Colorado 14ers: Grays & Torreys Peak via Kelso Ridge Virtual Trail Guide

[@henketooraw]

Regular Hiker *Straddles Knife Edge* Sherpa *Whips Out Selfie Stick*

[@patheticmtb9750]

Just casually toting a phone/drone controller as well, lol.

[@Maxmilion6004]

@@patheticmtb9750 right? Lol i was like this guy. But after doing the 4 grest traverses i dont think much would affect me anymore either 🤣

[@skibik3r]

Thank you for the awesome re-visit to the Kelso Ridge route. I climbed this in July 2014. As a Florida flatlander, this was my 2nd 14'er, my first being Longs Peak via the Keyhole. I was too afraid of the knife edge and opted to the right lower bypass, though, some loose rock fall was almost my demise :) We didn't trek over to Grays as I was seriously bushed at the summit. I found it strange that I wasn't totally out of breath like I was on the summit of Longs. Fantastic camera and drone work, your venture brought back many memories of that wonderful trek. I remember the difficulty walking for the next few days too! Thank you!

[@CyclingAlaska]

I hiked Kelso Ridge about 10 years ago and definitely the most scared I have ever been during a hike.

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

I used to think those massive cairns were extreme too until I learned that they help in the winter too when the snow is deep

[@pumitriii6160]

Some of those drone shot compositions are absolutely exquisite

[@Diego20253]

Those large cairns can be really helpful in the winter when trail is covered with snow.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Apparently they also hide thermal sensors for 14ers initiative. The more you know 🌈

[@habaceeba]

When I did that knife edge in my naive 20s, I followed the small walkway below it to the south and then climbed up the sheer, smooth face of it. Man was that stupid. Thanks for the drone shots to remind me.

[@SamuelWhiteArchery]

I KNEW I RECOGNIZED YOU WHEN SEEING ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS! Your camera spotted me to the left at 14:32

[@edwardlobb931]

Excellent video technique, well edited and perfect drone views. You're really getting proficient at mountain videography. Another thing is your unassuming approach - natural, not afraid to be heard breathing. It's just the best. Thanks, as always, be safe.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Thanks Edward, really appreciate the kind words.

[@DanaMcClellan]

Agreed 👍

[@Synathidy]

I just have to compliment your cinematography. The various shots of yourself climbing on rocky faces and ridges from those zoomed out perspectives with the mountainous landscape in the background are truly remarkable. You just show the environment really well through all the different angles.

[@MrOutcry7300]

5:50 and 8:20 were great shots. Insane views with the drone, GoPro and selfie stick. Great video!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pumitriii6160]

+ 5:05 and 5:36

[@Tristan_Brewer]

Very little Class 3 experience. This video + further research has convinced me to give this route a go on Saturday morning. Thanks!

[@Tristan_Brewer]

*UPDATE* finished on Saturday & it was just as VS says; not that intense. As a newbie myself, I can safely recommend this route to other class 3 newbies. Didn't encounter anyone else on The Ridge, but G&T's tourist route was predictably packed, although, not as bad as Bierstadt in July. On my way down, I spotted two other helmets, and in conversation, I discovered that they too were inspired by The Virtual Sherpa's video to do Kelso.

[@jameslindholm166]

@@Tristan_Brewer thanks im in the same boat and i dont want to send something thats way out of my skill level but i need to get some experience.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

@@Tristan_Brewer Awesome to hear, thanks for the update!

[@joshkrebs1999]

Really like the new drone angles on this one adds a new flavor to the videos! I had Greys and Torreys on schedule for this week, but threat of weather changed my mind. I settled for Massive and Quandry. Maybe next year...

[@martyjones566]

Best shots of Kelso I have seen...I hope to do this next spring.

[@ritzbitz1905]

Thanks for the video! I’ve heard about this one and have wondered about the knife edge on this. I appreciate the two perspectives, so thanks for doing it twice! Wow! Love the channel! Got my stickers and stocking cap!👍🏻

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

🤟🏽 appreciate it

[@johnthompson363]

Another excellent video with great trail details. The selfie pics gave a good sense of the angles but those drone shots were amazing for perspective!

[@avoidth3boyd]

Hey! It's posted! Matt here, it was great to meet you up at the top of Torrey's! I hope you were able to get in onto that certain mountain we discussed out of state (trying not to spoil)! Man, if I had seen this before hiking the standard route I would have definitely gone up Kelso Ridge instead. Loved the drone shots, very unique and well done. Sure, if you took a spill off the knife-edge it would be bad but it looked bomber so you're not going to fall. Definitely looked to be more of a hype beast than it is in reality. Stay safe! Keep up the great content!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Hit that mountain with perfect timing to enjoy the foliage. Video coming soon 👍🏽

[@chriscleveland9203]

The drone adds alot of perspective to the video!

