct line up through Stevens Gulch before re-joining the Grays Peak trail near 12,100'.

Skiing?

Dead Dog gets an early sun-hit, so start early!
Some skiers drop directly down the east face (approx. 50 degrees) before turning left to enter Dead Dog: 21, 22
A look at Dead Dog with 2 skiers near the top: 23
A closer look at the upper terrain: 24
Fresh tracks: 25

Notes

Beware of rockfall in this couloir. Helmet, crampons, and axe are highly recommended.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20 #21 #22 #23 #24 #25

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

Caution: The information contained in this route description 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 route description 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 route description 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.
Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.
Google Play     Apple App Store