Grays/Torreys for 2 beginners

[NelsonTrading]

Hi all. I'm bringing two teenage boys on a day hike and plan on Grey/Torreys. We are staying in Denver and will be there Aug 7-10, so doing it on Wed or Thurs. I am 50 and the boys are 17. We are from Texas. I have done 5 14ers in the past, but its been a few years. This will be the first for the boys, hence the easier 14er selection. My specific questions are as follows. 1) Recommended shoes, 2) What day pack to use 3) food/water recommendations 3) Layers and essential gear. Thank you in advance.

John

[Urban Snowshoer]

Hi all. I'm bringing two teenage boys on a day hike and plan on Grey/Torreys. We are staying in Denver and will be there Aug 7-10, so doing it on Wed or Thurs. I am 50 and the boys are 17. We are from Texas. I have done 5 14ers in the past, but its been a few years. This will be the first for the boys, hence the easier 14er selection. My specific questions are as follows. 1) Recommended shoes, 2) What day pack to use 3) food/water recommendations 3) Layers and essential gear. Thank you in advance.

John

(1) Footwear is somewhat of a personal preference. I use hiking boots but some people take other approaches. The main thing about footwear is that it should be be closed-toed (e.g. no sandals or flip flops) and have good foot support.

(2) The choice of pack varies but you can make it work with a 30L size pack.

(3) You'll want to bring a minimum of 2 liters of water per person. As for food, each person has different caloric needs but do bear in mind that you are going to be hiking for 6-8 hours, possibly more. It might be advisable to check the "climb times" section on this site to get a sense of how long you might be out.

(4) As a general rule, the temperature drops 3-5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet you go up in elevation. Highs on the summit--if you make it that far--are probably going to be in 40-50 degrees with wind. You also need to be prepared for rain because it is not uncommon this time of year, especially in the afternoon. If the weather socks in, the temperature can drop significantly, so bring some extra warm clothing.

Getting caught above treeline in a lightning storm is very bad news, to say the least, so you need to start early, as storms are more likely to hit in the afternoon. However, do understand that starting early does not guarantee you won't encounter weather--the weather can deteriorate in the morning--so always pay attention to what's happening in the sky and be prepared to turn around if things look sketchy.

Another consideration is parking. While the Stevens Gulch trailhead, which is presumably the route you'll be starting from, has a formal parking lot, it tends to fill up fairly quickly and there are there are inholdings (private property) adjacent to parts of the Stevens Gulch road. If the parking lot fills up by the time you get there be mindful not to park on private property or park in a way that obstructs the road. If all else fails you could park in Bakerville and either try to get a ride up or walk up--it's 3 miles (give or take--each way but they aren't particularly hard miles.

[NelsonTrading]

Thanks Urban. Can't wait to get back out there.

[stevek94]

also note that the road to the trailhead is pretty terrible

[NelsonTrading]

Realistically, how long will it take us to do the combo? Everyone is physically fit, but living at sea level.

[peter303]

Realistically, how long will it take us to do the combo? Everyone is physically fit, but living at sea level.

The median climb times is in the 4-5 hour range. Look under routes menu, climb times. Select Greys Torreys combo, which gives a sorted list. Then select the middle page number to get the median.

Most of these people probably started from the parking lot. If it is full or or you have bad road issues and park further down, you may have to add time.

Most people climb Greys first. Adding Torreys only adds around an hour because a quarter way down saddle connects the two. However it is an additional uphill slog which can be tiring.

Many people find acclimatizing a couple days before helps a lot. Sleep at 8K to 10K, practice hike ar 11K to 13K. Another school of thought says to climb quick to beat altitude sickness. But that didnt work for me. I get headaches or nausea climbing 14ers without at least one day acclimization. 'Know thyself' from earlier experiences.

[BillMiddlebrook]

Grays, damnit, Grays!!

[NelsonTrading]

Haha Bill. Just getting my info for Mama. I'm "responsible" for two beginner boys. Just trying to make Mama happy. I know its rated fairly easy.....

[NelsonTrading]

Thanks Peter. Good info.

John

[mtnkub]

Haha Bill. Just getting my info for Mama. I'm "responsible" for two beginner boys. Just trying to make Mama happy. I know its rated fairly easy.....

no, it's not that... it's because it is "Grays" not "Greys"... after botanists Asa Gray and John Torrey... or something like that.

[nyker]

Hey John,

Per your questions- for each person:

1) Recommended shoes

In August you should be able to get by fine with a good lowcut trailshoe or lightweight hiking boot, as mentioned above, personal preference whichever you prefer, some people like a higher boot, some don't.
You don't need heavy backpacking boots, but you want more sturdy/stable shoe than an ordinary sneaker. A trailrunner, with firmer sole would work on those routes.

2) What day pack to use

A 30/35L pack is ideal for a day hike to carry your extra clothes, water, food and camera, etc.

3) food/water recommendations

Coming from out of state and lower in elevation, I'd suggest 3L fluids and hydrate well beforehand. There is water on the route to treat, but 3L is not a huge amount to carry, so might as well just bring it from the start and save time treating it enroute.
Make one of these liters an electrolyte solution and the rest water. For food, bring ample snacks and something for the summit (snickers, sandwich etc) and foods that you can
easily digest while hiking up. Powerbars, gels, banana, raisins, etc...tastes high up change from what tastes good at sea level when not exerting yourself.

4) Layers and essential gear.

Prepare for temps in the 40s/50s higher up above treeline, above 12,000ft especially early morning and plan on wind picking up at some point, so proper layers are key for comfort being able to add and remove as needed, especially if a storm comes in as you'll be in prime monsoon season.

For clothing; a base layer, mid layer and waterproof /windproof shell in case of weather moving in would be standard. Socks are preference, I prefer a liner and wool outer sock.
I always have a warm hat and cap as well. Other gear should include "the ten essentials" - easily googled and camera, etc..

You might want to pack and extra shirt in case you get to the top soaked in sweat and have something dry to change into on the descent when you won't be exerting the same energy.

You also might want to consider hiking poles to save the knees on the way down too.

Also, since is their first trip to hike up a 14er, start out from the trailhead slower even if they feel strong out of the gate. The altitude has a tendency to reign in that perceived strength as you move higher and you want to help minimize the chances of altitude related health issues.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Above_Treeline]

I havent done 14ers yet, but got sleeted on under 12,500' in August and ice or something caused some guys to turn around on Yale on the same day last year. Although I doubt the people later in the day had much trouble.

It was very educational getting sleeted on for a few minutes. I'm planning on taking waterproof gear this year.

I'd think plenty of people have gone up minimally dressed but you might want warm/waterproof clothing in a pack or something, just in case. It's probably going to be cold at 14K ft.

I like to start hydrating the night before, plus some salt/ electrolytes, drink plenty in the morning, and take maybe 7-8 bottles, 16 oz.

Using an inexpensive backpack/bookbag.

I've used clif bars for years, they have more protein. Some of the granola bars are so loaded with sugar you might as well eat a candy bar, it seems. Planning on larabars at least some this year, really good. Try Big Lots, might be a better deal and selection

I was surprised to read the label in the larabars. Like 6 ingredients, and normal food! Really like the apple pie