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« previous | next » Torreys, Grays, and the Kelso Ridge
17 June 2006
Grays and Torreys, the two highest points on the Continental Divide, are both popular 14ers and relatively easy to hike. Looking for a challenge, Pat, Josh and I decided to forgo the standard (easy) Grays Peak trail in favor of Torreys' 3rd-class Kelso Ridge.

It was a blast. The views from the ridge were spectacular and the climbing was not too difficult. Even the much-ballyhooed knife edge near the summit (which many guides consider 4th class) was not nearly as hard as I'd thought.

The trailhead is located several miles up a (comically) steep and rocky dirt road from I-70 exit 221 (Bakerville). Both mountains are very crowded in the summer. Taking the ridge instead of the trail is a great way to dodge crowds.
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