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- Grays Peak
14,278 ft · Front Range, Colorado
Grays Peak
Grays Peak is a 14,278 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Slopes: 7 mi, 3,011 ft of gain, Class 1.
Grays Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,278 ft4,351 m
- RouteNorth SlopesClass 1
- Distance7 mi3,011 ft gain
- Time5 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the North Slopes
From Georgetown, Colorado, take I-70 to exit 221 and follow Stevens Gulch Road south to the trailhead. The road is rough but passable for most 2WD vehicles in good conditions. The standard north slopes route is Class 1 with steady grades on a well-maintained trail. Very popular as a first 14er due to accessibility and moderate difficulty. Often paired with Torreys Peak via the connecting saddle for a two-peak day. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms which are common in summer. Expect crowds on summer weekends. The summit offers excellent views of the Front Range.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Storms
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
Grays Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 112 climbs of Grays Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Grays Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Grays Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grays Peak?
Grays Peak is 14,278 feet (4,351 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does Grays Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,278 feet, Grays Peak is the 10th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Grays Peak?
The North Slopes is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,011 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Grays Peak?
Most people take 5 – 8 hours round trip on the North Slopes, covering 7 miles with 3,011 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Grays Peak?
The North Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,011 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Grays Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grays Peak reaches 14,278 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Grays Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Grays Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Grays Peak?
The North Slopes starts at about 11,250 feet, roughly 3,028 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Grays Peak?
The standard route is the North Slopes. Other routes include the Combo: Grays and Torreys.
Climb Grays Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list