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August 11, 2018 was a beautiful day in the Front Range, and there was no need to rush the hike to get down before a storm. The beautiful blue sky did not change throughout my 7 plus hours from start to finish. I am glad for that, because it was my latest start up a 14er of the eleven I have now hiked.
My first 14er was Grays Peak, over 4 decades earlier. I missed Torreys that time, and decided to finally scratch it off my to-do list.
I was hoping that arriving a little late might allow me a parking spot newly opened by an early bird already done and gone. It was a lucky guess, and I parked my Hyundai Santa Fe Sport just a couple hundred yards above the TH. That road is a bit rugged, but I was surprised to follow a VW Golf back down in the afternoon.
The scenic hike offers a mix of level areas and rises. It gets steeper the closer you get to the saddle. That's where the climb gets much steeper, and the talus more abundant, for the last 1/3 or so mile to the summit. I have done a few 14ers without poles, but since I began using them, I would no longer go without them.
I stopped often, and my pace slowed on the hot approach to the saddle. I am sure there were hundreds of people on the trail on this summer Saturday, but it didn't seem overwhelmed with wall-to-wall hikers.
I took a right at the intersection. I was relieved when the breeze finally picked up. That is always helpful for catching my breath in the thin air.
Once I reached the saddle, I ran across people who had been up on Grays and were on their way to Torreys.
Eventually, hikers celebrating their victory on top of Torreys were within my view. Every time I'm near the top of a 14er people passing me on their way down encourage me with remarks like, "You're almost there!" "It's really close now!" and "That's the top!" My pace always picks up realizing this good news.
When I arrived, I looked around for an elevation marker, but couldn't find it. Most of those I asked had no idea what I was talking about. I like to get a picture as additional proof of my summit.
There was a cardboard sign being passed around, and I borrowed it for summit pictures. I was going to pack it out but someone else wanted to use it, so I advised them to pack it out when they were done with it. I have not decided on my next 14er, but maybe something in the Sawatch Range.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Overthe59hill!!! Funny. Thanks for the report. I'm coming out there tomorrow late and want to try the Grays/Torreys trek. I'm a flatlander and made to the ledges on Longs. Turned around after several "are you ok? Anyway, congrats!
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