Summit Two 14ers in One Day - Grays and Torreys Peaks, Colorado Rockies

Not many of us can imagine summiting one 14,000 ft. mountain, let alone TWO of these giants in a day. Grays and Torreys Peaks are great hikes for your first time up to 14,000 ft. A challenging 8.3 miles round trip will take you to the summit of Grays Peak (14,278 ft.), across a ridge, to the top of Torreys Peak (14,274 ft.) on the Continental Divide and back down. Both summits yield jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the Rockies and an incredible rush of adrenaline. You will feel like you conquered the world.

The journey begins at 11,280 feet at the Grays Peak Trailhead (Stevens Gulch). Take I-70 to Bakerville (Exit 221). On the south side of the exit is a large parking lot. (Park here if you ascend in winter. The road to the summer trailhead is closed.) In the summer, you can continue 3 miles up the dirt road - Forest Road 189. Note: The road is rough. 4WD is recommended to reach the trailhead. My car made it 1.5 miles from the trailhead, so we parked on the side and walked the rest. Other people did the same.

Embark EARLY. This is important as you want to be off the summits by afternoon. Thunderstorms are common and can be very dangerous when you are up in the scree fields. Check the weather. We began (1.5 miles from the trailhead) at 4:30 AM and reached the summit by 9:30 AM. After taking in the views and celebrating our ascent, we arrived at the second summit around 10:30 AM. We were back at the trailhead by 1:30 PM. (I hike often but this was my first 14er, so depending on your skill - you may be faster or slower). Consider camping in your car the night before so your body can acclimate to the elevation and you can hit the trail early.

At the trailhead you will find an information sign and bathrooms. Cross Steven Gulch Creek over a small bridge and the journey begins. Take in the sunrise upon the mountains as you approach the switchbacks. The total elevation gain is 3,600 feet.

It's a well travelled trail so you will most likely see other hikers on the route. Keep an eye out for the Cairns (rock piles) that mark the trail. In the summer months you will find some snow surrounding the summits and on the ridge. As you get to higher elevation you may even spot some mountain goats.

Estimated Hiking Time varies. I am an experienced hiker, but also tend to stop and admire the beauty, hang out on the summit and shoot photography. This took me 6 hours roundtrip from the trailhead. I met people who did this in 4 hours RT and 8 hours RT. Budget a day for this hike.