To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. Take the time to fairly assess your physical condition and the ever-changing conditions on the mountain before you tackle the most difficult part of the climb ahead. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Longs Peak Summit- Keyhole Route. Required fields are marked *. Yes. However, despite how scared they may be of their rope breaking and their body plummeting to the ground, the likelihood that their gear will fail them and they will actually fall is extremely low. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado. Longs Peak will lie directly towards the south, and in between is the famous notch known as "The Keyhole". But….do not rely on the presence of others if you need help. Your goal should not be to summit, it should be to have a rewarding experience and simultaneously stay safe. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. Many accidents on the Keyhole Route occur on the way down from the summit when fatigue or the false assumption that “I’ve done the hardest part” can lead to inattention and poor decision making. Of course, thunderstorms have been known to appear early in the day as well! Let’s use rock climbing as an example. At 14,259 feet above sea level and over 7 miles from the trailhead, this summit will make you earn your views. While you are at it, snacks and water will provide energy for the trip beyond or your return back to the trailhead. Summit fever is dangerous. If I'm not training for my next 100 mile trail race then you can probably find me exploring a new trail with my family. The peak dominates the breathtaking landscape with its height topping out at 14,259 feet. If you lose the bull’s eyes you are likely off-route and will encounter more difficult climbing with potentially severe consequences. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Meeker and Longs Peak (SE Longs, ‘The Beaver’). Pack the appropriate gear in order to avoid hypothermia, exhaustion, and injury. They also are unwilling to turn back, even though a giant storm cloud is looming in the distance or the wind is literally bowling them over. It is one of the 54 14,000-foot peaks of Colorado. If, for any reason, something indicates that you should turn around, you need to do so. Once you are on the narrows, you will be completely exposed on the south side with a drop below you that could make anyone feel light headed. It is a good idea to do some easier fourteeners (like Grays and Torreys) before trying Longs. It is totally worth the trek. Q: Where is it A: On the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in the US. Difficulty: Class 3 Total Elevation Gain: 5,100 feet Round-trip Distance: 14.50 miles. Your ego is not worth your life. Do not rely on your cell phone to assist you during an emergency! If you are trying to stay safe while up on the most popular and deadly fourteener in Colorado, the essential question to ask is: What is the cause of these deaths? On the other hand, what are the actual risks of rock climbing? Longs Peak is a true icon of Colorado. Longs Peak is the northernmost fourteener in the Rocky Mountains and the highest point in Boulder County and Rocky Mountain National Park. If you manage this, you are way more likely to mitigate the danger of a cluster on the mountain, which could lead to a dangerous situation. Let me be clear here - Longs Peak is probably not a good mountain for the novice hiker or climber. Pikes Peak. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. You will not find water sources along the Keyhole Route. Related content: The 9 Best Hikes near Leadville, Colorado. Safety is your responsibility and our concern. Is the weather changing or likely to change? Climbers wishing to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route will pass through the notch (see photo below) in order to reach the west side of the ridge, which allows them to make the final 1.3-mile approach to the top. Distance: 8 miles one way. A crowded mountain alongside weather continually increasing is a dangerous situation. However, the fact that deaths on Longs have become way too common is no accident. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November. For the first six miles, there is a clear, dirt trail that leads you directly to the boulder field just before the Keyhole. The last 1.5 miles is by far the most difficult, exposed and hazardous portion of the route. Longs Peak - Keyhole … In the past, some visitors have mistakenly assumed that a “non-technical” rating meant “safe.” Exposure and other risks along the route exist all the time. If you’re considering the trek to the top, you certainly have some careful planning ahead. Along the Keyhole route there are numerous areas where an un-roped fall can be fatal. In general, the most snow-free and ice-free time of year to climb Longs Peak is mid-July through mid-September. Your email address will not be published. The northernmost of Colorado's fourteeners and one of the most accessible to the Denver area, Longs Peak is one of the more difficult of these peaks to climb, owing to challenging route finding, semi-technical