Colorado's most accessible double fourteener hike - summit both Grays Peak (14,270 ft) and Torreys Peak (14,267 ft) in one day from the Stevens Gulch Trailhead near Georgetown. Clear summer days offer four-state views.
Grays and Torreys Peaks offer the most accessible double-fourteener experience in Colorado, allowing hikers to summit both Grays Peak (4,352 m / 14,270 ft) and Torreys Peak (4,351 m / 14,267 ft) in a single day from Stevens Gulch Trailhead in Clear Creek County near Georgetown. The trailhead is reached via a 6.4 km (4-mile) unpaved gravel road from Interstate 70 at exit 218 (Bakerville); a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle handles the road adequately in summer, though four-wheel drive is advantageous in wet conditions. No permit or fee is required for this hike; parking at Stevens Gulch Trailhead is free but fills early on peak summer weekends. The route covers approximately 13.4 km (8.4 miles) round-trip for both summits with 930 m (3,050 ft) of total elevation gain, beginning at 3,455 m (11,334 ft) and following Stevens Gulch Creek on a well-defined trail through alpine willow meadows and sparse krummholz spruce. After approximately 4 km, the trail crosses above treeline and ascends open rocky tundra to the saddle between Grays and Torreys at approximately 4,100 m (13,450 ft). Grays Peak summit is reached first via its southeast ridge; a short 1.2 km ridge traverse from the saddle leads to the Torreys Peak summit. Both summits sit directly on the Continental Divide and offer panoramic views spanning portions of four states on clear days. The trail surface is rocky dirt and scree above treeline, with significant boulder sections near both summits; trekking poles are strongly advisable. All hikers should plan for rapid weather changes above 4,000 m. Lightning strikes the exposed ridgeline frequently from July through August; beginning the ascent at sunrise is essential for a safe summit. No water is available beyond the creek crossings in the lower valley; carry two liters for the upper section. No shelters or facilities exist on route.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Clear Creek County (Georgetown area)
- Best season
- Late June to mid-September
Highlights
- Two fourteener summits in one day
- Continental Divide views
- Alpine wildflowers
- 360-degree panoramas spanning four states
Tips for visiting
- Begin hiking no later than 6 a.m. to summit Grays and be off both peaks before noon, when afternoon thunderstorms frequently build directly over the Continental Divide ridge.
- The Stevens Gulch access road requires a high-clearance vehicle; check conditions before setting out as the road can be deeply rutted and muddy after rain or snowmelt.
- Grays Peak makes an excellent standalone hike if time or energy doesn't allow Torreys; the ridge traverse to Torreys adds significant additional distance and exposed ridge travel.
- Layer clothing for dramatic temperature swings; summit wind chill at 4,350 m can reduce effective temperature by 15 degrees even on warm summer days.
- Acclimatize in Georgetown (2,381 m) or Denver (1,609 m) for at least one night before a summit attempt to reduce altitude sickness risk.
When to visit
Late June through mid-September provides the most reliable conditions for this hike. Begin the ascent by 5 to 6 a.m. to summit before the typical early afternoon lightning risk; check evening forecasts and cancel if severe storms are predicted for the following day.
Accessibility
The Grays and Torreys trail is not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility devices. The unpaved access road, rocky trail surface, sustained elevation gain, and extreme altitude make this a challenging route suitable only for able-bodied hikers in good physical condition.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to hike Grays and Torreys Peaks?
No permit or fee is required. The Stevens Gulch Trailhead is on USDA Forest Service land and is free to access. The access road and parking area are open seasonally when snow and road conditions allow.
Can both peaks be summited in one day?
Yes. The standard route visits Grays Peak first and then traverses the saddle ridge to Torreys Peak, adding approximately 2.4 km and 150 m of elevation. Most fit hikers accomplish both summits within the 5 to 7 hour timeframe from the trailhead.
When does the Stevens Gulch trail become snow-free?
Most years the trail is snow-free from late June through October. Early-season hikers may encounter significant snowfields on the upper approaches; microspikes or an ice axe may be needed before mid-July.
What is the altitude sickness risk on this hike?
The trailhead sits at 3,455 m and the summits exceed 4,350 m. Visitors arriving from sea level without acclimatization face elevated risk of acute mountain sickness. Spending one to two nights at Denver or higher before hiking reduces risk considerably.