Two days ago, a friend and I climbed the East Slope trail of Grays Peak. At 14,270 feet in height and a trail that is 7.5 miles round trip, it’s supposedly the easiest 14er in Colorado. My friend, Anthony, and I did the entire trip in about four hours. It was not too bad, except for the expected effects of altitude (difficulty breathing) and climbing (sore legs).
The best place, hands down, to get information regarding climbing 14ers in Colorado is www.14ers.com. The website provides information on the trails and routes for nearly all of the 14ers in Colorado. It not only includes maps, but photos of the mountains with routes drawn on them. I highly recommend checking out this website before you set out to climb a 14er! (I also recommend checking with friend or guide who has previously climbed the mountain you plan to climb).
There were quite a few people on the trail and about 30 people on the summit when we reached it. Fortunately, the summit is HUGE. There is more than enough space to spread out, hang out, and even have a picnic. One could even camp up there if they were dumb brave enough.
Two things things I learned from climbing Grays Peak: 1.) Use trekking poles 2.)Wear gloves.
In several areas, the trail was covered in snow and incredibly slippery. I witnessed several people slip and fall on the snow. I was constantly reaching out and grabbing rocks to keep my balance. Trekking poles would have been a great help in these spots.
Although the East Slope of Grays is relatively unexposed, it was still windy and cold above treeline. The first part of your body to get cold is your hands. I will definitely wear gloves next time I am at that altitude.
The hike itself was pretty easy, but I have lived in Denver for over four years. We passed several people who were clearly hurting from the altitude. Many were carrying nothing more than a single half liter water bottle! I carried a 2 liter Camelback and an extra 1-liter bottle of water – I finished both before we returned to the car. On the other hand, on our way up, a man who appeared to be 50 came running down the mountain. We later spoke to a pair of guys coming down the mountain who said they saw him running up to the summit!
I guarantee some of those unprepared people we passed experienced AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness aka altitude sickness). This can be very painful, consisting of coughing, headache, and disorientation. Don’t risk AMS and be sure to go prepared, in shape, and with plenty of water. (AMS is not caused by dehydration, but both are often simultaneous.)
Grays is easy (if you are smart and go prepared and in shape), fun, and a great starter for anyone wishing to bag their first 14er of the season. Do it!
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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