and high-consequence scrambling, and the length of the approach trail. A strenuous out and back excursion that will have you transverse 13.5 miles in elevations increasing over 5,140 feet, the Longs Peak Summit — Keyhole Route is the easiest way to reach to Longs Peak Summit. It is common to see hundreds of people along the route and on the summit. Never hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate. DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5 . Learn more about me here. Like, almost impossible. Between 5 and 10 is moderate, and anything over 10 is considered to be a strenuous hike. I spend as much time in the mountains as possible. What to Bring: Sent with trip confirmation. Our professional guides will safely lead you on this extremely difficult hike. Contact | Privacy Policy. 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. Longs Peak has more routes than any other mountain in the country – over 120, from exposed scrambles to cutting-edge difficulty, and pure rock to ice and mixed climbs. The route has narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep cliffs. 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. For example, one of my friends and Colorado native recently told me he would never climb Longs because he was afraid of the Narrows section. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. 53. From the Keyhole, you only have a mile left of scrambling before you reach the top. Why it’s good for beginners – It’s not. I would like to make the argument that death occurs on Longs Peak due to overpopulation, under preparedness, and overconfidence. And, as one of Colorado’s many “fourteeners,” Longs is well known for its difficulty. In Conclusion – Longs Peak is a Colorado classic. In fact, as of January 2018, 67 deaths have been recorded on Longs Peak, according to data collected by Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. I am sure that when the artist decided to depict Longs on the quarter, they were imagining that Longs represents the beauty of our Centennial State and the adventurous spirit of its residents. This is a climb, a classic mountaineering route that should not be underestimated. If you have a bad feeling in your stomach that you can’t shake, turn around. Remember to enjoy the experience along the way. The actual loft area that gives this route its name is the wide-open flat plateau that separates Mt. If you find yourself off route and wondering which way to go – don’t shortcut – retrace your steps to your last known position. Longs Peak is a high and prominent mountain in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Be sure to adequately plan, prepare for, and manage your climb – don’t take it lightly. Longs Peak (14,259) – The king of Rocky Mountain National Park, this peak features one of the most awesome walls in the world (yes, the world). To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. Longs Peak will await your return. The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak (13,326') ahead. The Keyhole Route crosses enormous vertical rock faces, is exposed to falling rock, and requires scrambling on all fours. Some have died or sustained serious injury because they were travelling alone or chose to separate from the rest of their group. It is important to retrace your steps back to the bull’s-eyes before continuing. Longs Peak is the deadliest mountain in Colorado in terms of the number of fatalities each year, mostly because of the sheer number of people that attempt it. Be just as focused and alert, or even more so, on the way down! I generally try to camp near the mountain and wake up around 2 AM, so I am on trail around 3-3:30 am. Length 14.8 miElevation gain 5039 ftRoute type Out & back The actual Keyhole Route begins after the Boulder Field. Depending upon conditions, you might encounter snow and ice any time of the year. Testimonials. The North Longs Peak Trail heads off to the right. The North Face is a technical route of modest difficulty with minimal 5th class terrain. A: The prime climbing time is from mid July to late August, however, it is climbed year round. Much of this route is above tree-line so give yourself plenty of time to be back below tree-line before afternoon thunderstorms and lightning develop. Check the Longs Peak Conditions page or call the park Information Office at 970-586-1206 to find out the most recent available conditions along the Keyhole Route. Come follow in the footsteps of the famous explorer John Wesley Powell as we traverse Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rock Mountain National Park. The Loft wraps around Longs Peak pretty much opposite of the Keyhole taking the climber on an east to south direction. Weather and conditions can change in a matter of minutes. Are you still providing “technical” and “non-technical” ratings concerning the Keyhole Route? Longs Peak. If symptoms develop, don’t wait to turn around. At these elevations storms often produce snow, sleet and hail. Another perceived risk of hiking Longs is that one will accidentally go the wrong way. Many of the deaths are the result of falling, lightning, hypothermia, and