August 3, 2010

Trail Report

Justin, Ramius, and I arrived at the trailhead at around daybreak. The trailhead is at treeline, but the trail immediately rises above it and is flanked by shrubs for the first couple of miles. After coming to the kiosk, the trail took on a steeper grade and became much greener and wetter - at times, the trail was a stream bed for snow-melt. At about the three mile mark we took a break in the shade to have a snack. At this point we had a wonderful view of Torreys Peak. Soon afterward we came across a few older hikers who were utterly appalled at Ramius' pack. I'm not sure why considering it was only holding a couple of energy bars, but I mention it here because it is the only reaction of its kind that I have ever received. 

Soon after the trail degrades into a boulder field. There are cairns leading to the left and to the right. The left trail leads to Grays Peak and the right leads to the saddle between the two fourteeners. I'm not sure why, but we veered right and ended up at the saddle between Grays and Torreys. We decided to head up Torreys, taking two or three quick breathers on our way up.

Upon summitting Torreys we took a lunch break and took in the views. It was a very clear day and we had wonderful views in every direction. Soon after our arrival a single engine plane flew by, rocking its wings as it did. We'd seen a few monks on the hike up, and met several more on the summit. I guess their monastery was on some kind of retreat and hiking the peaks as a part of it. Anyhow, we had a quick bite to eat and Ramius met a couple of canine friends. They all shared his waterbowl, which I ended up forgetting on the summit.

The hike from Torreys to Grays was actually quite easy. There wasn't much to the downward or upward portion of the climb. We debated bailing and rucking it back to the car due to a number of clouds coming over Grays, but opted to run up and run down if necessary. Luckily, the weather held and we were able to enjoy a nice respite on the top of the peak. The views to the back of Grays were much different from those on Torreys and well worth it. We met a couple of old timers up there who convinced me by their very presence that I hope I'm in good enough shape at their age to be hiking up mountains. 

By the time that we were half way down Grays itself the rain started. We put on what rain gear we had and picked up the pace a bit. The rain lasted for about a half hour, and eventually let up. We hiked the rest of the way down and popped in the car. Ramius was wiped and we decided to stop off at Tommyknockers in Idaho Springs for some wings and a couple of brews. It was a marvelous end to a wonderful day.

Trail is a creek bed

Heading down from Grays Peak in the rain