[@justin6060]

Good job on the new drone shots, it really helps with a more realistic perspective vs a GoPro.

[@thomascervantes5797]

I did Kelso’s ridge last week! A fun class 3 route!

[@ryanolson8422]

You have so much faith in your balance, has to come from experience. Great videos. I’m doing this in September for my first class 3.

[@zacharywalsh6917]

I will to, sometime in the first week

[@sammiesasquatch]

Holy crap, 14ers are no joke! Thanks for the video so I know what I'm getting into when I get to Colorado in May!

[@georgesheffield1580]

Its been 55 yrs since i did this but do t remember it being as rough as some in the san juans or sangri de christos . Maybe the wide angle lense ( and time )

[@roybje]

I like to refer to the Kelso knife edge as the "Butter Knife"

[@thinkingman7215]

Somebody asked me if I was you on the summit of Torrey's after I climbed Kelso earlier this summer. That's a fun route, i love your videos!

[@jayhoward8040]

Dude these videos are always great. Thank you for posting these

[@kristenoliveira6645]

You doing Kelso Ridge with a selfie stick makes me so nervous. I did Kelso as my 10th 14er a couple weeks ago and I found it to be pretty gnarly. Perhaps I took a different route, but it had what I felt to be considerable exposure in quite a few areas and i definitely got a little freaked out a few times. It was also my first class 3, so there's that. Super proud of myself for doing it though!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Everyone has different experience and comfort levels - great job knocking it out!

[@kristenoliveira6645]

@@TheVirtualsherpa same to you my friend. I'll be praying for your protection on the trail. Keep up the excellent work!

[@petericeman100]

Climbing the south ridge route from Horseshoe basin is another good Greys\Torreys option if you are looking for a little more of a calorie burner.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Yeah I’ve done Edwards from there and thought that ridge to Grays looked interesting. Just not sure if it’s worth it for me, but maybe one day.

[@HylianHero9]

I've climbed G&T before, but was thinking the south ridge just to not have to deal with the crowds when I climb it with my wife.

[@joneberhard]

Amazing shots, hike looks awesome!

[@dutchthomson]

Great video. Thanks for the expert info!

[@daramckinley8508]

Thank you for doing a video on this hike. Me and my 11 year old son just did longs peak via the cables route with a guide and ropes. I was wondering if that was enough experience to do this hike without a guide and ropes.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

In my opinion you do not need a guide for this route and certainly not ropes. The toughest portion is the knife edge which I show pretty clearly in this video. If that looks okay to you, you should be fine.

[@rccola4600]

Great video! I'd love to see some video from the Gore range, if you were up for it. Keller Mountain, Mt Powell, Snow Peak, or the Grand Traverse. Thanks again for making these!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Hoping to explore the gores more soon. Think it’s the most underrated range in Colorado.

[@ynwa1283]

Did this in July. Sweet hike, way too crowded at the top. 14ers number 7 and 8 for me.

[@stephensmith6599]

I am exposure sensitive ... and this route really never pinged me very hard. great video of a fun route. Probably hyped as it is most folks class 3 ridge.

[@governmentpuppet87]

Haven't done a bunch of 14ers yet but this was so much fun. The split off trail to Kelso was easily missed for my group (it was dark). My next 14er after this was West Slopes of Quandary and I honestly thought it was much more difficult

[@baileyvoss8266]

Sick drone footage of you crossing the knife edge! I definitely need to get back out there to try this route. Looks like a very watered down version of capitol peak.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

100% - far less exposure and smaller length -wise but similar rock and ways to cross. I think the white rock at the end was a bit more tricky than the knife edge on this.

[@baileyvoss8266]

@@TheVirtualsherpa that's how I found capitol to be too. Despite the hype, the worse part for me on capitol was after the knife edge, just below the summit.

[@onerider808]

Nice overview - thanks! Is that a DJI Mavic controller in your hand? How did it fly at altitude, and in wind?

[@thistextboxistooshor]

If I’m not mistaken, the cairns are built up for winter climbers.

[@lukeclark2522]

Love the use of more drone footage than usual! Might not be too difficult, but you made it look awesome! Great job!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Thanks Luke, really appreciate it.

