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Torreys Peak is still shrouded by
cloud.
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Scramble:
RT 13.0 (includes Cupid, Grizzly and Grays); 3.75 up from Grizzly.
Torreys Peak hosts varied ascent routes other than the normal South
Slopes from Grays Peak, those include the Kelso Ridge scramble and
several snow couloirs. The West Ridge from Grizzly Peak is another
possibility, although it's quite uneventful, the descent from
Grizzly to the connecting saddle grants an interesting walk on a
corniced
ridge at this time. That section is possibly the most exciting part of
the traverse
and guarantees good photo opportunities! Once at the saddle, below
Torreys Peak, we took a break and watched the skiers we had met on
Cupid
make their way down, they had also struggled in the
whiteout earlier... Anyway, after
chatting with them, we proceeded to climb Torreys' steep slopes. The
terrain
was more wind-affected than Grizzly Peak's ascent and the snow patches
were pleasantly stiff giving way to smooth
travel. The climb was long but not difficult, a couple of "breathers"
along the way really helped. When we gained the top of the steep
slopes, the way to the summit came into view at the end of a long
sweeping
snow ridge. We conversed while walking, keeping to the ridge crest as
we neared the summit. We reached the top in good spirit, visibility had
greatly improved and offered spectacular views all around. We stayed at
the top for quite some time, we needed to replenish as we still had
quite a ways to go. This was peak #3 of the day, a 14er and we were
on our final
leg of the traverse. What a great trip this was shaping up to be!
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Lenawee
Mountain.
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Chihuahua
Gulch south-west of us.
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Interesting
ridge walk down from Grizzly Peak.
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Grizzly
Gulch to the north.
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Torreys Peak
hides then reveals itself.
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At the
Grizzly-Torreys saddle.
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Tim and Ian
discussing deep issues...
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Ascending
Torreys with Grizzly in the background.
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North-western
view over Mount Sniktau.
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Brenckenridge's
ski area in the distance.
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Cresting on
the summit ridge.
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Nearing the
top.
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Looking back
at Grizzly Peak and Cupid.
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Tim's
enjoying this one!
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Last stretch.
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Comedy at
the top.
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Kelso Ridge,
Kelso Mountain and Stevens Gulch.
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Mount Evans,
The Sawtooth and Mount Bierstadt to the east.
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Grays Peak,
our fourth and final objective on this loop.
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Ian knows
all the surrounding mountains, passes and valleys!
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Continue
on to Grays Peak |
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