Grays & torreys

[nickelis]

Im sure this has been answered, but, wow, there are 92 pages to sift through! I'm visiting from KY in a few weeks and wanted to hike a few 14ers, definitely Grays and Torreys, with my son, as it's been awhile. I'll be in a rental car, probably a Versa or something... I was planning on camping and then hitting the trail early the next day, my question being, should I plan on parking 3 miles down the road and hiking in to the trail head, and, if so, would it be a good idea to pack a summit bag for my hike to the top and leave my camp set-up, or, camp by my car, and hike in to the trail head that morning? I've left camp behind several other places, just don't know the tone set in CO for that sort of thing.Thanks...

[peter303]

Most of the time the Grays and Torreys access road is high clearance (once in a while it will have been graded.) So it would be considered off-road use by car rental companies. Read your contract as to whether this allowed- usually not for sedan rentals.

A high rock destroyed my muffler once on the road.
My rental car in Iceland had GPS tracker to see if you drove on forbidden interior 4WD roads. I dont know if any Colorado companies do this.

Quandry, Evans, Yale have paved roads to the standard trailheads.

[Alpine Guy]

I was just up Stevens Gulch a week ago and the road was in great shape (considering its reputation). Lots of regular cars in the parking lot so must have been graded recently.

[nickelis]

Thanks for the updates! I may just shoot for Loveland pass and then try to find some dispersed camping near by for the day before and of our hike...Any suggestions are more than appreciated.

[LarryM]

Thanks for the updates! I may just shoot for Loveland pass and then try to find some dispersed camping near by for the day before and of our hike...Any suggestions are more than appreciated.

If you are considering grays & torreys from Loveland pass ... It's a magnificent hike, MUCH more fun than the standard route.

But it's also a lot harder. It's not just the greater length & vertical and much sketchier trail. You're above 11,000 feet for the whole day and above 12,000 feet for most of it. (Edit - I had forgotten just how high up you start. You're above 12,000 feet for all but the first and last few yards of the hike.) That takes more out of you than the standard route where you are above 12,000 feet for 3 hours or less. Make sure your fitness level is appropriate for it. You also want to make sure you have a good weather forecast. Bailout options are limited & mostly will leave you miles from your car.

It took me about 8 hours last summer & I was fairly fit and fast (yes, plenty of people are faster; this isn't a brag or even humble brag. My point is that, unless you're in REALLY great shape, plan on spending 8 plus hours on the mountain. Expect to spend at least twice as much time as the standard route.)

[peter303]

I do not advise the Loveland Pass trailhead for someone has has not done many 14ers.
Rather long and 9 uphill sections.

[LarryM]

I do not advise the Loveland Pass trailhead for someone has has not done many 14ers.
Rather long and 9 uphill sections.

If it wasn't clear, I agree. "Only" 11 miles, but over 6,200 feet of vertical (even assuming that you avoid re-summitting Torreys on the return), and I can't stress enough how much of a difference the fact that you're doing it all over 12.000 feet makes.

[derekesq]

If you have any choice, take the "similar" or any other option than a Nissan versa. the complete lack of acceleration, etc is expected and fine, the problem is the seats were designed by medieval torture specialists.

I have not driven that road so can't comment on its condition, but I have taken rental cars (mostly sedans) on numerous reasonable dirt roads with no issue, just don't mention it at the counter.

[fahixson]

I've left camp behind several other places, just don't know the tone set in CO for that sort of thing.Thanks...

I've haven't camped for Grays & Torreys, but I've never had a problem leaving a camp setup while out hiking for the day here in CO. Just make sure you're not accidentally setting up camp on private property or otherwise restricted areas.

I wouldn't plan on driving a Versa up that road. Check the Trailhead Conditions update when your trip gets closer. As mentioned earlier, the road gets cleaned up from time to time, but I would expect to hike that mileage from the bottom. There's also a decent chance you could get a ride up. I think most people will offer a ride if they see other hikers slogging up a 4WD road.

[handonbroward]

Did Torreys via Kelso then Grays on the 4th. The road is in the same condition it was last year, which is not good, if you are driving anything but a higher clearance vehicle. There are some major ruts and potholes on the steepest section, right by the 2 big houses that are up there. There are about 3-4 parking spots right around the corner before that stretch, which leaves about 1.25 miles to the trailhead if I remember correctly. I parked there a few times before I had my truck and it is an easy walk up the road, probably can thumb a ride up if you aren't starting too early. Also pretty easy to hitch a ride back down with someone headed down from the parking lot if you wait around about 20-30 minutes asking.

[nickelis]

Thanks for the replies, some good food for thought...LarryM, you got me excited there, only to smash my dreams! haha...I'm thinking it may be adventageous to see how far up the approach road I can get, hike up, set a camp aroud the TH and hike the standard route the next morning...although, the hike from Loveland looks amazing, makes me want to take a day or two to acclimatize...we are in good shape, and have also done several long climbs with lots of elevation change, but being in Appalachia, never at an elevation like 12,000ft! Gonna see how this one goes, thanks again!

[sigepnader]

My wife is from Kentucky. Wonderful state.

Why not go up the backway and start at Horseshoe Basin?