Torreys Peak Trip Report 09/24/2010

Report Type	Full
Peak(s)	Torreys Peak - 14,272 feet Grays Peak - 14,275 feet
Date Posted	09/24/2010
Date Climbed	09/24/2010
Author	Bean

Moon-lit, midnight hike of Torreys and Grays
Group: Mike (Bean), Lauren (punkmouse), Scout (she's a dog and doesn't have an account) Lauren and I were planning on adding to our (admittedly short, at this point) list of 14ers that we've done together this morning with a hike of Grays and Torreys. I've been here a few times before (4 summits of each, 3 times doing them as a combo), and they're generally packed, easy, and uneventful in the summer and fall. The plan changed last night at about 9:45, when I was thinking about starting to prepare to get ready for bed; I knew I had to if we were going hiking early in the morning, but I really just wanted to stay up and have some coffee. Then it dawned on me - full moon, clear skies, and gentle winds were in the forecast. Why not go NOW? Fortunately I had already prepared our packs, so I put on a pot of coffee and we were off in about half an hour. When we hit the Bakerville exit of I-70, we could see that the summits had been hit with a decent dusting of snow in the past day; Lauren was briefly concerned but I was happy to have extra reflection for the moonlight. The road to the trailhead is greatly improved since the last time I drove it a few years ago, and we were off and moving just before midnight. It was beautiful up there. Forgive the quality of the photos, they are long-exposures using a crappy tripod. We started to run in to snow around 12,000, and it gradually deepened as we got higher. The trails were still easy to follow, and the snow added a little interest to the hike; Scout was particularly thrilled with it, and spent some time running up and down the trail in the deepest snow she could find (still only a few inches) as soon as she was let off her leash. I decided that the hike would be easier if we went to Torreys first, as the trail from Grays to the saddle is fairly steep and rocky, and I much preferred to climb it than to descend it; doing this also allowed us to descend the super-low angle switchbacks on the main Grays trail rather than descent the occasionally rocky trail from the saddle down. A bit after 3am we found ourselves on the summit of Torreys, with amazing views. Grays was particularly well-lit by the moon, thanks in part to the snow. Lauren was tired, but persevered as always. We threw down a few calories and moved on, as it wasn't particularly warm. An hour later we summited Grays, and again didn't stay very long. We were both happy to have the easier descent route ahead of us, and leisurely made our way back to the car. Headlamps were only required for about 15 minutes once the moon dipped behind Torreys, and we didn't see anyone until halfway down, when a near-constant stream of people showed up. I was a little surprised at how many people were up there on a Friday, and can only imagine what it will be like tomorrow. Lauren was pretty tired, and was out as soon as we hit the highway. I'm seeing a trend, that it's maybe not a great idea to push yourself too hard in the mountains on no sleep. Interesting.

Moon-lit, midnight hike of Torreys and Grays

Group: Mike (Bean), Lauren (punkmouse), Scout (she's a dog and doesn't have an account)

Lauren and I were planning on adding to our (admittedly short, at this point) list of 14ers that we've done together this morning with a hike of Grays and Torreys. I've been here a few times before (4 summits of each, 3 times doing them as a combo), and they're generally packed, easy, and uneventful in the summer and fall. The plan changed last night at about 9:45, when I was thinking about starting to prepare to get ready for bed; I knew I had to if we were going hiking early in the morning, but I really just wanted to stay up and have some coffee. Then it dawned on me - full moon, clear skies, and gentle winds were in the forecast. Why not go NOW?

Fortunately I had already prepared our packs, so I put on a pot of coffee and we were off in about half an hour. When we hit the Bakerville exit of I-70, we could see that the summits had been hit with a decent dusting of snow in the past day; Lauren was briefly concerned but I was happy to have extra reflection for the moonlight. The road to the trailhead is greatly improved since the last time I drove it a few years ago, and we were off and moving just before midnight. It was beautiful up there. Forgive the quality of the photos, they are long-exposures using a crappy tripod.

We started to run in to snow around 12,000, and it gradually deepened as we got higher. The trails were still easy to follow, and the snow added a little interest to the hike; Scout was particularly thrilled with it, and spent some time running up and down the trail in the deepest snow she could find (still only a few inches) as soon as she was let off her leash.

I decided that the hike would be easier if we went to Torreys first, as the trail from Grays to the saddle is fairly steep and rocky, and I much preferred to climb it than to descend it; doing this also allowed us to descend the super-low angle switchbacks on the main Grays trail rather than descent the occasionally rocky trail from the saddle down. A bit after 3am we found ourselves on the summit of Torreys, with amazing views.

Grays was particularly well-lit by the moon, thanks in part to the snow.

Lauren was tired, but persevered as always.

We threw down a few calories and moved on, as it wasn't particularly warm. An hour later we summited Grays, and again didn't stay very long.

We were both happy to have the easier descent route ahead of us, and leisurely made our way back to the car. Headlamps were only required for about 15 minutes once the moon dipped behind Torreys, and we didn't see anyone until halfway down, when a near-constant stream of people showed up. I was a little surprised at how many people were up there on a Friday, and can only imagine what it will be like tomorrow. Lauren was pretty tired, and was out as soon as we hit the highway.

I'm seeing a trend, that it's maybe not a great idea to push yourself too hard in the mountains on no sleep. Interesting.

Comments or Questions

screefieldstevie	Very Nice!!!!! 9/25/2010 12:09am nicely done.....I've wanted to do a moonlit 14er......that's one sweet way to do G/T and prob the only way to beat the crowds
RobSag14	The moonlight was awesome. 9/25/2010 12:49am I love the pictures. Last night, on a walk through the neighborhood, I saw that moon rising and that was it...my 12 yr. old daughter and I drove up to Summit Lake and hiked Mt. Warren and Rogers Pk. Mt. Evans looked so incredible from there with the snow. And the lights of the metro area were shimmering with their deceitful beauty...
ClimberDave	Awesome 9/25/2010 3:10am Those are some amazing pics! That's a really excellent way to climb these peaks. My father and I passed you guys about a half-mile or so after the trail head and I wondered if you were doing a night climb.

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.

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