Introduction to 3rd Class: A Taste of Harder Routes on Torreys Peak’s Kelso Ridge

Most of Colorado's 14ers can be climbed by a constructed summit trail or by modest off-trail scrambling. However, there are 19 routes that are graded Class 3 or 4, which entail significantly more challenging scrambling.
As part of CFI's mountain safety efforts, we bring you Intro to 3rd Class, which profiles some of the the issues you will contend with when you start tackling these more difficult climbs.
In this episode mountaineer Brad McQueen, who has climbed Colorado 14ers more than 480 times and this route almost 60 times, shares the complexities involved in climbing the Kelso Ridge on Torreys Peak. Brad describes the difficulties encountered on the peak, how people generally get into trouble and the ways this route builds skills for harder routes like Capitol Peak. As Brad notes, once you pass the first crux you need to be prepared to climb over the summit due to the hazards involved in downclimbing. Alpine Rescue Team Operational Leader Paul "Woody" Woodward also shares information about rescues on the Kelso Ridge.
REALITY. Climbing is inherently dangerous! People die on Colorado 14ers every year.
NO GUARANTEE. CFI’s goal is to provide you with education and perspective. Our videos do not address all climbing risks. Viewing the videos does not guarantee your safety!
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Be fit. Get educated. Be aware. If you choose to climb, you accept and assume the inherent and other risks. You remain responsible for your decisions, your actions and your adventure!

[@TomAllnatt]

Everytime I watch videos of the knife edge my heart starts to race hahaha

[@will1977a]

Best video I’ve seen from you guys! All your videos should feature Beard McQueen.

[@shannonengland1853]

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.

[@Taskerofpuppets]

Very nice and impressive climbing.

[@AndrewDale1986]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@cmcer1995]

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!

[@johnnorris5598]

I so appreciate this video.

[@CentennialTreks]

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).

[@shannonengland1853]

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.

[@CentennialTreks]

Yes, for sure the exposure on that part psyches you out also!

[@michaelcomer1645]

Super informative

[@atlantisfunktions]

class 3/4 stuff is gnarly