Tuning Fork, Torreys Peak
(14,275ft)
Location: Front Range
Aspect: Northwest
Ascent: Kelso Ridge from Stevens Gulch TH
Elevation Gain/Length: almost 4,000ft gained and over 6 miles. 3.5 hrs to summit. 5.5 hours RT
Group: Solo
The internal alarm clock wakes me up at about 6:30am and my morning routine begins; toilet, coffee, and a clearing of my head. After a great sunset ski the night prior and a day off ahead of me I was ready to get out and enjoy the day. Plans were fumbled around yesterday about where and what to ski and by the end of the day I had no ski partners or lines solidified. The morning came and I now found myself sitting on the couch drinking coffee pondering on what to do for the day. I had then remembered that Tuning Fork was still in pretty fat from last weeks mission on Grizzly and so decided it to be a good solo mission for the day. I was already going to have to deal with a late start so this also seemed a good idea as it has a NW'erly aspect. I quickly gather my gear and hop in the truck to find myself at Steven's Gulch TH and on the trail by 8:30am.
A busy day on the Grays trail. With about 15-20 cars at the TH and passing about 12 people on the way up the trail I decided to part from the crowds and ascend the "least traveled route" up Kelso Ridge.