Grays Peak Colorado 14er Hike Guide
Grays Peak is one of the most popular and easiest Colorado 14ers and is often considered one of the best Colorado 14ers for beginners. Located under 1.5 hours from Denver, Grays Peak offers a straightforward route, stunning alpine views and the opportunity to combine your hike with neighboring Torreys Peak for a two-for-one summit day. While its reputation as an “easy” 14er attracts thousands of hikers each year, there are still important considerations when it comes to weather, crowds, trail conditions and even getting to the trailhead. In this Grays Peak hike guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know including route information, difficulty, trailhead access, when to hike and tips to help you successfully summit Colorado’s ninth-highest peak.
Grays Peak Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Hike Rating | ★★★ (3/5) |
| Area | Front Range – Colorado |
| Trailhead | Grays Peak |
| Distance | 7.5 Miles Total |
| Route Type | Out and Back |
| Elevation Start | 11,253ft |
| Highest Elevation | 14,275ft |
| Total Elevation Gain | 3,300ft |
| Estimated Time to Complete | 5-6 Hours Round Trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate – Difficulty of Hike What does this mean? |
| YDS Class | Class 1 – Class DifficultyWhat does this mean? |
| Exposure | Low |
| Best Season | July – October |
| Activity Type | Hiking, Trail Running, Snowboarding, Ski Mountaineering |
| Crowds | High |
| Dogs Allowed | Yes |
| Permit/Fee | No |
| Last Hiked Date | 10/11/26 |
Grays Peak Virtual Trail Guide
In this virtual trail guide you’ll see the trailhead, route conditions, navigation tips, difficult sections, summit views, what to expect throughout the hike and of course, my unique experience on this hike.
Hike Route Map & GPX
The map below shows the route that I followed for this hike. GPX files are available through a suggested donation of $3-$5. Creating and maintaining hiking guides, videos and GPX files takes a tremendous amount of time. Your support helps keep The Virtual Sherpa running, covers website hosting costs and allows me to continue creating free hiking content.
After making a donation, click the button below to send me an email with the hike name in the subject line. I’ll send the GPX file as soon as possible.
Grays Peak Directions & Parking
Protected Area Type: National Forest
Protected Area Name: Arapaho National Forest
Trailhead: Grays Peak
Coordinates: 39.660824, -105.784576
Directions to Trailhead: Grays Peak
Driving Directions: From I70, exit at Baker Gulch at Bakerville exit. If hiking during late Fall, Winter or Spring months or if you have a low clearance car, park here and walk up the road for 3 miles to reach the upper trailhead. If you have a higher clearance AWD or 4×4, continue up the road that is dirt and starts rough but gets rougher. The road changes month to month and year to year but generally stock AWD and above vehicles can get to the upper trailhead. There is another small parking area about a mile up the road. Note: Please put your vehicle into AWD or 4×4 if you can and do not spin out on this road. Maintenance of the road is a huge issue year over year.
Parking: The road up to the Grays Peak trailhead is shared with private residences and people illegally parking has become an issue over the years. The upper lot is big, but will fill up early on most weekends and some weekdays. If this lot is full, DO NOT PARK in private areas or blocking the road.
Permits or Reservation/Fee Description: As of 2026, no parking fee or reservation is required to hike Grays Peak.
Grays Peak Overview
The standard hike up Grays Peak follows a well-defined trail that starts above treeline in the willows and slowly climbs into the Upper basin of Stevens Gulch. Unlike many Colorado 14ers that feature steep, relentless ascents from the start, Grays Peak offers a more moderate grade for much of the start of the route. The trail is easy to follow, route finding is minimal and hikers are treated to expansive views almost immediately after leaving the trailhead.
As the hike progresses, the trail works its way through open tundra terrain toward the lower slopes of Grays Peak. Hikers will pass the route to Kelso ridge and then the climbing starts in earnest to gain the upper slopes of Grays Peak. Although the route is non-technical, the altitude and steady elevation gain ensure that hikers still earn their summit. During summer months, mountain goats are frequently seen along the trail and the upper basin is often filled with wildflowers.
At a trail split, hikers will continue left up to Grays Peak where the final climb to the summit of this easy Colorado 14er begins. The trail here is steeper, but still easy to follow and extremely well traveled. Once on top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Front Range, Continental Divide and neighboring Torreys Peak. Many choose to continue across the connecting saddle and summit Torreys Peak descending a trail that starts from the saddle and connects back to the standard Grays Peak trail.
Plan Your Hike
Check Weather: Grays Peak Weather
Camping: Limited camping is available along the road up to the trailhead and although people often camp near the trailhead, it is prohibited. Sleeping in your vehicle is generally okay, but please follow Leave No Trace principles.
Bathrooms: The upper trailhead does have a few vault toilets but I would recommend bringing your own toilet paper.
Hazards: Lightning, Rockfall, Wildlife
Dog Description: Grays Peak is a dog friendly Colorado 14er for most seasoned hiking dogs. This hike is generally extremely busy so please always pick up after your dog and keep them on a leash when other people are around. Read my list of other dog friendly 14ers here.
Water Sources: At the start of the hike there is a stream that generally runs year round but once you leave that, there are no reliable water sources.
Drones: Although drones are allowed on Grays Peak, I would recommend flying with caution as there are generally lots of other hikers around and it is illegal to fly over large crowds. Additionally, the winds on the mountain, even if lower down low can have an issue with controlling your drone. Please always follow all drone regulations.
Hike Tips: (optional) Grays Peak is going to be extremely crowded on most weekends and even some weekdays. If this is one of your first 14ers, be sure to check the weather, plan your start time appropriately and bring plenty of water and food. Over the years, I have found that getting to the trailhead around 9-10am, even on weekends, allows for easier parking at the upper trailhead. This of course is only possible when the weather is good. Looking for less crowds on Grays Peak? Head here during late October or early November months and on weekdays.
Best Views: Grays Peak offers tremendous views from the second you leave the trailhead to the time you gain the summit.
Primary Attractions: Wildflowers, Summit Views, Wildlife
Gear Needed
Required Gear
- 14er Day Hike Packing List
- Men’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Cyklon
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- Backpack (Summer)
- Base Layers
- T Shirt
- Mid Layer
- Rain Jacket / Shell
- Outer Layer
- Pants
- Shorts
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Food & Water
Seasonal Gear
Optional Gear
- Optional: Water Filter
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Climbing Helmet
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro Max 2, Drone, Insta360