[@jeffwhisenhunt2028]

One of the best ones of Long's I've seen. Great job fellas

[@andrewjohnson9284]

Great video

[@Reed411]

1:20 it's for snow travel

[@Short-Ad3281]

Teach me the skills that allowed you to walk across that knife edge standing up right. I just did this today and have never been more terrified (first class 3 climb)

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Lots of confidence in my abilities and shoes and lots, lots, lots of experience. You’ll get there 👍🏽

[@Short-Ad3281]

@@TheVirtualsherpa thanks man. What kinda shoes you rocking btw?

[@TheAAZSD]

Makin' those Akasha's do work!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

They are straight 🔥

[@Candyapplebone]

That knife edge and the clamoring up rocks prior to it looked very dangerous

[@LukeGeeTravels]

I noticed your Depaul Hoodie, did you go to school there? I'm a DePaul Alumni as well and just moved here to Colorado

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Sure am!

[@LukeGeeTravels]

@@TheVirtualsherpa That's really awesome! Small world. Been watching your 14er series, just wanted to say they're super informational. If you're ever looking for someone to hike on the weekends, I'm just north of Denver!

[@DeriveSzn]

I’m guessing you did this before the snow. Did it with it and was super spicy. Definitely a favorite. Where does it rank for you?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Yeah I think snow could make the knife edge tricky, would love to get after it one winter. It was fun, not a "top" hike on a 14er for me, but enjoyed the small sections of class 3 and knife edge.

[@DeriveSzn]

@@markpell8979 Here let me spell it out for you since reading comprehension is difficult for you despite using big fancy words. I said, “I have done Kelso Ridge in the winter and it was hard. Where does it rank for you?” Hopefully this helped you “find” what you are missing.

[@markpell8979]

@@DeriveSzn There was obviously no snow anywhere when he climbed it so what were you guessing about? Apologies for calling you a bullshitter. That was thoughtless and uncalled for.

[@neerajkulkarni6506]

Great video! What shoes do you typically wear on scramble-y hikes like these?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

I’m a trail runner guy - the ones I use are linked in the description of the hike

[@neerajkulkarni6506]

@@TheVirtualsherpa Do you ever use approach shoes?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Negative - just trail runners

[@warchieft2k]

Do you have strava or garmin to see the route on gps...

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Check out the full trail guide linked in the description. This always has more information about each hiking including my embedded Garmin route with a downloadable GPX file.

[@katherinelindsey9707]

Hi, looking for some advise. Planning on hiking Gray and Torrey Peaks in a few weeks with some of my adult children. This will be my first 14er if successful. We are seeing that there is snow still on the mountains, and on the All Trail site someone recommended crampons. My question is: should I get minispikes or crampons, or both? I am wanting something to help with slipping on the rocks, as well as snow. Thanks for any advice!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Don't rely on Alltrails, its trash. Use 14ers.com for the most up to date trail conditions. If there is snow, I would recommend microspikes as they should suffice if you are taking the standard routes. If taking Kelso, the ridge should be mostly melted out by then. Best of luck

[@katherinelindsey9707]

@@TheVirtualsherpa Thanks so much!

[@ArtificialBeligerence-bl9hq]

Is there other options or is it knife edge the only way up

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

nope, there is a standard route as well www.thevirtualsherpa.com/grays-peak-and-torreys-peak-hike-trail-guide/

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

And thank you for respecting summiteers by not flying your drone over the peak ❤️

[@thomasadams6860]

awesome video. Some of these shots are amazing. Drone or another person? Regardless you should have more subscribers.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

99.9% of what I shoot is by myself so either tripod, drone or 360 to change perspectives. Thanks though 👍🏽

[@andrewcole1564]

Kelsey ridge is the hardest climb in Colorado without ropes-the knife edge is CrAZY! Ya’ll be safe out there!!

[@proverbalizer]

would this be a horrible idea for a 1st 14'er? Elevation is not my concern, I ski hard between 13-11k with no problems I hiked a steep 3.3 mile round trip the other day with about 1,400 elevation gain, which honestly felt like a pretty easy and short journey to reach the top, so doubling or tripling that elevation gain to get up a 14'er doesn't scare me. But I have almost no rock climbing experience and have zero business accidentally wandering into anything class 4+

[@trevora5568]

@proverbalizer I would not recommend you do this as your first 14er. I just did it today and I have rock climbing experience, and I was pretty scared on the knife edge. Once you get up a bit into the trail, getting down is pretty dangerous if you aren't an experienced rock climber so your only option is to go up. The standard Grays & Torreys route would be a great first 14er though.

