Log In 
Photo

Grays Peak

 North Slopes
Difficulty Class 1 
Ski/Board: Intermediate, D3 / R2 / II  
Risk FactorsExposure: Low
Rockfall Potential: Low  
Route-Finding: Low  
Commitment: Low  
 
TrailheadGrays Peak
Start11,280 feet
Summit14,275 feet
Total Gain3,000 feet
RT Length7.5 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedApr 2025
Show More
Photo
?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

1 provides a distant view of the route. Begin the hike by crossing the large bridge that spans the stream in Stevens Gulch and follow the well-defined Grays trail - 2 and 3. Grays Peak will soon come into view - 4. From the trailhead, hike approximately 1.5 miles to reach an information sign - 5. Shortly after passing the sign, continue up to a flat, rocky area - 6. Follow the trail around a small ridge extending south toward the east side of Grays - 7. Torreys Peak will be to your right, while Grays lies ahead to the southwest.

Above 12,600', the trail swings left, following along the west side of the rocky ridge - 8. Continue upward beyond 13,000' ( 9) to reach a trail junction - 10. Stay left on the Grays trail as turning right leads to Torreys Peak. Proceed east to reach a 13,400-foot corner overlooking Stevens Gulch and a rock tower - 11. From this corner, the trail continues toward the upper, north slope - 12. After a brief elevation gain, the trail turns right and begins a long westward traverse across the slope. Use switchbacks to ascend the final stretch of the slope ( 13) and reach the summit - 14 and 15.

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 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?

Off the summit: 16
Skiing the north slopes: 17 and 18

Notes

The road to the trailhead is somewhat rough, so a good clearance vehicle is recommended.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18

This page is only available to registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page is only available to registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page is only available to 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