Arapahoe National Forest - 2010
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My second attempt of Grays Peak and Torreys Peak would also occur 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.
With this attempt occurring in December, there was more snow on the ground and along the forest service road. The gate was closed prior to Argentine Pass, so we would have to hike that. By late afternoon, we were still on the 4x4 road but decided to set up camp. Looking for my larger stainless-steel pot to boil water, I realized I failed to pack it. Fortunately, we were able to adapt using my smaller Snow Peak Titanium mug. I had a great climbing partner, who was flexible, had a greater attitude, and near constant cheerful demeanor. Having the “right” partner on these trips makes all the difference. The next day was continued northward toward the peaks and settled around Grays Lake. We dug a fantastic campsite, providing steep walls to protect the tent from winds and snow, and settling the tent to the base of the gravel area.
On our third day, we set out to reach the summits. Looking back, I think I made navigational issues because we were back tracking toward the mines we passed a day before. By late morning, we were ascending the headwall between Grays Peak and Mount Edwards. It was a series of numerous switchbacks, but we were gaining height. Conditions on the ridge were very overcast; we couldn’t see the summit. For a variety of reasons, i.e. tired, weather, worried, time of day, etc., I decided to discontinue the summit attempt. We then took the long path back to our campsite. The fourth day, we hiked back down the way we came. We reached the car and started our drive back to Chicago.