Grays Peak (1)/Torreys Peak (2)
[ Base Camp ] [ The Hikes ] [ Summary ] [ Peak List ] [ Other Links ]

Base Camp
Up

• Statistics:
  • Date Hiked:  June 5, 2004
  • Miles Hiked:  8.2
  • Elevation Gain:  3,600'
  • Hiking Partner(s):  Lyle Weiss
• Description:
  • I met Lyle at the Park and Ride on the Morrison exit at 5:00 am and we were off for the Stevens Gulch Trailhead.  We arrived shortly after 6:00 am and were hiking at 6:15 am.  After completing Little Bear Peak last month, I was in the mood for another snow climb.  We hiked for approximately 1.5 miles and instead of continuing right on the Grays Trail, we turned left and made our way to the base of the Lost Rat Couloir.  Despite what we thought was a relatively early start, the snow was soft and we weren't sure what the conditions would be like.  The Lost Rat Couloir is considered a grade II climb with moderate snow steepness.
  • After seeing 6 climbers ahead of us making their way up the couloir, we decided to continue on.  I by no means consider myself an experienced climber, and this was actually the first time Lyle was out to attempt a hike of this nature.  We climbed for about 250' when Lyle decided to head back down and take a larger snowfield to the west that tied back into the Grays trail around 13,600'.  It was extremely warm, but I continued past a large pinnacle named the "Rascal" and utilized the steps kicked by the climbers ahead of me.  Lost Rat was melted out 100' below Gray's east ridge.  I removed my crampons and had to deal with some loose dirt and rock to gain the ridge.
  • I followed the east ridge to the summit of Grays, but knew I was ahead of Lyle because of the short backtrack he made.  The wind picked up slightly, so I added another layer and spent a few minutes on top before descending to the Grays/Torreys Saddle at 13,707'.  I had already climbed Torreys from Loveland Pass via the west ridge in April, but I felt pretty good and decided to hike it again.  I visited with a few people on Torreys for a while before heading back down, traversing below Grays, and picking up the Grays trail for a quick exit.  I met back up with Lyle at the trailhead after he was done hiking Grays.
  • Roach's guide book states that the top of Lost Rat is 40 degrees.  I think this is an excellent introduction to snow climbing for anyone interested.  I can see the Lost Rat and Dead Dog Couloirs being an annual event for training because of their short approach and accessibility from Denver.  There were plenty of people on the mountains.  Ten people that I know of used the Lost Rat Couloir, several people climbed the Dead Dog Couloir, and numerous hikers were utilizing the standard route to Grays and Torreys.  My total trail time was 5 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Additional Statistics:

• Maps:
  • Click here to view a 2D map of the area where this hike is located.
• Photographs:
  • The approach to the Lost Rat Couloir on Grays Peak's northwest side.
  • A close up of 6 people beginning their climb up the Lost Rat Couloir.
  • The Dead Dog Couloir (right) and South Paw Couloir (left) on Torreys Peak.
  • Approaching the base of the Lost Rat Couloir with the "Rascal" to the right.
  • A close up of the couloir with two climbers just above the dog leg left.
  • Looking down Lost Rat a little over half way up.
  • Looking up Lost Rat a little over half way up.
  • You can see how the snow has melted out on top of the couloir near the ridge.  Two climbers are below me near the dog leg.
  • A view of Kelso Mountain and the approach hike to Grays and Torreys Peaks.
  • My summit photo on Grays Peak.
  • The south ridge of Torreys Peak from the 13,707' saddle with a large cornice overhanging.
  • A look at Grays Peak from the summit of Torreys Peak.  This is the same photo from when I was on Torreys in April.
  • A summit photo of Bud the bear.

www.

just

hiking

.com

Base Camp     The Hikes     Summary     Peak List     Other Links