This is a strenuous hike with difficult terrain that should not be underestimated. Worth Noting: Longs Peak is a high and prominent mountain in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The reward? After the junction, follow the trail gaining steady amounts of elevation while wrapping around a small ridgeline. Longs peak is actually the tallest peak of all the mountains in the np boundary. Longs Peak from Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To navigate, follow spray painted targets to the base of a long trough. Sometimes this may not be apparent to the hiker, but these rangers know what they are talking about—and they prefer everyone stays safe. It’s wise to start your 10- to 18-hour round-trip hike around 3 a.m. so that you can reach the summit by noon and start descending before the peak’s almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms . Because the hike is so long and because afternoon storms tend to be such a risk factor, most hikers start the trek up Longs Peak at around 3 in the morning. Day hikers planning to summit Longs Peak usually arrive between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. A moderate hike along Rocky Mountain National Park's Lumpy Ridge. From the time you breach treeline below Chasm Lake to the summit, there are very few places to escape a violent storm. NPS Photo. Stay left on the East Longs Peak Trail and switchback up and easy slope to reach the north end of the Boulder Field, near 12,400'. In less than 3 miles, you'll climb more than 2000 feet in elevation -- that's quite like climbing a staircase for three miles. Looking ahead you will now be able to see Longs looming in morning darkness. The face can be climbed by experienced climbers and typically is considered a top tier destination. There are a few designated camp spots in the boulder field but they are tough to secure. Since the early 2000s, our Rocky Mountain National Park guides have guided dozens of Longs Peak trips every season, and know the mountain better than anyone. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. Unless they already have a lot of mountain experience under their belts, especially at higher altitudes, Longs can be a rude awakening. Longs Peak is without a doubt one of the best adventures the Rockies has to offer.At a whopping 14,259 ft., this giant is one of the most beloved peaks in Colorado. Even in the heart of summer, bring warm clothes and rainproof layers. Longs Pass Hike Info. Where is the Longs Peak trailhead? They may just get their fill on those peaks! The hike then enters the boulder field, a large relatively flat field of boulders where a few backcountry campsites reside. The East Longs Peak Trail is by far the more popular route. Many inexperienced hikers begin too fast in the early morning and wear themselves out before passing through the Keyhole and onto the class 3 scrambling. Getting on the trail at 2 - 3 AM is considered a "best practice" (though if you can score a camping spot in the boulder field, you can obviously push that start time back). Unless they are fit, experienced and acclimated, there are much better summits for them to enjoy (many well under 14,000 ft.). And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. We left our crampons in case there was any ice and found just a couple small patches that could be avoided. Longs Peak casts a siren’s song over many people who are looking to test their mettle in the mountains. Hiking to the summit of Longs peak is a serious undertaking and should be done only with the proper fitness, gear, and research. The hike starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Restaurants, Dining, Breweries, & Distilleries, feel nauseous, it's probably a resort of high altitude. You can contact Rocky Mountain National Park to obtain a backcountry permit and reserve a camping spot—but do so at least 30 days in advance of your climb. These stats show that many people are smart enough to realize it won’t be their day—a humbling lesson Longs is adept at teaching. Many people will learn a great deal about themselves and the mountain in the process and go on to successfully summit at a later date. There are two main “hiking” trails to Longs peak that feature Class 1 and 2 hiking up until the Keyhole, where the hike is considered class 3. Pace yourself and don’t burn yourself right out of the gate. Not reaching the summit shouldn’t be considered a failure. More than 60 people have died on Longs Peak and the majority of those have been on the Keyhole route. Rangers patrol the area between the boulder field and the Keyhole, making sure everyone is safe and offering help if needed. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, just under 10 miles southwest of Estes Park, Longs Peak is the highest point in Boulder County at 14,259 feet. Even though it’s a popular trek among hikers and climbers, this world-famous trail is not for the faint of heart. This is an extreme day hike for you adventurous travelers! Caution and good judgement is highly recomm… The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. Remember, your day doesn’t really start until the keyhole. Descending the homestretch is perhaps the most unnerving and difficult part of the day. Here are a slew of wildflower-rich hikes to get you started this spring. While it is not as difficult as the toughest 14er summits (Little Bear Peak, Capitol Peak, Crestone Needle, Sunlight Peak), Longs has plenty of difficult, class 3 scrambling. Weather can move in any day, any time, with any forecast. Consider a weekday ascent to avoid the crowds and start early. Iconic Longs Peak (14,259') is the highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado's 15th highest summit, and the northern most 14,000' peak in the Rocky Mountains. Hike three uncrowded trails in Rocky Mountain National Park: Sky Pond, Moraine Park to Bear Lake, and the Tonahutu Creek/North Inlet Loop. Listen to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions; they are the best in the business. Anticipate a 1:30am – 2am pick up from your hotel in Estes Park. Over 10 total miles of the 15-mile Keyhole route involve hoofing it on the class 2 hiking trail. After crossing several small streams, the trail emerges from the trees and crosses into open tundra. When planning an assent, try to organize it so you can hike during the tail end of your trip. To get here, take Highway 7 and turn onto Longs Peak Road. The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak … Longs Peak via the Keyhole route. Physical conditioning is important, but so is the mental aspect. Many hikers decide that Longs will be their inaugural 14er. The infamous keyhole, which leads to the only non-technical route up Longs Peak, is now visible directly ahead at the top of the boulder field. Rocky Mountain National Park statistics report an average of 15,000 people attempting to ascend Longs per year (by all of its various routes). It is not only the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County, but it is also the 15th highest peak in Colorado. These rangers are experts at gauging Longs Peak’s temperament and very often, they will shut down the Keyhole if they see storms, strong winds, or rain moving in. If it looks like you won’t reach the summit by 10 AM, consider coming back another day. It’s around 15 miles round trip ending at a summit over 14,000 feet high. Despite being a difficult mountain, many people still insist on giving it a go, even if they may not have the experience or fitness to perform well on the peak. On weekends, the trail up to Longs can seem more like a pilgrimage. Critical sections of the Keyhole Route are often snow-covered until midsummer, so most climbers should aim for late July through early September. When planning an assent, try to organize it so you can hike during the tail end of your trip. Buy the Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Map Pack including Longs Peak at REI.com. In 2014, over twenty people were hit by lightning in Rocky Mountain National Park, resulting in two fatalities. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak Trailhead ... Take water, rain gear, warm clothing and food on this very popular and strenuous hike. This 14,259 ft. behemoth is one of the most coveted peaks in Colorado. Colorado 14ers: Longs Peak via Keyhole Route Hike Information & Review - 14er FINISHER! Add to that, many summer days are crowded with a wide variety of hikers, from couch dreamers to professional athletes—many of whom will be knocking rocks down or causing time consuming bottlenecks. If you are attempting a spontaneous summit, you’ll likely have to start from the Longs Peak Trailhead or camp at the Longs Peak Campground at 9,500 ft, a few miles from the start of the trailhead. Nick Sangetta hikes Longs Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on August 29, 2018. In fact, the 16-mile round trip hike will push hikers lungs and stamina to the test. Returning the to Keyhole requires concentration. Longs is a fantastic mountain, one that is a serious undertaking that demands respect. You see unusual rock formations and a small lake with a beach. The North Longs Peak Trail heads off to the right. To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. According to the National Park Service, two people, on average, die every year attempting to hike Longs Peak. Storms can form in 15 minutes from a perfectly blue sky. - YouTube. Even at a quick clip, Longs can take 10 hours to hike and many people will spend 12 - 15 hours on the mountain. 283 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Anna Roth. Overflow parking tends to line the road as you approach the parking lot. Even though the route is well marked, it’s still possible to get off track. © 2021 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. It’s nearly three more miles to the relative safety of timberline. The trail continues to gain elevation while feeding through open tundra filled with jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise. Longs Peak Hike/Run A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I was running too much and need to get my hiking legs ready for the races I have coming up. Don't be fooled though, it's not a walk in the park. First, the route winds uphill through dense forest for several miles. Turn right and traverse west and northwest across the northeast slope of Mt. