Where is the Longs Peak trailhead? With its broad, flat, summit and expansive views, it is easy to forget your day is far from done after summiting. Longs Peak Trailhead Rangers patrol the area between the boulder field and the Keyhole, making sure everyone is safe and offering help if needed. Live like a Boulder local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Before passing through the keyhole, check for storm clouds building on the horizon. Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: Start early and drink more water than you think necessary. First, the route winds uphill through dense forest for several miles. We left our crampons in case there was any ice and found just a couple small patches that could be avoided. It is common to see hundreds of people along the route and on the summit. Longs Peak via the Keyhole route. Even after reaching the boulder field, do not let your guard down. Anticipate a 1:30am – 2am pick up from your hotel in Estes Park. 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. Don't be fooled though, it's not a walk in the park. It’s now time for Longs Peak, Aug. 28. If you are new to 14ers, it is a very good idea to start with some of the less difficult summits: Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Sherman, Quandary Peak, and Handies Peak are all much better mountains to serve as a first 14er. Listen to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions; they are the best in the business. At the end of this road is a parking lot that can hold approximately 20 cars. If you are looking for a 14er to climb in Colorado, Longs Peak is most likely near the top of your list. Storms can form in 15 minutes from a perfectly blue sky. 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. It’s nearly three more miles to the relative safety of timberline. The hike starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. Even though it’s a popular trek among hikers and climbers, this world-famous trail is not for the faint of heart. The trail continues to gain elevation while feeding through open tundra filled with jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise. Below, each is shown. 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. © 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. Recent records show about a 47% successful summit rate. 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. From the trailhead, hike west up the East Longs Peak Trail. 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. Unless they already have a lot of mountain experience under their belts, especially at higher altitudes, Longs can be a rude awakening. This trail is a much more achievable day hike than Longs Peak. In 2014, over twenty people were hit by lightning in Rocky Mountain National Park, resulting in two fatalities. Its easiest pathway still requires skilled transversing and confidently scrambling up exposed cliff edges. 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. 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. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. Well, there's nothing like being forced to bang out a few 75 min/miles to wake up the hiking legs! The hike is limited to 20 people. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated. You see unusual rock formations and a small lake with a beach. Hiking the Narrows section of Longs Peak. A nearby hike with views of Longs Peak is the Chasm Lake Trail. Longs Peak as seen from chasm lake. Many visitors want to hike Longs because it is one of the two most well-known Colorado summits (along with Pikes Peak). The hike then enters the boulder field, a large relatively flat field of boulders where a few backcountry campsites reside. 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. 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'. The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. Longs Pass provides unbelievable views, but only after an unbelievable amount of elevation gain. Dominating the skyline, and topping out at 14,259 feet, Longs is the ultimate adventure for enthusiastic hikers. Work up to Longs and you’ll enjoy the experience much more than suffering through a long, hard day. When planning an assent, try to organize it so you can hike during the tail end of your trip. 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. Past this point the trail is fully exposed and can be dangerous if a thunderstorm rolls in. Consider a weekday ascent to avoid the crowds and start early. 283 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Anna Roth. Longs Peak is the farthest north 14er (peak over 14,000 feet) in Colorado and the highest point within the National Park. Trail Route: It’s around 15 miles round trip ending at a summit over 14,000 feet high. 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. Caution and good judgement is highly recomm… 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. How long does it take to hike to the top? Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for the entire route on this hike. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado. The journey starts from the Longs Peak Trailhead located along CO-7 10.2 miles from Estes Park. Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. Looking ahead you will now be able to see Longs looming in morning darkness. Factors such as weather, late starts, and underestimating the physical fitness needed for the hike all play into this number. Unobstructed 360 degree views spanning the eastern plains and continental divide. Even at a quick clip, Longs can take 10 hours to hike and many people will spend 12 - 15 hours on the mountain. Many hikers decide that Longs will be their inaugural 14er. After the junction, follow the trail gaining steady amounts of elevation while wrapping around a small ridgeline. Visit these popular trailheads for unforgettable hikes and vistas. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a strenuous hike with difficult terrain that should not be underestimated. In fact, the 16-mile round trip hike will push hikers lungs and stamina to the test. NPS Photo. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even though the route is well marked, it’s still possible to get off track. © 2021 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Pace yourself and don’t burn yourself right out of the gate. In 2002, a research survey showed over 9,500 people reached the summit of Longs Peak; thousands more turned around at the Boulder Field. Longs peak is actually the tallest peak of all the mountains in the np boundary. Rocky Mountain National Park statistics report an average of 15,000 people attempting to ascend Longs per year (by all of its various routes). For those looking for thrilling scrambling from the start, Longs is sure to disappoint. 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. Longs Peak is something of a legendary Colorado climb / hike. If you’re considering climbing Longs, here are 10 things to know that will help ensure a safe, strong experience on the mountain. Winter 2019. Make sure you are hydrated and fueled! 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. A moderate hike along Rocky Mountain National Park's Lumpy Ridge. There are gorgeous views all the way along the trail and a 300-degree view as your reward for reaching the top. 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. The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. With the top question in your mind being – How difficult is the Longs Peak climb? 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. The reward? 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. Many casual hikers attempt Longs despite the fact it is one of the toughest 14ers. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. More than 60 people have died on Longs Peak and the majority of those have been on the Keyhole route. To get here, take Highway 7 and turn onto Longs Peak Road. From shop TMBtent. Certain areas are prone to bottlenecks, such as the top of the Trough and along the Homestretch. Even in the heart of summer, bring warm clothes and rainproof layers. Even fit hikers should give themselves 12 hours round trip. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? Not reaching the summit shouldn’t be considered a failure. 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. And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. ... Take water, rain gear, warm clothing and food on this very popular and strenuous hike. This is an extreme day hike for you adventurous travelers! 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. 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. Enter RMNP at the Wild Basin Entrance south of Estes Park. If they are insistent on climbing Longs, doing one or two warm-up mountains over 13,000 ft. is a good idea. Over 10 total miles of the 15-mile Keyhole route involve hoofing it on the class 2 hiking trail. They may just get their fill on those peaks! Unless they are fit, experienced and acclimated, there are much better summits for them to enjoy (many well under 14,000 ft.). Hike 3 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to stroll past this waterfall and two lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For a wealth of information including maps, trip reports, route descriptions and photos, please visit 14ers.com Longs Peak page. 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. Returning the to Keyhole requires concentration. The first two miles gain steady elevation while passing through Goblin's Forest. 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. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? Weather can move in any day, any time, with any forecast. To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. Once you are back in the trees, its ok to relax and enjoy the hike out. 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 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. 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. 283 trip Reports, route descriptions and photos, please visit 14ers.com Longs Peak views, it ’ s three... Hard to climb in Colorado AM and the highest point within the National Park, resulting in fatalities. Prone to bottlenecks, such as the Diamond a couple small patches could! We left our crampons in case there was any ice and found just a couple small that. 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