Torreys Peak (III)
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• Statistics:
  • Date Hiked:  May 28, 2005
  • Miles Hiked:  7.0
  • Elevation Gain:  3,040'
  • Hiking Partner(s):  None
• Description:
  • I guess this was my hat trick climb of Torreys Peak.  I had done the west ridge in the winter, the standard south slopes route, and now the Dead Dog Couloir.  I'm fairly certain I'll return for the Kelso Ridge route some time too.  Last weekend was slightly early for snow climbing, and I didn't have a lot of time this weekend, so I decided to head up to Stevens Gulch and attempt the Dead Dog Couloir.  Several trip reports indicated that it had set up well, and I wanted to do the route, so my plans were set.
  • I was up at 2:45 am, on the road at 3:15, and hiking by 4:45.  Last year when I did the Lost Rat Couloir on Grays Peak, the snow softened quickly, so I wanted an earlier start.  By the time I rounded Kelso Mountain, I saw two individuals descending the standard route and four more climbers just starting Dead Dog.  I took a quick break and continued to the slopes below the couloir.  The snow was firm and crunchy, and solid steps had been kicked from previous climbers over the past week.  I entered the couloir when the party above me was approximately a third of the way up and made good progress.
  • I could tell it was going to be warm during the ascent, so I removed a layer while strapping on my crampons and helmet.  It was a beautiful day, and I thoroughly enjoyed this climb.  Not to difficult, but enough to keep you on your toes.  Not surprisingly, I reached Kelso Ridge just as the party of four was topping out.  They were a group, they had a lot of extra gear, and a couple of them were relatively new to snow climbing.  I joined them where we took turns taking photos and enjoying the views.  I had to be back in Denver early, so I balked at Grays and returned to the trailhead after catching a short glissade.  I was home at 11:00 am.  It took me 2 hours and 35 minutes to climb Torreys, I spent 35 minutes on top, and I returned in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Maps:
  • Click here to view a 2D map of the area where this hike is located.
• Photographs:
  • There are a lot of scenery photos on the web from this hike, so I didn't take or post any.
  • My first good look at Dead Dog Couloir as the 4 climbers ahead of me start their ascent.
  • Torreys Peak and Dead Dog.
  • Same photo as above, just zoomed in some.
  • Looking up at Grays Peak from the bowl where the Dead Dog Couloir ends.
  • Getting ready to start the climb.
  • Looking down the couloir approximately one third of the way up.
  • Looking up the couloir approximately one third of the way up.
  • Looking down the couloir approximately two thirds of the way up.
  • Looking up the couloir approximately two thirds of the way up.
  • The group of climbers I met on the summit.
  • My summit photo.
  • One of the climbers took this shot of me near the top of the couloir.

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