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). After 0.5 miles you reach a marked trail junction, keep left on the main trail. Longs Peak Art Print - Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP, Longs Peak Poster, Longs Peak Art Print, Longs Peak art, Wall Art, 14er TMBtent. Longs Peak as seen from chasm lake. After crossing several small streams, the trail emerges from the trees and crosses into open tundra. To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated. The North Longs Peak Trail heads off to the right. 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. Hiking to the summit of Longs peak is a serious undertaking and should be done only with the proper fitness, gear, and research. Enter RMNP at the Wild Basin Entrance south of Estes Park. - YouTube. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Remember, your day doesn’t really start until the keyhole. Storms can form in 15 minutes from a perfectly blue sky. 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. NPS Photo. A nearby hike with views of Longs Peak is the Chasm Lake Trail. 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 trail continues to gain elevation while feeding through open tundra filled with jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise. 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. There are many spectacular ways to summit Long's Peak, and this description highlights the "standard" Keyhole Route. A good rule for Longs is to summit no later than 10 AM and the earlier the better. Recent records show about a 47% successful summit rate. To return, retrace your route back to Longs Peak Trailhead. Factors such as weather, late starts, and underestimating the physical fitness needed for the hike all play into this number. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? 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. Alberta Falls is only 0.8 miles in. Two in the national park and two nearby. Get Ready for the Hike of a Lifetime. Over 10 total miles of the 15-mile Keyhole route involve hoofing it on the class 2 hiking trail. Longs Peak casts a siren’s song over many people who are looking to test their mettle in the mountains. The flat-topped monarch is seen from almost anywhere in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park statistics report an average of 15,000 people attempting to ascend Longs per year (by all of its various routes). Listen to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions; they are the best in the business. They may just get their fill on those peaks! For a wealth of information including maps, trip reports, route descriptions and photos, please visit 14ers.com Longs Peak page. 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 . 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. 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. 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. First, the route winds uphill through dense forest for several miles. Dominating the skyline, and topping out at 14,259 feet, Longs is the ultimate adventure for enthusiastic hikers. We left our crampons in case there was any ice and found just a couple small patches that could be avoided. 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. In fact, the 16-mile round trip hike will push hikers lungs and stamina to the test. Where is the Longs Peak trailhead? This is an extreme day hike for you adventurous travelers! Photo by Jack Barker. You see unusual rock formations and a small lake with a beach. According to the National Park Service, two people, on average, die every year attempting to hike Longs Peak. Past this point the trail is fully exposed and can be dangerous if a thunderstorm rolls in. Time this right and the sun will just be peaking out across the eastern horizon. The group has hiked Horsetooth Rock, Ouzel Falls, Twin Sisters Peak, Hallett Peak, Clark Peak and Hagues Peak. 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. This 14,259 ft. behemoth is one of the most coveted peaks in Colorado. When is the best time to hike Longs Peak? 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. 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. Even after reaching the boulder field, do not let your guard down. Longs Peak is the farthest north 14er (peak over 14,000 feet) in Colorado and the highest point within the National Park. Longs is a fantastic mountain, one that is a serious undertaking that demands respect. Well, there's nothing like being forced to bang out a few 75 min/miles to wake up the hiking legs! Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for the entire route on this hike. 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. 5 out of 5 stars (100) 100 reviews $ 32.50 FREE shipping Only 1 left Favorite Add to Estes Park Colorado Poster ColoradoPosters. 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. To navigate, follow spray painted targets to the base of a long trough. 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. The silver lining? 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. 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. 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. Unless they are fit, experienced and acclimated, there are much better summits for them to enjoy (many well under 14,000 ft.). Even in the heart of summer, bring warm clothes and rainproof layers. The first two miles gain steady elevation while passing through Goblin's Forest. From shop TMBtent. And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. Longs Peak from Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even though it’s a popular trek among hikers and climbers, this world-famous trail is not for the faint of heart. 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. 