Hiking Project Logo

Less traveled route to the Summit of Gray's Peak.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.3

KM

Point to Point

14,220' 4,334 m

High

11,323' 3,451 m

Low

2,897' 883 m

Up

11' 3 m

Down

20%

Avg Grade (12°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Peru Creek Rd closed in winter

Need to Know

There is a small parking area with room for about 10-12 cars. Lots of folks seem to hike to Gray's Lake or other trails in the area so while the South ridge does not see a lot of traffic all the way to the summit, the main trail/road does see a fair amount of traffic.

No restroom access, fun mining remains. Do not be distracted by short off shoot trails that either go to small mining ruins or small lakes in the basin. The singletrack trail to take off the road is nearly at the end of the main road after about 2miles.

Description

Great option from the south to summit Gray's Peak. Much of the first 2 miles is on an old mining road (with a very interestingly bleached creek coming down the basin.) Some small tributaries of the creek spill over into the road/trail so waterproof hiking shoes are recommended unless you like wet socks.

Near the end of the road the trail separates off to the left into a singletrack that crosses a small cascade coming down from Gray's lake.

After crossing the higher cascade, the trail to Gray's Lake turns right (another 1/3mi or so to the lake)...

To summit Gray's, however, you must leave the trail and follow the gentle slope to the left (no or very indiscernible trail). Once above a short bench, you'll find the small intermittent trail that leads you to the ridge proper. You'll likely encounter very few people above the lake as you continue your loose scree/dirt scramble up to about 13,850'. The rest of the hike is along a ridge crest with the last 100 feet or so of vertical up some loose switchbacks.

Always fun to surprise people coming from the main Steven's Gulch side.

Road is passable by most vehicles. Some bumpy potholes but 4wd not needed.

Flora & Fauna

Tons of wildflowers (indian paitnbrush, crocus, eidelweiss, and lupine). Moose, elk, and mountain goats in the area so see keep your eyes peeled.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dave Needham

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1817

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#237

in Colorado

#1,817

Overall
4 Views Last Month
36 Since Jul 25, 2022
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

This mountain goat went off trail to climb it's own mini summit!
Dec 12, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Mountain goat near top of Grays.
Jul 3, 2017 near Georgetown, CO
Grays Peak summit looking at Torreys Peak
Mar 4, 2015 near Georgetown, CO
This is the off-trail slope to follow to the ridge proper. Obvious trail to Gray's Lake turns right.
Jul 25, 2022 near Georgetown, CO
The last run up Grays south ridge is rough, but trail is visible.
Aug 26, 2024 near Keystone, CO
Trailhead.
Sep 10, 2019 near Keystone, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2024
Kathy S
Great way to avoid the crowds. You might not meet anyone. First part of hike is up old road so fairly easy, most of the gain is the last mile. 6.6mi
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.