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Torreys Peak (14,258′), along with its neighbor Grey’s Peak (14,279') are among the most popular of Colorado’s 58 14ers, attracting many hikers in the summer months. This is due to their close proximity to the Colorado front range and I-70, the dramatic and prominent east face, and the long and technical third class options found in Kelso Ridge. The area in general is a worthwhile location that attracts a variety of mountain athletes of different skills and abilities.
In the winter and springtime, Torreys Peak hosts a variety of high-quality ski-mountaineering objectives on nearly all aspects. Splitting the east face of Torreys Peak lies one of Torrey’s most iconic lines, the Dead Dog Couloir. The line climbs from the valley floor and takes the most direct route to the summit of Torreys Peak. Being the only Colorado 14er on the Continental Divide, the views from the top of this peak are spectacular. From the summit of Torreys Peak, skiers will tentatively navigate the 50-degree rollover into the steep and continuous 1,700' descent below.
The Dead Dog Couloir is more often than not skied as a springtime corn-harvesting objective. Being on an east-facing aspect, this line will warm up quickly and begin shedding snow and rocks if left too late in the day. For the same reason, this is not a line to leave at the end of the season as it melts out earlier than other lines in the area. When skied in good condition, the Dead Dog Couloir is one of the finest ski-mountaineering objectives that can be found in this part of the Colorado Rockies.
The approach will vary depending on the winter road closure. If attempting this line earlier in the springtime, you will have an additional 2 miles of road skinning to the summer trailhead. From the summer trailhead, the approach is very straightforward and you will largely follow the summer trail to the base of the Dead Dog Couloir. Soon after leaving the summer trail you will have eyes on the line and will keep your skis pointed in that direction. Once you are in the couloir, keep an eye on the overhead hazard. Signs of warming and shedding should be taken seriously as there is usually a sizable pile of wet snow debris and rocks on the apron of the line. Once you top out on the couloir, you will have two options to the summit. One is to scramble on the last few feet of the third class Kelso Ridge to the summit or to take a steep snowfield on the climber’s left side.
The rollover off the summit of Torreys Peak can be a daunting task. Often on Colorado’s high peaks, the first few turns can be on hardpack, windboard snow. The Dead Dog Couloir is no different. Even if the couloir itself is holding good corn snow, the first few turns of the summit can be tricky. Be wary of those turns and just know that you may not have the same kind of hero turns that you will have in the couloir proper.
The east side of the nearby Kelso Mountain is very prone to avalanche activity. Often in the winter and springtime, you will spot avalanche debris on the Greys and Torreys summer trail. On the approach and egress, it is advisable to be wary of this avalanche path and deviate from it.
