Gray's #2 and Torrey's #3 June 25, 2005

On June 25th, 2005 we decided to cross our second and third 14-ers off the list. Grays and Torreys can be done in one day. They are right across from eachother. So we got to it again...early morning, drive to trailhead, etc etc.

This hike was more enjoyable to me than Bierstadt. You are surrounded by walls of rock as you hike back into the area where you eventually begin to climb to the summit. The path crosses some rushing mountain streams, crystal clear and cold and meanders along until it starts to ascend. It winds around a bit, and you have to cross some rock beds and snowfields, which are bordered on the one side by steep hills, but there isn't too much of that type of scrambling. It's a mix of rocks and path most of the way up, but it's long switchback up to Grays, and just when you think you've had enough, you are there. You can't really guage how high you are getting, because as I mentioned, there are mountain walls around you most of the way. But once you reach the summit, the view opens into another expanse of mountain and sky. This time you could see Breckenridge and Keystone from the top.

On the way up we were amazed to encounter two mountain goats, who were definitely used to company. They basically posed for us as we shot picture after picture and video upon lengthy video of them. Their fur was thick, and their beards were cute. They could've used a bath, but I guess the thought of dipping in the cool mountain streams wasn't appealing. The way that they easily manuever around on such steep terrain is mind-boggling. Where we have trouble taking step after step, they are trotting around like they are on flat ground. Beautifully crafted.

After summiting Grays, there is a trail to follow along the 'saddle' that takes you directly up to Torreys. I couldn't let my mind go to the 'maybe next time' thoughts, since husband was motivated to git 'er done. So after signing the register and taking the multitude of photos, we trekked our way to Torrey's.

From Gray's it really doesn't look that far, but as always, distances are deceptive---and so are inclines. It looked like it would be a walk in the park, but it took another hour and a half to make the second summit. That hike was even steeper and rockier, basically like climbing steps all the way up.

This time the summit was even more satisfying because I knew it was my second one that day-- I had accomplished a lot! We, again, signed in and took pictures and then began the long descent down. It took a lot longer than I remembered, so this day we made it back to the car by 2 (we started at 7:30). Surprisingly the hike was only about 2.5 to the top of both peaks, 5 miles total.

Pikes Peak is next up, but can I just be honest? 26 miles round trip really doesn't sound that appealing to me right now. I am trying to convince The Man that we can hike the 13 to the top, but we should take the Cog Railway down as a matter of safety and caution. We shall see.

Pikes Peak is what inspired "God Bless America". I am sure we won't be disappointed -- even if we can't walk for a week after.