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Torreys Peak (16)

Statistics

  • Date - 05/15/2026
  • Elevation - 14,267'
  • Route - Dead Dog Couloir
  • Miles - 6.5
  • Elevation Gain - 3,000'
  • ACME Mapper - Link
  • CalTopo - Link
  • Partners - Not Applicable

Description

This was my sixteenth time to the top of Torreys Peak and my third time up the snow climb the Dead Dog Couloir.  I previously went up the route in 2005 and 2017 and now again in 2026 with 12 an 9 year gaps between the three climbs.

Despite getting to the mountains a fair amount this year and reaching a few summits, none of the hikes have had any real substance.  I decided to try something with a bit more vertical even though I had done the route before.  Snow conditions were near perfect all morning; however, some recent wet slides covered any boot pack or kicked steps from previous climbers.  There was no easy staircase to the summit.  As a result, I did a lot of side-stepping and zig-zagging up the couloir to avoid front-pointing and burning out my calves.

I left my house at 3:15 am and was hiking by 4:55 am from the Stevens Gulch Trailhead.  It took me 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach the base of the climb at 6:20 am where I took a few minutes to gear up and hydrate.  I made it to the summit at 8:30 am where I spent 30 minutes enjoying the views and visiting with a few other individuals.  I took several breaks on the hike out, but was back at the trailhead by 11:15 am for a 6 hour and 20 minute car-to-car day.

Photos

My first look at Grays Peak and Torreys Peak.


Approaching the base of Torreys Peak and the Dead Dog Couloir.


Looking up the apron of the Dead Dog Couloir.


Two climbers about half way up the climb.


Looking up the couloir from near the half way point.


Looking down the couloir from near the half way point.


Summit Photo


Views to the north and the Bakerville Exit.


Stevens Gulch


Grays Peak from Torreys Peak.


Kelso Ridge and Kelso Mountain from Torreys Peak.


I wore my late dad's wedding ring to the summit.


Torreys Peak after descending.


Looking up at Grays Peak.


Dead Dog Couloir on the hike out.


A close up shot of the Dead Dog Couloir.