Thanks for this tour of Torreys. I had looked at it before, but went the Grays and Torreys route in 1997, and glad I didn't attempt the Ridge especially since you pointed this out, ugh!
I climbed this on 8-10-20 starting from the I-70 pulloff and continued on up to Gray's - pretty tiring day, but the Kelso Ridge section is a fun climb!! These peaks are quite crowded in summer these days, even on a weekday. Even the Kelso route had quite a few people on it that day. Personally, I found the crux that goes up a wall of whitish rock to be hardest (the 2nd crux at ~13,100', I think).
I think I know where you're talking about; that wall like spot. Not the best gripping places for hands and feet. I had to use my back and legs to kind of worm my way up the crack. It seemed more mentally hard, knowing that there was a massive drop off just below. The technical spots seemed to all be above 13000- 14000 ft drop offs. Luckily, I had looked in the route and was prepared. I enjoyed it but it did seem rather dangerous.
Kelso ridge is definitely one of the more aesthetic scrambles on the Front Range. Pretty sure I’ll never do it 69 times but probably do it again next year.
I agree with the points made here. I wish they would lable that route so that people are more aware that it's not for beginners. There wasn't even a sign there this year. I worried about some of the young people I saw take the route unknowingly.
Everytime I watch videos of the knife edge my heart starts to race hahaha
Best video I’ve seen from you guys! All your videos should feature Beard McQueen.
Very nice and impressive climbing.
Excellent video. Thank you!
I so appreciate this video.
Thanks for this tour of Torreys. I had looked at it before, but went the Grays and Torreys route in 1997, and glad I didn't attempt the Ridge especially since you pointed this out, ugh!
I climbed this on 8-10-20 starting from the I-70 pulloff and continued on up to Gray's - pretty tiring day, but the Kelso Ridge section is a fun climb!! These peaks are quite crowded in summer these days, even on a weekday. Even the Kelso route had quite a few people on it that day. Personally, I found the crux that goes up a wall of whitish rock to be hardest (the 2nd crux at ~13,100', I think).
I think I know where you're talking about; that wall like spot. Not the best gripping places for hands and feet. I had to use my back and legs to kind of worm my way up the crack. It seemed more mentally hard, knowing that there was a massive drop off just below. The technical spots seemed to all be above 13000- 14000 ft drop offs. Luckily, I had looked in the route and was prepared. I enjoyed it but it did seem rather dangerous.
Yes, for sure the exposure on that part psyches you out also!
Kelso ridge is definitely one of the more aesthetic scrambles on the Front Range. Pretty sure I’ll never do it 69 times but probably do it again next year.
Super informative
I agree with the points made here. I wish they would lable that route so that people are more aware that it's not for beginners. There wasn't even a sign there this year. I worried about some of the young people I saw take the route unknowingly.
class 3/4 stuff is gnarly