Grays Peak and Torreys Peak: A Complete Guide to the Double 14er Hike

Grays Peak (14,278 ft) and Torreys Peak (14,275 ft) sit 0.6 miles apart on the Continental Divide. Most fit hikers climb both in a single day from the same trailhead, making this the most popular "double 14er" in Colorado. The combined hike is 8.5 miles round trip with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

The trailhead is 75 minutes from Denver, 30 minutes from Georgetown. The route is well-defined and non-technical (Class 2 throughout). For hikers who want maximum 14er count per drive, Grays and Torreys is the best value in the Front Range.

This guide covers both peaks, the trailhead logistics, the route between them, and the decisions that separate a successful double summit from a stressful retreat.

What You'll Learn

• Quick Stats
• Getting to the Trailhead
• The Standard Route
• The Traverse to Torreys
• Single Peak vs Double Peak Strategy
• What to Pack
• Timing and Weather
• When to Climb
• What Makes This Different from Bierstadt
• Common Mistakes

Quick Stats

Grays Peak alone (out and back):

• Elevation: 14,278 ft (10th highest in Colorado, 1st on Continental Divide)
• Round Trip Distance: 8.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
• Class: 2 (no technical climbing, hand use on summit boulders)
• Time: 5-7 hours

Grays + Torreys (the double):

• Elevation: 14,275 ft (Torreys, 11th highest)
• Round Trip Distance: 8.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft
• Class: 2 throughout
• Time: 6-9 hours

Trailhead: Stevens Gulch (Bakerville exit), 11,280 ft
Best Season: Mid-June through September
Permit: None required
Crowds: Heavy on summer weekends

Getting to the Trailhead

The Stevens Gulch trailhead is accessed from I-70 westbound at the Bakerville exit (exit 221), about 5 miles past Georgetown. From the exit:

1. Turn left (south) onto Stevens Gulch Road (a.k.a. Bakerville Stevens Gulch Road)
2. The first 3 miles are paved/maintained dirt
3. The last 3 miles require high-clearance vehicles. 4WD recommended.
4. Trailhead parking lot at the end (limited spaces)

The road catch: The last 3 miles of Stevens Gulch Road are not Subaru-friendly. Low-clearance cars can park at the lower lot 3 miles down and add 6 miles round trip to the hike. This is the difference between a 8.5-mile day and a 14.5-mile day. A 4Runner, Tacoma, Jeep, or similar handles the road; sedans and crossovers do not.

The upper parking lot has spaces for about 50 cars. On summer weekends, it fills by 5:30 AM. The lower lot has more space but adds significant distance.

Total drive from Denver: 75 minutes for the I-70 portion, plus 30-45 minutes on Stevens Gulch Road depending on vehicle.

Restrooms: Pit toilets at the upper trailhead. None at the lower lot.

Cell service: Limited at the trailhead, no service above treeline.

The Standard Route

The Grays Peak standard route is the Stevens Gulch Trail. From the upper parking lot:

Section 1: Trailhead to Grays Peak base (Miles 0-1.5)

The trail begins in the willow-lined valley below both peaks. Gradual climb on a good trail through evergreen and willow. Cross Stevens Gulch on a wooden bridge around mile 0.5. Watch for moose in the willows, especially early morning.

The view of Grays Peak's northeast face dominates the entire approach. Torreys is hidden behind Grays from this angle until you climb higher.

Section 2: The Long Climb to Grays (Miles 1.5-3.5)

The trail switchbacks up the east slopes of Grays. The grade is sustained but not punishing (10-12% average). Most of the elevation gain happens here.

Around 12,500 ft you'll cross into alpine terrain. Watch for marmots, pikas, and white-tailed ptarmigan above treeline. The trail is well-cairned but exposed to wind from the north and west.

The upper section involves talus and larger rock. The route stays well-marked; follow the cairns.

Section 3: The Grays Peak Summit (Mile 4.0)

Grays Peak summit is a broad, relatively flat alpine plateau. Plenty of room for groups. Views span the Front Range to the east, the Continental Divide spreading north and south, and the Tenmile and Mosquito ranges to the west.

A USGS benchmark marker indicates the true summit.

This is the decision point. From the summit, you can see Torreys' summit clearly across the saddle. Now you decide whether to continue or descend.

The Traverse to Torreys

Section 4: Grays-Torreys Saddle (Miles 4.0-4.3)

From Grays' summit, the route descends 600 vertical feet to the saddle between the two peaks. This is the steepest, loosest section of the entire route. Rocks shift; trekking poles help.

The descent is rough but stays Class 2 (no scrambling required). Take it slow; this is where you can twist an ankle.

The saddle is at 13,710 ft. From here, Torreys' summit is 565 vertical feet up over 0.3 miles.

Section 5: Climb to Torreys (Miles 4.3-4.6)

The climb to Torreys is steep but short. The trail is well-defined. Some hikers find this section harder than the climb to Grays because they're already tired and the air is thinner.

The summit of Torreys is smaller than Grays', with room for 10-15 people. Views are slightly different than Grays: better view of the Loveland Ski Area to the north, slightly more impressive view of Kelso Ridge to the west.

A small cairn marks the summit.

Section 6: The Descent Decision

From Torreys, you have two options:

Option A: Return via Grays. Climb back up Grays' east slopes (565 ft), then descend the standard route. Adds 0.5 miles and 565 ft of climbing on tired legs.

Option B: Descend via the Kelso Ridge / Stevens Gulch shortcut. A less-defined trail descends the saddle between Grays and Torreys directly into Stevens Gulch. Saves climbing but adds challenging route-finding and loose terrain. Most hikers don't recommend this for newcomers.

For first-time double-baggers, Option A is the safer choice. Yes, you have to climb back up Grays, but the route is defined and the descent is manageable.

Section 7: The Return (Miles 4.6-8.5)

Descending Grays' east slopes on the standard route. Same descent considerations as Bierstadt: knees take a beating on the talus, trekking poles save them.

Re-cross Stevens Gulch, return to the trailhead.