Hiking between Grays & Torreys and Bierstadt & Evans

[msartin23]

I know there was a previous thread with someone bringing up this topic, but I believe that person decided to drive between trailheads.

So my question is, can anyone who's been in this area before tell me if they see any problems with this potential route? Aside from the typical elevation and physical fitness concerns, we're all in good shape and aware of potential problems that can come with the altitude. Round trip it will be ~34 miles over the course of 5 days. My concern is getting from Argentine Pass to Guanella Pass, I haven't found anything route wise in regards to that. Just looking for a heads up from someone who might have done that before.

Thanks guys, Matt

[Jay521]

I don't see any problem going from Argentine Pass to Guanella Pass. There are several TR's that describe Guanella Pass to Argentine Peak - which I have done myself and it's all pretty straight forward. The latest TR is http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.ph ... mpeak=1050" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like a fun route! Let us know how it goes.

--Jay

[lurker]

Matt,

It is very doable, in fact some people have done the Loveland Pass to Guanella Pass through hike with a car shuttle.
I hear the South Ridge of Grays can be dicey and carrying a Full Pack would only complicate it.
I would recommend (if you really wanted to camp @ Overnight 1) would be to go up Edwards (East of Grays) and then shoot down Argentine Pass or down the Edwardian couloir.

I've been from Guanella Pass to Argentine Peak and from Horseshoe Basin up Edwards and over to Grays.
Have you considered starting at Guanella? there are more and easier parking spots at Guanella Pass and 2 nights camping in Horseshoe would be much more pleasant.

[msartin23]

Thanks for the info, the more that I look at it, starting at Guanella Pass makes more sense. The main reason for starting at the Grays TH was wanting to climb up Kelso Ridge. I'll make sure I post a trip report.

[ameristrat]

I've climbed the south ridge on Grays - it's not awful, but it is uncharacteristically loose for the front range. It's decently steep in parts and while hiking certainly never even approaches class 2+, it's loose, and with a full pack, you might want to expect a spill or two. Like I said, nothing dangerous, but I remember our feet kept wanting to fly out from under us!

Just be prepared to take your time on the route between 13,700' and 13,300' or so. Also, Horsehoe Basin is all above tree line so be wary of thunderstorms - there isn't anywhere to escape to.

This looks like a cool trip - wish I could take the time off of work to do something like that!

[forbins_mtn]

Great trip idea! Sorry I can't give some beta but I can't wait to see how thus turns out. I really want to do a multiple day/multiple peak and pass trip

[jdawud]

As it happens, you've planned a route that pretty much coincides with part of the route I've plotted for my trip this summer (http://www.14ersthruhike.com/the-route/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). I've looked at it on Google Earth and Garmin's Basecamp SW maps and it looks pretty doable. I've climbed Grays and Torreys once before, and I remember thinking that Evans and Bierstadt weren't THAT far away....

Do It!!!

----Junaid

[MonGoose]

What time of year are you planning this trip? My only concern would be if you got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm, there's not a lot of options for retreat. Hopefully you'll have favorable weather conditions.