Grays & Torreys via Kelso Ridge (14ers Series)

Join LGBTQ Outdoors for a strenuous 14er adventure on Saturday, September 12 as we climb Torreys Peak via Kelso Ridge, then continue to Grays Peak before returning to the trailhead. This trip is especially intended for people who are curious about Colorado’s 14ers and want to experience a more adventurous route in a supportive group setting, while experienced 14er hikers and scramblers are very welcome as well.

We’ll plan to camp near the Grays Peak Trailhead on Friday evening, September 11, so that we can get an early start Saturday morning. We’ll wake up early and aim to begin hiking by 5:00 AM.

Kelso Ridge is a Class 3 scrambling route, meaning this is significantly more technical than a normal hiking trail. Participants should expect sustained elevation gain, hands-on scrambling, loose rock, significant exposure, and sections where a fall could have serious consequences. The route itself is approximately 7.6 miles round trip with about 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

You do not need to be an experienced 14er climber to be interested in this event, but this should not be your first strenuous mountain hike. Participants should be comfortable with long days at altitude, steep terrain, and using their hands to scramble over rock. We’ll discuss expectations, equipment, and the nature of Class 3 terrain ahead of the trip so everyone can make an informed decision about whether the route is a good fit.

Expect an early morning, big mountain views, some exciting scrambling, two 14,000-foot summits if conditions and the group allow, and a challenging but rewarding day in the mountains with community.

*completion of one or both summits is not guaranteed; the route may be modified or turned around based on weather, conditions, or group safety.