Steven's Circumnavigation
Date: 09/30/2023
Partners: Alex Neal (Junior), David Hughes
Trailhead: I-70 Bakersville
Summits:
* Kelso Mountain
* Torreys Peak
* Grays Peak
* Mount Edwards
* McClellan Mountain
Distance: 13.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 6750ft
Duration: 8.5hrs
Given the amount of time we spend in Steven's Gulch, it only seemed appropriate to circumnavigate the ridges that define this awesome zone.
13.4m - 6750ft - 8.5hrs
From the highway we headed up the road. Torreys ahead
We left the road and climbed Kelso's north ridge
The colors were poppin!
Looking east from Kelso's north ridge
Torreys from Kelso's north ridge. Grays popping out on the left. Grizzly to the right
Junior on Kelso's north ridge with Parnassus and Bard behind
Kelso's summit with Grays and Torreys behind. One down... four to go
Next stop Torreys via Kelso ridge
A great view of our circumnavigation from Kelso Ridge's knife edge
Sawtooth Ridge, Bierstadt and Blue Sky to the east
After summitting Torreys and Grays we made our way to Edwards
Looking across to Torreys from the Grays - Edwards saddle
Up some scrambly bits enroute to Edwards
Last pitch to Edwards
Steven's Gulch locals
Hiking towards McClellan
More Sawtooth views
Our plan after McClellan was to head down this ridge and back to the vehicles at the highway parking lot
Building weather was threatening that plan
Weather over Torreys. It began to thunder and hail
We ended up dropping early and traversing the forest below back to the road