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Leaving Torreys Peak for Grays
Peak, our fourth and last objective.
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Hike:
RT 13.0 (includes Cupid, Grizzly and Torreys); 1.25 up from Torreys. It
had been a great day so far, the weather had improved giving way
to stellar conditions and we had traversed three summits without
mishap. We peeled ourselves from the summit of Torreys Peak to complete
our
journey. After dipping down yet another saddle, we tackled the last
climb of the day. Grays Peak's ascent didn't appear to be as long as
Torreys' but by
then, we were feeling the mileage in our legs. We carried on each at
our own pace. The ascent was fairly pleasant on firm snow mostly, I
enjoyed the consistency and direct approach. Near the top, we regrouped
before walking onto the fourth and final summit of the traverse. The
sense of accomplishment could not be understated, we were elated!!
Another break followed with tons of pictures and much cheer but not
before too long, we started to consider the lengthy return to my
truck that we had left in Bakerville to complete this shuttle-assisted
trip. The descent down Grays was speedy, we even glissaded a short
section. Up to now, we hadn't needed to use the snowshoes but we did
strap them on for the last stretch to the summer trailhead; I don't
know that it was entirely necessary but we avoided the unpredictable
posthole that way. We had another quick break at the summer trailhead.
The rest of the trip on the road was relatively short and casual, we
knew we'd
arrive
before having to get the headlamps out. We talked about
miscellaneous stuff and politics of
course! I will always remember this outstanding loop with my two
Colorado besties, so glad to have had the opportunity to get to know
them both!! XX
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South-western
view over Chihuahua Gulch.
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Grays Peak
is very straightforward.
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Looking back
at Torreys Peak.
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Mount
Edwards (left), Mounts Evans and Bierstadt to the east.
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Looking back
again.
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Almost there.
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Tim reaches
the top of the easy 14er.
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Happy crew
enjoying the view ...and the feat.
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View south
over Ruby Mountain and Santa Fe Peak.
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South-western
view with Brenckenridge's ski area.
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View north
and Stevens Gulch, our exit.
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Torreys Peak
again.
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Leaving the
lofty viewpoint.
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Chasing Tim
down the mountain!
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Kelso
Mountain and Stevens Gulch.
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Last glimpse
towards Grays and Torreys.
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Skirting
Kelso Mountain.
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Reaching the
summer trailhead.
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House on
beams on the road out to Bakerville.
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