After a week of high-altitude “boot camp” my father had arranged a graduation hike of two 14,000+ foot peaks for his fellow flatlander friends. I was able to get the day off and join them in a relatively un-crowded climb of the very popular Grays and Torreys Peaks.
It proved an auspicious day to hike these peaks, since I ran into another group leaving the trailhead at the same time, moving our speed and that contained a few folks I knew.
Unsettled weather was in the forecast and unlike a normal bluebird Colorado morning we already had plenty of clouds (if not very threatening ones just yet).
Still, we enjoyed the cooler temps as we climbed up in the basin below the two peaks.
Wildflowers were also more abundant than on our hike of Pikes Peak a week prior.
The last couple-hundred feet to Grays Peak were socked in with a stationary cloud, one that moved in and out of the actual summit while we rested.
We departed with the group I partly knew to battle the wind for 500 feet down to the saddle below Torreys Peak.
The hike back up another peak was a bit of a grind.
Hikers above us called down a sighting of mountain goats on top, which provided a bit of motivation to hurry to the top.
Tired, we spent less time on this summit and shortly started our descent back to the saddle.
From the saddle we had a long stretch of snow to cross before hitting (partly) dry trail again.
Well down from the peaks we noticed that the clouds had a more ominous look and I was glad we would soon be back at the trailhead.
A rain begin to fall and kept up for the final 30 minutes back to the car.
Complete photo album
Thanks for getting Jim to the top, Adam! I’m disappointed that I had so much trouble breathing during my 13er. I would have loved the opportunity to hike with you! Maybe some other time you can REALLY dial it down and do a wimpier hike with me. Thanks again. Good luck at Yosemite……..
- Judi