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated. As you ascend the trough, don't forget to turn around for some of the best views in the Park of Glacier Gorge to the North. Even fit hikers should give themselves 12 hours round trip. If you’re considering climbing Longs, here are 10 things to know that will help ensure a safe, strong experience on the mountain. Longs Peak is something of a legendary Colorado climb / hike. Longs Peak is 14,256 feet and located in RMNP, Estes Park, CO. Go with a guide up Longs Peak, one of the most sought after 14er’s in Colorado and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak casts a siren’s song over many people who are looking to test their mettle in the mountains. 5 out of 5 stars (100) 100 reviews $ 32.50 FREE shipping Only 1 left Favorite Add to Estes Park Colorado Poster ColoradoPosters. Though this hike is difficult, and especially dangerous during poor weather, it is stunning, and doable for most intermediate to experienced hikers. Done as a single day outing, the standard Keyhole route on Longs entails 15+ miles of hiking, 5,000 ft. of elevation gain, exposed scrambling with fall-risk potential, and difficult terrain above treeline, where storms roar in with regularity. Winter 2019. Where to Hideout during a Charleston Rainstorm, Enjoying South Alabama’s Best Tent Camping This Fall, Excellent (and Easy) Camping near DC That's Perfect for Labor Day, Surfing, Tubing, and Kayaking in the Midst of Hellastorm, Big Family Fun Without the Big Price Tag (Or Hours in the Car). Longs Peak Art Print - Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP, Longs Peak Poster, Longs Peak Art Print, Longs Peak art, Wall Art, 14er TMBtent. It is common to see hundreds of people along the route and on the summit. Trail Route: The Keyhole Route to the summit of majestic Longs Peak is not a hike, however, it is an extrordinary experience for those who come prepared. Hike 3 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to stroll past this waterfall and two lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? If they persist, it's best to seek a doctor. Longs Peak (Arapaho: Neníisótoyóú’u) is a high and prominent mountain in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. The Rundown to Longs Peak: Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: Start early and drink more water than you think necessary. Dominating the skyline, and topping out at 14,259 feet, Longs is the ultimate adventure for enthusiastic hikers. Always remember to error on the side of caution and heed a hikers well-known saying: the mountain is not going anywhere; it will be here another day. To return, retrace your route back to Longs Peak Trailhead. The group has hiked Horsetooth Rock, Ouzel Falls, Twin Sisters Peak, Hallett Peak, Clark Peak and Hagues Peak. The Chasm Lake Trail begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead at 9,405 feet, and climbs around 2,500 feet to Chasm Lake at 11,823 feet. There are gorgeous views all the way along the trail and a 300-degree view as your reward for reaching the top. For those looking for thrilling scrambling from the start, Longs is sure to disappoint. Enter RMNP at the Wild Basin Entrance south of Estes Park. At Chasm Lake Trail Junction, grab a quick snack and soak in views of Longs 18-acre granite face known as the Diamond. Get Ready for the Hike of a Lifetime. An early morning start and being fully rested is essential for a summit attempt on Longs Peak.A twenty minute shuttle brings us to the trailhead, where your guide will distribute backpacks, hiking poles, and trail snacks. Two in the national park and two nearby. What are the biggest risks? Most hikers typically begin before dawn, since afternoon thunderstorms usually roll in around 12 or 1 pm and can be life threatening above tree line. Before passing through the keyhole, check for storm clouds building on the horizon. If you start early enough, chances are you will make a relatively uncrowded ascent but you’re likely to get mired in the mix on the way down. Past this point the trail is fully exposed and can be dangerous if a thunderstorm rolls in. Even after reaching the boulder field, do not let your guard down. Live like a Boulder local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. This hike is attempted an estimated 20,000 times per year by hikers with a less than 50% completion rate. Lady Washington - 2 Hike all the way to Granite Pass to reach another trail junction. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado. Visit these popular trailheads for unforgettable hikes and vistas. Done as a single day outing, the standard Keyhole route on Longs entails 15+ miles of hiking, 5,000 ft. of elevation gain, exposed scrambling with fall-risk potential, and difficult terrain above treeline, where storms roar in with regularity. All but one of Rocky Mountain Park's waterfalls require at least a short hike meaning that it's entirely possible to enjoy a waterfall by yourself. If you are looking for a 14er to climb in Colorado, Longs Peak is most likely near the top of your list. Longs Peak is a craggy monster with several enormous vertical cliffs, set among the sea of 13,000 foot peaks that make up Rocky Mountain National Park. The large flat summit of Longs has unobstructed 360-degree views of the eastern plains, Indian Peaks Wilderness to the south, and the Rocky Mountain National Park to the west. How long does it take to hike to the top? The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. Hiking the Narrows section of Longs Peak. At the end of this road is a parking lot that can hold approximately 20 cars. After 0.5 miles you reach a marked trail junction, keep left on the main trail. Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for the entire route on this hike. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak as seen from chasm lake. Work up to Longs and you’ll enjoy the experience much more than suffering through a long, hard day. Unobstructed 360 degree views spanning the eastern plains and continental divide. From the trailhead, hike west up the East Longs Peak Trail. Once you are back in the trees, its ok to relax and enjoy the hike out. The journey starts from the Longs Peak Trailhead located along CO-7 10.2 miles from Estes Park. Note: If you start to feel nauseous, it's probably a resort of high altitude. Although it’s a popular hike, Longs Peak is the deadliest 14er in Colorado claiming 19 lives between 2000 and 2019 so be sure to be prepared when attempting a hike up Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route. Its easiest pathway still requires skilled transversing and confidently scrambling up exposed cliff edges. A general rule is that you don’t want to be starting the Keyhole portion of the hike after 6 AM—it’s 5.5 miles from the parking lot on a long trail and a big boulder field before arriving at this locale. It is impossible to stare at the eastern skyline of Rocky Mountain National Park and not be compelled to at least wonder what it would be like to climb Longs Peak. Chasm Lake near Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps the most important lesson of all is that your are far from finished when you reach the summit of Longs Peak. You can see the peak and the keyboard of the winds all together during a sunny day! Longs Peak (14255') via Glacier Gorge & The Trough Feb 21, 2009 11.6 miles RT, 5200' gain ... We were pumped for the final push, which turned out to be not much harder than a summer hike as what snow there was on the Narrows was very firm. Longs Peak: Long's Peak Hike - See 62 traveler reviews, 78 candid photos, and great deals for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, at Tripadvisor. Apparently, an average of 2 people die per year trying to climb Longs and someone from my town had just perished on Longs in the last month. A nearby hike with views of Longs Peak is the Chasm Lake Trail. Alberta Falls is only 0.8 miles in. The first two miles gain steady elevation while passing through Goblin's Forest. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? Start heading back down to lower elevations where the symptoms should reside. A Longs Peak Colorado hike is one of the best in the Rocky Mountain National Park. A good rule for Longs is to summit no later than 10 AM and the earlier the better. Longs Pass provides unbelievable views, but only after an unbelievable amount of elevation gain. The hike is limited to 20 people. It’s now time for Longs Peak, Aug. 28. The silver lining? Well, there's nothing like being forced to bang out a few 75 min/miles to wake up the hiking legs! If they are insistent on climbing Longs, doing one or two warm-up mountains over 13,000 ft. is a good idea. Many visitors want to hike Longs because it is one of the two most well-known Colorado summits (along with Pikes Peak). For a wealth of information including maps, trip reports, route descriptions and photos, please visit 14ers.com Longs Peak page. The flat-topped monarch is seen from almost anywhere in the park. Weary legs, lungs, and eyes sizing up the difficult 2+ mile passage to the summit often decide to call it a day right then and there. Below, each is shown. There are many spectacular ways to summit Long's Peak, and this description highlights the "standard" Keyhole Route. This easy 2.7 mile hike passes by three named waterfalls and numerous smaller cascades and trickles along North St. Vrain Creek. With its broad, flat, summit and expansive views, it is easy to forget your day is far from done after summiting. From shop TMBtent. Pass through the keyhole and begin a final mile-long ascent to the summit. There is a small shelter at the base of the Keyhole proper, but otherwise you’re exposed for several hours. Time this right and the sun will just be peaking out across the eastern horizon. I included Longs Peak in my hiking guide Best Summit Hikes in Colorado because it truly is one of the best adventures in the Rockies. Certain areas are prone to bottlenecks, such as the top of the Trough and along the Homestretch. Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: Start early and drink more water than you think necessary. Make sure you are hydrated and fueled! Many casual hikers attempt Longs despite the fact it is one of the toughest 14ers. In 2002, a research survey showed over 9,500 people reached the summit of Longs Peak; thousands more turned around at the Boulder Field. Looking to take the guided trip of your life and summit Longs Peak, Colorado’s most infamous 14er?Look no further than Kirks Mountain Adventures. And traverse west and northwest across the northeast slope of Mt year by hikers with a less than 50 completion... You started this spring 14ers: Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain Park... 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