[@proverbalizer]

@@trevora5568 did it as my first. The knife edge was not scary at all to me. The scariest part was being unsure of the route and having to backtrack along a narrow/loose ledge before getting up to the knife edge. Going forward past the narrowest section was pretty easy, but it was way harder in reverse. My second was Bierstadt and and Blue Sky via Tour de Abyss and Sawtooth Ridge. Now I think I'm ready for some simple class 1/2 routes, lol I'm thinking Sherman, Elbert, Decalibron...then back up to class 3 for Quandry West Ridge and Longs Peak

[@trevora5568]

Nice! You're braver than me I guess! Longs Peak is my favorite that I've done, highly recommend

[@proverbalizer]

@@trevora5568 maybe years as a skier, have somewhat dented my natural fear of heights Stick enough snow to the side of the knife edge, and I might be willing to ski right off of it, lol. But don't get me wrong, it definitely did have my full attention, it IS a no fall zone, but I feel like if you take your time, keep 3 points of contact, and are willing to straddle it whenever necessary then there's almost 0 real risk of falling, so I think people just get intimidated by the psychological effect of the exposure much more than it actually being physically difficult. I don't think I'd super intimidated by Capitol's knife edge either. If somebody dropped me off right there I think I'd have no problem taking a couple deep breathes and then making moves. The thing that scares me about Capitol is not so much the knife edge, but the big picture/total package... the length and sustained difficulty of the route, getting past K2 in both directions, the difficulty of the ridge to the summit after the knife edge, the commitment and sustained exposure to weather with no opportunity to bail other than going back the same way you came etc....

[@Meowtastic1]

Where did u get these sunglasses?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Colorado Glasses 👍🏽

[@eddiedelisio]

Bragging rights, I did it in the early 90s w some fresh snow on it back when it was barely known. That ego stuff and all the noob hype aside it is a very aesthetically pleasing fun line and the white whale is pretty cool too. I think it’s harder than knife edge on capitol just not as dangerous drop off. I was able to cling to top of knife edge on cap and quickly cross it but had to straddle the whale which is bad form for Capitol

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like a fun day! Honestly, thinking of tackling this one during the winter as well.

[@soumyaghosh6668]

I know this video is old but i want to attempt kelso next year 2024 summer. What are the some most needed tips for a first timer on a class 3. I did other fourteeners though. Just not class 3s and want to introduce myself to it

[@markpell8979]

Here's a polite tip for you. Build a rèsumé of walkups and class 2, learning the hard way what that actually takes in terms of the demands on your body at high altitude, how to dress, what else to bring along, and if you can handle all that by yourself when you're in danger or injured. You might not react as heroically as you imagine now. Then if you still think you want to climb harder peak routes get some skill at doing moderately hard rock climbing moves at reasonable altitude, including reversing your moves and climbing down without rope protection. On class 3 you will often have to climb precarious, exposed sections of rock with absolutely deadly long falls possible. You will also go the wrong way some times and have to be able to realize this quickly, reverse course, and possibly do some crazy scary shit to find the route again. Don't learn how to do class 3 or harder peak routes by watching others do them in videos. Do an apprenticeship for at least one season with a successful, veteran peak climber and get some real experience. These trustworthy mentors are not that hard to find and you may already know one. If you don't, hire a certified, experienced guide. As I write this, it's now Labor Day 2024 but you posted your comment a year ago. I hope you are still alive.

[@devindustman1489]

Great video, if you are interested in another great alternative 14er ridge route I highly recommend the S-ridge on Snowmass. It is a pretty exquisite climb www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=7177 (link to a good trip report)

[@Maxmilion6004]

I mean, you did the 4 great traverses. This would be nothing to you. But to us beginners getting used to exposure the last part was a little sketch.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

For sure - ended up doing the Knife Edge twice due to filming and coming down it def got the juices flowing. Actually think that staying to the white rock ridge proper right after was just as interesting as the ridge itself. A fun route, just hard to overcome all those crowds for me personally.

[@Maxmilion6004]

@@TheVirtualsherpa yea. I totally get it. I already did grays. I really wouldnt do it again. It would be the kelso ridge to torreys so its not so crowded. You went right near the top. We went left. Yours definitely looked easier. But now, since you fibally did a video on this ridge we can possibly start asking about the sawtooth and the ridge up to la plata? Lol

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Already have a video on Sawtooth and La Plata video is coming very, very soon.

[@Maxmilion6004]

@@TheVirtualsherpa eh, youtube apparently didnt let me know about sawtooth. But cool. Cant wait to see la plata. How about the three apostles

[@rccola4600]

Yes, Ice Mountain would be cool!

