July 21, 1996, From Horseshoe Basin
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This route to Gray's Peak is one of
the best-hidden hikes of all time. My friend, Robert, and I met only 2 other parties
during our descent on this route - as opposed to potential hundreds on the popular "Stevens Gulch" route on the opposite side. It is also a very
beautiful approach, complete with alpine fields filled with flowers, a couple of
waterfalls, placid ponds, and a family of mountain goats. Our route was fairly short. From here, we ascended the meadow on the jeep trail, then climbed the rocky rib on the left side, then turned right and hiked above the snowfields to the summit. |
| Here's a shot that shows the idyllic scenery of this route. There were several of these small, attractive ponds on the route. It was warm and there wasn't hardly a cloud in the sky - a perfect day. |  |
| As we neared the top of the rocky
ridge, we noticed something blowing in the wind that looked like a white garment of some
sort. As we got closer we realized it was a mountain goat. We were kind of
nervous at first but soon realized that there would be no trouble from these guys.
In the distance of the picture to the right is the summit of Grays Peak. On
the other hand, the male, seemed rather surly and perturbed by our presence.
We tried to stay away from him. All of these mountain goats had no trouble
whatsoever maneuvering on these rocks.
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We scrambled up the ridge to the top
to find a slew of people already on the top. They had obviously arrived from the
more pedestrian Stephens Gulch approach. We were, however, able to take this picture
(left) without anyone getting in the way. We opted not to do Torreys Peak this day, but it's not far off. It could be easily done along with Grays. |
| Check out the amazing green tundra from this route. In the far distance in this picture, you can see two more popular Front Range fourteeners: Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. |  |
