Gray's Peak trailhead

[Sean Nunn]

I am planning on climbing Gray's & Torrey's with a small group at the end of June. We have too many people for the Expedition my brother has, and I know my minivan will not be able to get all the way up to the summer TH.

So my question is this: are there places to park partway up the road? Or is it mandatory to park at the winter TH if you aren't going all the way to the summer TH?

[FCSquid]

There are a few places to pull off along the way, however the biggest obstacle on that road is encountered just after you start up Stevens Gulch from I-70.

If it were my minivan, I'd park it at I-70 and just hoof it up the road - it's just not worth the risk. Within 5 minutes of walking, you'll know if you made the right decision or not.

[Sean Nunn]

Thanks for the help; it is appreciated.

[Cruiser]

I was up there recently and saw a number of 2wd cars parked at various places along the road. It's wide enough that you can pull over and get your vehicle out of the way without too much trouble.

I'm always amazed by the places folks are able to get their rental cars and Subarus.

[Sean Nunn]

I was up there recently and saw a number of 2wd cars parked at various places along the road. It's wide enough that you can pull over and get your vehicle out of the way without too much trouble.

I'm always amazed by the places folks are able to get their rental cars and Subarus.

That's the biggest thing I was wanting to know; if I go up 1/4 of a mile or 1/2 of a mile and decide it is getting too rough; will I be able to pull over and park (like on the road to Sherman), or not (like on the road to San Luis from Creede)? Sounds like the former, although it also sounds like I might not get far enough to matter.

Thank you both.

[Rollie Free]

What day did you decide to go Sean?

[strayster2]

There's a fairly large turn off for Grizzly Gulch (about a mile up the road) with space for parking for 4-5 cars. I've never had any difficulty getting my Hyundai Elantra up that far.

[ljbelenky]

I've got my Prius up to the upper parking lot on more than one occasion without difficulty. As long as there's no snow, it's not a problem.

[Sean Nunn]

What day did you decide to go Sean?

We are heading up on Sunday, July 1. Leaving the trailhead about 5am ish. We were going to try for a moonlight climb but a few of our group is not arriving until 7-8pm the night before, so we thought the better of it.

[IntrepidXJ]

It's been a few years since I've been here, but the most difficult part of the road that I recall was the vehicles lined up and parked on both sides that left no room for passing oncoming traffic. Thankfully I didn't run into anyone else on my way down...

[Cygnus X1]

If it was my brother I'd guilt him into shuttling everybody to the upper trailhead!

[Sean Nunn]

If it was my brother I'd guilt him into shuttling everybody to the upper trailhead!

We might do that, but then again it might be fastest/easiest for the fittest 3 of us just to hike the 2.5-3 miles. Our group is fairly disparate in abilities. For the 3-4 fittest of us, it is honestly a warm-up climb for Massive and Holy Cross later in the week.

Many thanks to those who have provided info. It is appreciated.