Grays Peak is the highest summit of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. Located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, Grays Peak stands at 14,278 feet (4,352 m) above sea level. Here are 32 riddles about this iconic Colorado fourteener to test your knowledge about this popular hiking destination.
Quick facts
Where is Grays Peak located? Grays Peak is located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, about 5 miles southeast of Loveland Pass.
What is the elevation of Grays Peak? Grays Peak has an elevation of 14,278 feet (4,352 meters) above sea level.
When was Grays Peak first summited? Grays Peak was first summited in 1861 by John Gray, after whom the peak was named.
The riddles
Riddle 1
I’m named after the man who first reached my top, can you guess who? John Gray
Riddle 2
I’m one of Colorado’s many “fourteeners” at 14,278 feet tall, what does that number represent? My elevation in feet above sea level
Riddle 3
There’s a famous mountain pass near where I stand, do you know its name? Loveland Pass
Riddle 4
On a clear day you can see my neighbors from my peak, Torreys and Kelso are two, name a third. Mount Evans
Riddle 5
If you start from Stevens Gulch, how many miles is the standard route to my summit? About 8 miles round trip
Riddle 6
I’m not the tallest mountain around, Longs Peak and Pikes Peak dwarf me for sure, but what height advantage do I hold over Pikes? 278 feet taller
Riddle 7
In winter my summit is encrusted with snow and ice, what’s the name for my frosty facade? The Diamond
Riddle 8
Thunderstorms often bellow around my peaks in summer, if you’re caught on my slopes what vital gear should you carry? Lightning rods/arrestors
Riddle 9
There’s a scenic lake below my western flanks, what’s it called? Grays Lake
Riddle 10
I may look beautiful but beware my rockfall and avalanches if you dare climb, what route finding skill is essential? Route finding
Riddle 11
In winter the wind scours snow from my upper slopes leaving blue ice underfoot, what special gear will you need? Crampons
Riddle 12
If you’re climbing between November to early June, what potentially vital snow travel gear might you need? Ice axe
Riddle 13
My summit offers stunning views, but name one peak you cannot see from the top. Pikes Peak
Riddle 14
Counting my subsidiary peak, how many 14,000 foot summits do I have? Two (Grays and Torreys Peak)
Riddle 15
I straddle the Continental Divide, with winter storms coming at me from two directions – name them. East/West
Riddle 16
Not many trees grow at my elevation but a few stunted Engelmann spruce and limber pines cling to my rocky slopes – what’s the highest tree species found in Colorado? Engelmann spruce
Riddle 17
Mountain goats, yellow-bellied marmots and bighorn sheep roam my slopes, name another charismatic mega-fauna found at high elevation in Colorado. Pika
Riddle 18
What common name is given to the altitude sickness that can affect hikers not properly acclimatized to my rarefied air? Altitude sickness
Riddle 19
My easiest standard climbing route starts from which gulch? Stevens Gulch
Riddle 20
In winter I’m popular with backcountry skiers but navigating my avalanche prone slopes requires special skills – name one. Avalanche training, navigation skills, route finding
Riddle 21
My summit sits on the border of two Colorado counties – name them. Clear Creek County and Summit County
Riddle 22
Counting my subsidiary Torreys Peak as well, famous mountaineer and Colorado resident Lou Dawson has written books about climbing both me and my lower neighbor Kelso Mountain – what nickname does he give the trio of peaks? The Grays and Torreys trio
Riddle 23
Colorado has 53 fourteeners. In terms of elevation or prominence, name another Front Range fourteener besides me. Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak
Riddle 24
Besides climbing regulations, name another way the government helps protect my fragile alpine environment. Wilderness area designation
Riddle 25
The challenges of camping overnight near my summit requires proper high altitude gear – name something vital besides a tent and sleeping bag. Warm layers, cook stove, water
Riddle 26
What time of day is best to start climbing to avoid being caught in dangerous afternoon thunderstorms typical of Colorado’s high peaks? Pre-dawn
Riddle 27
Besides hikers and climbers, what other recreational visitors frequent my slopes and summit? Backcountry skiers
Riddle 28
Standard climbing routefinding on Grays and Torreys involves following which North American continental divide – be specific. The Continental Divide of the Americas
Riddle 29
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any US state thanks to peaks like me – can you name the state with the lowest average elevation? Delaware
Riddle 30
Wind gusts over 100 mph and potentially deadly storms are not uncommon near my summit – what is the highest recorded wind speed on a Colorado fourteener? 148 mph
Riddle 31
Winter climbing season brings gorgeous rime ice coating my rocky walls yet frigid temperatures bring unique risks – name one. Frostbite, hypothermia, slipping on ice
Riddle 32
Treacherous weather isn’t the only risk confronting peak baggers – I’m also home to mammals like yellow-bellied marmots, pikas and bighorn sheep as well as ptarmigan high on my slopes – name another animal that calls Colorado alpine zones home. Mountain goat
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles about Grays Peak and related Colorado mountain facts? Grays Peak is certainly an iconic Colorado fourteener with unique natural history and challenging climbing conditions. I hope pondering these riddles leads you to further appreciate and protect the fragile alpine environments found on the peaks of the Front Range and beyond. Respect trail regulations and come prepared with gear and route finding skills if you decide to experience Grays Peak for yourself!
