Grays Peak Trip Report 10/07/2025

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Grays Peak - 14,275 feet
Date Posted	10/07/2025
Modified	10/14/2025
Date Climbed	10/06/2025
Author	1Trekker

1st 14er
I got to the summer trailhead the night before. Only two other vehicles there. Began to snow on and off throughout the night. Since this was my first 14er, I wasn’t certain if I wanted to attempt if after a snowfall. However, at 7:00am I decided to try to summit Grays. I noticed that another vehicle had arrived during the night to the mostly empty parking lot. Snow covered the entire route and even though the route wasn’t difficult to follow, it was made easier by following the footsteps of the few who had left before me. There were a few spots approaching the summit where the snow was deeper (Approximately 18 inches) than the rest of the route. Once I arrived at the summit, I was very happy I decided to do my first summit, despite the snow. Although I saw a few people continue on to TorreysI decided not to attempt it this day. But I will definitely come back to do the double, perhaps when it is slightly warmer. On the descent, the snow on the route near the trailhead had melted. I was thankful I had brought my micro spikes. The road up to the summer trail head was pretty much how I expected it to be after reading many trip reports from other people. Terrible. I drove a Ford 150 and didn’t have any problems, nor did it seem to deter any Subaru’s I saw making there way up when I was leaving. The road does seem to throw you around in the cab quite a bit unless you take it slow and easy. The hot coffee on my shirt instead of in my cup is proof of that. It was truly a great trip and the people I met were fantastic and very encouraging. I looking forward to coming back. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

1st 14er

I got to the summer trailhead the night before. Only two other vehicles there. Began to snow on and off throughout the night. Since this was my first 14er, I wasn’t certain if I wanted to attempt if after a snowfall. However, at 7:00am I decided to try to summit Grays. I noticed that another vehicle had arrived during the night to the mostly empty parking lot. Snow covered the entire route and even though the route wasn’t difficult to follow, it was made easier by following the footsteps of the few who had left before me. There were a few spots approaching the summit where the snow was deeper (Approximately 18 inches) than the rest of the route. Once I arrived at the summit, I was very happy I decided to do my first summit, despite the snow. Although I saw a few people continue on to TorreysI decided not to attempt it this day. But I will definitely come back to do the double, perhaps when it is slightly warmer. On the descent, the snow on the route near the trailhead had melted. I was thankful I had brought my micro spikes.
The road up to the summer trail head was pretty much how I expected it to be after reading many trip reports from other people. Terrible. I drove a Ford 150 and didn’t have any problems, nor did it seem to deter any Subaru’s I saw making there way up when I was leaving. The road does seem to throw you around in the cab quite a bit unless you take it slow and easy. The hot coffee on my shirt instead of in my cup is proof of that. It was truly a great trip and the people I met were fantastic and very encouraging. I looking forward to coming back.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

Boggy B	Nice job 10/7/2025 8:53am and welcome to the party!
Kiefer	Awesome Sauce! 10/8/2025 9:56am Nice work getting through the freshies and persevering. There's some good people in this [small] community. Glad to hear you ran into some. Keep on keeping on, right? You've only got like what, 53 to go? :o) Like Boggy B said, "Welcome to the party!"
constipated_pete	Coffee control 10/31/2025 11:02am is a tough skill! Congrats on the summit

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.

Copyright: Route information, text, risk factors, maps, GPX files, charts, photos, 14ers.com-created map imagery, flythroughs, and other content provided in this route description are copyrighted by 14ers.com and may not be copied, reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used to create derivative works without prior written permission.

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