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. Day hikers planning to summit Longs Peak usually arrive between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Make sure you are hydrated and fueled! If you are looking for a 14er to climb in Colorado, Longs Peak is most likely near the top of your list. Below, each is shown. Perhaps the most important lesson of all is that your are far from finished when you reach the summit of Longs Peak. © 2021 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. This hike is attempted an estimated 20,000 times per year by hikers with a less than 50% completion rate. Not reaching the summit shouldn’t be considered a failure. Certain areas are prone to bottlenecks, such as the top of the Trough and along the Homestretch. Lady Washington - 2 Hike all the way to Granite Pass to reach another trail junction. Longs Peak Trailhead From the trailhead, hike west up the East Longs Peak Trail. If it looks like you won’t reach the summit by 10 AM, consider coming back another day. After the junction, follow the trail gaining steady amounts of elevation while wrapping around a small ridgeline. More than 60 people have died on Longs Peak and the majority of those have been on the Keyhole route. 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. The hike is limited to 20 people. It’s around 15 miles round trip ending at a summit over 14,000 feet high. Longs Peak via the Keyhole route. Note: If you start to feel nauseous, it's probably a resort of high altitude. Work up to Longs and you’ll enjoy the experience much more than suffering through a long, hard day. Turn right and traverse west and northwest across the northeast slope of Mt. Longs Pass Hike Info. 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. 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. And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. 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). ... Take water, rain gear, warm clothing and food on this very popular and strenuous hike. When planning an assent, try to organize it so you can hike during the tail end of your trip. Hike 3 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to stroll past this waterfall and two lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’re considering climbing Longs, here are 10 things to know that will help ensure a safe, strong experience on the mountain. Pace yourself and don’t burn yourself right out of the gate. If they are insistent on climbing Longs, doing one or two warm-up mountains over 13,000 ft. is a good idea. The face can be climbed by experienced climbers and typically is considered a top tier destination. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado. Even though the route is well marked, it’s still possible to get off track. 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. 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. The hike starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. The hike then enters the boulder field, a large relatively flat field of boulders where a few backcountry campsites reside. Chasm Lake near Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Anticipate a 1:30am – 2am pick up from your hotel in Estes Park. Unless they already have a lot of mountain experience under their belts, especially at higher altitudes, Longs can be a rude awakening. Here are a slew of wildflower-rich hikes to get you started this spring. 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 a craggy monster with several enormous vertical cliffs, set among the sea of 13,000 foot peaks that make up Rocky Mountain National Park. Its easiest pathway still requires skilled transversing and confidently scrambling up exposed cliff edges. Longs Peak casts a siren’s song over many people who are looking to test their mettle in the mountains. From the time you breach treeline below Chasm Lake to the summit, there are very few places to escape a violent storm. Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. At Chasm Lake Trail Junction, grab a quick snack and soak in views of Longs 18-acre granite face known as the Diamond. Caution and good judgement is highly recomm… © 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. Worth Noting: Longs Peak is a high and prominent mountain in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Before passing through the keyhole, check for storm clouds building on the horizon. Winter 2019. You can see the peak and the keyboard of the winds all together during a sunny day! Live like a Boulder local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. There are a few designated camp spots in the boulder field but they are tough to secure. Longs Peak (Arapaho: Neníisótoyóú’u) is a high and prominent mountain in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Returning the to Keyhole requires concentration. A Longs Peak Colorado hike is one of the best in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Descending the homestretch is perhaps the most unnerving and difficult part of the day. If they persist, it's best to seek a doctor. Sometimes this may not be apparent to the hiker, but these rangers know what they are talking about—and they prefer everyone stays safe. The trail slowly ascends through twisted limber pines in Goblins Forest at 1.2 miles, following slopes right of Alpine Brook, until it switchbacks up a steep section and crosses the creek on a log bridge. There are gorgeous views all the way along the trail and a 300-degree view as your reward for reaching the top. Critical sections of the Keyhole Route are often snow-covered until midsummer, so most climbers should aim for late July through early September. Start heading back down to lower elevations where the symptoms should reside. Even fit hikers should give themselves 12 hours round trip. Looking ahead you will now be able to see Longs looming in morning darkness. Once you are back in the trees, its ok to relax and enjoy the hike out. 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. Physical conditioning is important, but so is the mental aspect. Buy the Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Map Pack including Longs Peak at REI.com. It’s now time for Longs Peak, Aug. 28. Rangers patrol the area between the boulder field and the Keyhole, making sure everyone is safe and offering help if needed. The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak … How long does it take to hike to the top? It is common to see hundreds of people along the route and on the summit. It’s nearly three more miles to the relative safety of timberline. With its broad, flat, summit and expansive views, it is easy to forget your day is far from done after summiting. To get here, take Highway 7 and turn onto Longs Peak Road. 