Grays and Torreys Helicopter Operation 

In June 2022, the conditions lined up perfectly and CFI seized the opportunity to utilize a private helicopter service to fly materials from the Grays Peak Trailhead up the valley to the Grays and Torreys trail junction. The pilot was able to move 62 logs, each weighing more than 200 lbs., to the worksite in less than six hours. Moving the lumber with staff and volunteers would have been nearly impossible to finish in an entire season.
2022 marks the fourth and final season of intensive trail reconstruction work on Grays and Torreys. These large logs will be used near 13,700' to help retain the rapidly eroded soils and fortify the existing retaining walls built in recent years.
A huge thank you goes out to Carson, Spence, and Jason from Heliqwest International, Jeff Brandel from Davis, Graham and Stubbs, Tony Cammarata from A-Basin, Richard Maturino of Summit County Fire, and the USFS Clear Creek Ranger District. We'd also like to say thank you to Peak Stewards Laura Wilkins and Brian Heneks for keeping hikers informed about the operation, as well as Joseph Marney for volunteering to take photos.