Arapahoe National Forest - 2008
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I would attempt Grays Peak and Torreys Peak three times in Winter and fail all three attempts. The first trip was in November 2008. We attempted to ascend Grays Peak from the south. This involved taking the Montezuma Road east from Keystone, continuing on the forest service road along Peru Creek, to the Argentine Pass Trailhead.
There was a little bit of snow at the time, and we proceeded north initially along the 4x4 trail and later along the foot trail. Shortly after Noon, a strong snowstorm developed and was quickly accumulating on the ground. By late afternoon, many, many inches of snow were on the ground and altitude sickness was affecting my partner. Being inexperienced at this point of my outdoor life, we didn’t head back down and hunkered down for the night. It was a rough night. My partner was uncomfortable, and snow was rapidly accumulating around the tent, curbing airflow around the flow. This resulted in excessive moisture in the tent. With his condition not improving the next day, we retreated from the mountain. We withdrew back down to the trailhead, forest service road, and out through Keystone.
With a few more days available to us, we elected to try Grays Peak and Torreys Peak from the North. From I-70, we took Exit 221 to Stevens Gulch Road all the way to the Grays Peak Trailhead. The gate was open, and the snow was much less than on the south side. The next day we attempted Grays Peak. Although the trail was very free of snow, there were patches of ice as we ascended. Halfway along, my partner, still exhausted from the previous day's work, was unable to continue and headed back. I carried on for an hour or two longer, getting near the summit of Grays Peak. However, it was getting icier, now late afternoon, and I was alone. Considering safety, I decided to head back to our campsite at the trailhead. An hour later, I was back and enjoyed a nice meal and evening in the snowy valley.