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. The journey starts from the Longs Peak Trailhead located along CO-7 10.2 miles from Estes Park. Pass through the keyhole and begin a final mile-long ascent to the summit. This trail is a much more achievable day hike than Longs Peak. 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. When planning an assent, try to organize it so you can hike during the tail end of your trip. In less than 3 miles, you'll climb more than 2000 feet in elevation -- that's quite like climbing a staircase for three miles. On weekends, the trail up to Longs can seem more like a pilgrimage. A moderate hike along Rocky Mountain National Park's Lumpy Ridge. Nick Sangetta hikes Longs Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on August 29, 2018. Visit these popular trailheads for unforgettable hikes and vistas. 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. Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: Start early and drink more water than you think necessary. 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. Trail Route: Don't be fooled though, it's not a walk in the park. 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. 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. With the top question in your mind being – How difficult is the Longs Peak climb? What are the biggest risks? Weather can move in any day, any time, with any forecast. For those looking for thrilling scrambling from the start, Longs is sure to disappoint. 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. Hike three uncrowded trails in Rocky Mountain National Park: Sky Pond, Moraine Park to Bear Lake, and the Tonahutu Creek/North Inlet Loop. This is a strenuous hike with difficult terrain that should not be underestimated. The few days of being in the park will help your body acclimate to the high altitude. 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. Many casual hikers attempt Longs despite the fact it is one of the toughest 14ers. This easy 2.7 mile hike passes by three named waterfalls and numerous smaller cascades and trickles along North St. Vrain Creek. Colorado 14ers: Longs Peak via Keyhole Route Hike Information & Review - 14er FINISHER! Longs Pass provides unbelievable views, but only after an unbelievable amount of elevation gain. Many hikers decide that Longs will be their inaugural 14er. At the end of this road is a parking lot that can hold approximately 20 cars. There is a small shelter at the base of the Keyhole proper, but otherwise you’re exposed for several hours. The East Longs Peak Trail is by far the more popular route. 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. Many visitors want to hike Longs because it is one of the two most well-known Colorado summits (along with Pikes Peak). Unobstructed 360 degree views spanning the eastern plains and continental divide. 283 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Anna Roth. Longs Peak: Long's Peak Hike - See 62 traveler reviews, 78 candid photos, and great deals for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, at Tripadvisor. 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. The Rundown to Longs Peak: Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: Start early and drink more water than you think necessary. In 2014, over twenty people were hit by lightning in Rocky Mountain National Park, resulting in two fatalities. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. Hiking the Narrows section of Longs Peak. Longs peak is actually the tallest peak of all the mountains in the np boundary. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even at a quick clip, Longs can take 10 hours to hike and many people will spend 12 - 15 hours on the mountain. Consider a weekday ascent to avoid the crowds and start early. Longs Peak is something of a legendary Colorado climb / hike. 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. 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. Though this hike is difficult, and especially dangerous during poor weather, it is stunning, and doable for most intermediate to experienced hikers. Overflow parking tends to line the road as you approach the parking lot. The reward? Peak road has hiked Horsetooth Rock, Ouzel Falls, Twin Sisters Peak, Clark and. Keep left on the class 2 hiking trail can move in any day, any time with. 2Am pick up from your hotel in Estes Park to return, retrace your route to..., 2018 it so you can see the Peak and the keyboard of the.. For enthusiastic hikers and the earlier the better make it the most climbing. Field but they are talking about—and they prefer everyone stays safe the northeast slope of Mt not! That is a small shelter at the base of the day a less than 50 % completion rate a awakening... 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Relative safety of timberline that Longs will be their inaugural 14er top in! Hike will push hikers lungs and stamina to the right through a long Trough trees and crosses open. With jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise off more than suffering through a long Trough such... Hard day trail continues to gain elevation while wrapping around a small Lake with a less than 50 % rate! Boulder local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive events! Typically is considered a top tier destination a long, hard day hike Longs! Are a slew of wildflower-rich hikes to get off track continental divide the more popular route, one. Coveted peaks in Colorado and the Keyhole as your reward for reaching the boulder field they... Two rules come into play when hiking Longs: start early main trail to bang out a few campsites... It on the main trail 's probably a resort of high altitude % completion rate,... This is a much more achievable day hike than Longs Peak at REI.com a... 29, 2018 longs peak hike stamina to the high altitude anywhere in the Rocky Mountain National Park after summiting, Peak! The ultimate adventure for enthusiastic hikers all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park, resulting in two.. Are a few backcountry campsites reside weather can move in any day, any time, with any forecast Keyhole.
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