From established trails suitable for a first fourteener to exposed Class 3 scrambling, our hikes offer several ways to experience Colorado's high mountains.
Every route requires preparation, endurance, and respect for altitude and changing mountain conditions. The right choice depends on your fitness, experience, comfort with exposure, and the kind of challenge you want to take on.
View Dates & Sign Up| Hike | Distance | Elevation gain | Difficulty | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grays Peak | 7.5 mi | 3,000 ft | Class 1 | A first fourteener |
| Torreys Peak | 7.75 mi | 3,000 ft | Class 1 | A first fourteener |
| Mt. Bierstadt | 7.25 mi | 2,850 ft | Class 2 | A first fourteener |
| Grays & Torreys | 8.25 mi | 3,600 ft | Class 1 | Two summits in one day |
| Kelso Ridge | 6.75 mi | 3,100 ft | Class 3 | Experienced hikers new to scrambling |
| Sawtooth Traverse | 10.5 mi | 3,900 ft | Class 3 | A long, exposed alpine challenge |
Grays Peak follows a well-established trail through Stevens Gulch and across broad alpine slopes. The route is straightforward by fourteener standards, but the sustained climb and high altitude still make it a serious endurance challenge.
A strong choice for a first fourteener and for hikers who want to remain on a defined trail.
The standard route to Torreys shares the approach to Grays before crossing toward the Grays–Torreys saddle and climbing the mountain's south slopes. The summit has a sharper, more dramatic character than its neighboring peak.
A good first fourteener for prepared hikers who want a classic high-mountain summit.
Starting at Guanella Pass, Bierstadt's West Slopes route crosses willow-lined terrain and climbs through open tundra before finishing over larger rocks near the summit. The route is approachable, scenic, and varied.
One of Colorado's classic first fourteeners, with a short Class 2 summit section.
This combination links two neighboring fourteeners in one mountain day. After reaching the first summit, the route descends to the connecting saddle before climbing again to complete the second peak.
For hikers prepared for additional elevation gain and the physical and mental commitment of two summits.
Kelso Ridge leaves the standard trail and follows Torreys Peak's rocky northeast ridge. It introduces sustained hands-on scrambling, exposed movement, route-finding, and a short knife-edge section before reaching the summit.
For experienced hikers who are comfortable off trail and ready to begin moving through exposed Class 3 terrain.
After summiting Mt. Bierstadt, the route crosses the dramatic Sawtooth ridge toward Mt. Blue Sky. It combines a long mountain day with exposed scrambling, complex terrain, and a more committing return.
Our most demanding option, intended for well-prepared hikers with previous mountain experience and comfort with exposure.
Your route should match your experience, fitness, comfort with exposure, and goals. If you are uncertain, tell us about your background and we will help you identify an appropriate challenge.
View Dates & Sign UpGrays Peak: HurricaneCovid, CC BY-SA 4.0. Torreys Peak: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0. Mt. Bierstadt: Thomson200, CC0. Grays and Torreys: Pimlico27, CC BY-SA 4.0. Torreys Peak/Kelso Ridge: Pimlico27, CC BY-SA 4.0. Sawtooth and Bierstadt: Adam Ginsburg, CC BY 2.5. Images are displayed with responsive cropping.
