Torreys Peak (5)
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• Statistics:
  • Date Hiked:  May 20, 2009
  • Miles Hiked:  6.2
  • Elevation Gain:  3,950'
  • Hiking Partner(s):  None
• Description:

  • I hadn't hiked Torreys Peak since 2006 and was looking for a quick alpine fix, so I decided to try and climb the mountain again.  This was my 5th time up Torreys Peak by my 5th route.  On this particular day, I stayed on the north side of the peak and approached from Grizzly Gulch.  I simply did a snow climb of the Emperor Couloir that sits on the north face of Torreys Peak.  This route is on the opposite side of Kelso Ridge from the Dead Dog Couloir.  Gerry Roach notes in his book that The Emperor provides 3,000' of snow climbing and is one of Colorado's longest snow climbs.  It took me 3 hours and 55 minutes to climb the route.  I spent 30 minutes on the summit and descended in 1 hour and 40 minutes.  This route provides the opportunity to glissade a long way too.  Snow conditions varied, but were generally acceptable.  As I was taking a break and checking my blood sugar level, two skiers passed me.  This was quite a treat since I simply followed their boot pack to the top for the last 35-40 percent of the climb.

• Maps:
  • Click here to view a map of the area where this hike is located.
• Photographs:
  • Torreys Peak from I-70.  Torreys Peak from I-70 with the Emperor Couloir route.
  • My view of The Emperor on the approach.
  • Emperor Couloir from where you leave the road and cross the creek.  The route drawn in on the same photo.
  • Entering the couloir from the top of the apron.
  • Looking back down at the road and creek.
  • Looking up one-third of the way up.
  • Looking down after gaining some elevation.
  • Although it looks confusing when you first see the upper part of the mountain, the route is pretty straight forward.
  • Entering the maze of rocks.
  • Looking back down after you make a dog-leg right towards the summit.
  • The summit snow field is in the upper middle section of this picture.
  • Looking down from the only real constriction of the route.
  • The two skiers on the final summit snow field.
  • Looking down from near the top of the upper snow field.
  • Grays Peak
  • Stevens Gulch
  • Two different skiers making their way up the northwest face, also known as the Tuning Fork.
  • A parting shot of the Emperor Couloir after my long glissade.

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