[@markpell8979]

Some thoughts here about bringing your dog to a peak or a rock climbing area (or even a backyard barbeque for that matter)... It can be a selfish thing for dog owners to do because your dog may cause danger, unnecessary fear and confusion, or injury to others. You must have absolute control over your dog at all times in public situations, including restraining it on a leash if/when necessary and realizing this could also be dangerous for YOU at times. If you don't have that level of authority and control (which most people do not, unfortunately) then you don't have the right to impose an unsafe or uncomfortable experience on others that would never have happened if your dog wasn't there. It's a fact that animals might not behave predictably around strangers or other animals in every situation. Or they may just freak out unexpectedly in reaction to their own fear or confusion. For example, many dogs lose it when they hear thunder. Now you've got a real problem on your hands when a thunderstorm hits you in an exposed high-altitude environment. Don't impose your desire to share your alpine wilderness adventures with your pet on other people or animals who are minding their own business. Your 'rights' end where the rights of others begin. A lot of climbers have a sense of entitlement about this, as if rules are suddenly for everyone else whenever you decide your desires/needs come first. If you can't guarantee your dog will not be a risk or inconvenience to other climbers or yourself, then board or get a dogsitter for your canine companion when you go climbing, for everyones' sake. Two years ago a large unrestrained, misbehaving dog at a climbing area knocked me off my feet and caused me to fracture my tibia and dislocate my ankle as I tumbled from the trail. It finished my outstanding fifty-year climbing career and I really haven't recovered yet. Could have been a lot worse though.

[@tztz1949]

Man falls 800 feet. So does selfie stick. So what do u need a selfie stick if you have a drone? Rescue?

[@onerider808]

Love your stuff, but let me suggest this - if you think any mountain is "bland", you are missing the point entirely and have devolved into a mere peak-bagger.

[@TheDionBlasterMethod]

Love the reminder about hikers going up having the right of way. Always irks me a bit when a huge group refuses to move off to the side when they are coming down on tight trails. I'd never say anything as it's not worth being confrontational over but still...

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

So many people who are hiking (especially this year) who just have 0 trail etiquette or awareness...but you can say that about humans pretty much everywhere. Lots of caring about themselves and not too many other people.

[@taraprasad7882]

I just went there 3 days ago.... so many people and very few with masks on the crowded trail which was unfortunate But ridge was very fun

[@DaddiiDickins]

Tara Prasad I feel like “very dangerous” is a bit of an exaggeration. Not wearing a mask on a 14er is, at most, inconsiderate. Then again, if you’re THAT worried about catching covid on a mountain, you should probably just stay home. Of course, you have to consider asymptomatic people, but most people with the virus probably won’t be able to climb a 14er, even Greys and Torreys

[@taraprasad7882]

Corgan Thomas in my opinion I treat these places just like public spaces.. yes it’s inconsiderate but we do not know the underlying health conditions of ppl who are able to be on the trails so getting the virus could be very dangerous for one person while not affecting another at all.. since we all have a right to enjoy these places.. it does not hurt to be careful when around others because why take such a risk in the first place that is what I mean

[@markcafiero2662]

I recommend going to a grocery store if you want to be around a bunch of people with masks. Sorry, not sorry. Shame me, please.

[@markcafiero2662]

Requesting a video of Bierstadt, standard route, please.

[@pumitriii6160]

Just curious, what do you think when you reread your comment 3 years later?

[@nickcampos7047]

you seem to have a problem with other people enjoying the mountain. kinda weird imo

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Bit hypocritical to tell someone who enjoys things in a certain way, to enjoy them the way you think they should, no? I go into nature to avoid crowds but have absolutely no problem with others enjoying nature too.

[@tbl4r126]

People hike with a mask on . . .

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Yup, 100% encourage people to do that, especially on popular hikes like this. Had one on for almost the entire upper descent even though I was the only one.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

@@jaydub5011✌ Dueces . As someone who has lost their career of TEN years over this, the least I can do is wear a mask around other people. Even if it helps 1%, I would rather try something then wait for it to "go away". Also dude you left like 10 comments about this, maybe chill a bit. You don't have to agree with it, no one is forcing you to do it, just my two cents. If putting a piece of cloth of my face for 2 fucking seconds while I am around others on a mountain and can't step off the trail, I will take that sacrifice every time to get back to normal.

[@rccola4600]

@@TheVirtualsherpa Man, sorry to hear about the loss of career. Hope things get better for you on this!

[@Schedul1]

pretty insulting for you to call yourself a "sherpa" bye goof