exhaustion. Would you describe the Keyhole Route as dangerous? However, weather and conditions vary so it’s best to check with a ranger or online for current conditions, 970-586-1206 or the park's Conditions & Closure page. This is not a “walk in the park.” This is much more than a hike. Description: This is an ascent of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park (14,259 ft / 4,346 […] Be ready to wake up early the morning of the climb. No one plans to get hurt or killed on Longs Peak. Make sure you know what you are doing, prepare for the worst, and most importantly: be ready to turn around. Upon reading this, it can be easy to blame the deaths on perceived risk: heights (of course), weather, and length of the route. Here is what you need to do to go into the mountain with stability: Train for the hike. However, for many people, when they hear the name “Longs Peak”, they immediately think of death and disaster. Level 1: 2-6 miles, less than 500 feet elevation change on good trails; Level 2: 3-8 ... who had several previous ascents of Longs Peak, went up a couple days prior to our hike, to scout the current conditions. Do not rely on GPS systems or other technology to “show” you the route. How do you ready yourself to overcome these human faults, you ask? Sometimes attempted in a single day, Longs is more commonly climbed as an overnight. However, Longs is no ordinary class 3 fourteener. However, too many people do Longs without having any clue what they are doing, and they end up experiencing irrational fear while not preparing properly for that which can actually cause them harm. There are so many factors that go into preparing oneself for a mountain like Longs. Keep in mind if the route is in “winter- like” conditions sections of the bull’s-eyes will not be visible. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. As with any high altitude mountaineering route you will encounter hazards along the way. The worst danger lies not in the exposure, length, or weather. Our goal is to provide the best available information that will assist in determining if, when and how you may choose to climb this mountain. Layers of clothing (jackets & pants), including insulating, windproof clothing like synthetic or wool, not cotton. Make sure that you are not only used to the mileage, but also the altitude. Contact Us To Book Now. At 14,259 feet, it’s one of the state’s proudest 14ers, and the only one within Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are looking for a 14er to climb in Colorado, Longs Peak is most likely near the top of your list. It arguably leads to the largest amount of human error and consequential death in the outdoor industry. There is no “trail” to the summit of Longs Peak. Longs Peak is so quintessential to Colorado that it is the image etched into the Colorado quarter, meant to symbolize everything that the state represents. Difficulty: Class 1. From the Longs Peak Trailhead to the summit of Longs Peak along the Keyhole Route is 7.5 miles. Rather, it is human error that is the greatest risk one faces on Longs: overpopulation, under-preparedness, and overconfidence are the real problems that one needs to look out for when climbing the mountain, in both themselves and other people. Going the wrong way for a short amount of time is a rule rather than an exception when one gets into more difficult mountain climbing. The mountain was named in honor of explorer Stephen Harriman Long and is f… I like to camp nearby and wake up by 2 am in order to avoid the crowds on the way up. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! Excellent customer service. The symptoms of altitude sickness include: a dull to throbbing headache, loss of appetite, sick to your stomach or nausea, vomiting, and feeling weak or dizzy. Take deep breaths, focus on your steps, and remind yourself that you control your footwork and that you are safe. What are the symptoms of high altitude sickness? The fourteen miles can feel like a lot, especially when rock scrambling is involved near the summit. Keyhole Route is one of the most popular 14er routes in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If a point is named, I will likely add it to my list regardless of difficulty or relief. High altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness) occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen at high altitude. Don’t climb a mountain unless you are ready. Longs Peak (2) 5.4: North Face: CO: 14,255' 63. A lot of food and snacks (energy bars, sweets, jerky, granola, a sandwich, etc). This high failure rate likely comes due to the peak’s popularity and its difficulty. Your email address will not be published. Early Spring (late May through June) and Fall (Septe… The 9 Best Hikes near Leadville, Colorado, Overland Vehicle on a Budget: Under $7,500 Spent. But why are they falling? Well, whenever one embarks on an outdoor expedition, whether it be a simple day hike or a two week rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, there will always be aspects of the trip that one perceives to be the most dangerous, but actually aren’t very dangerous at all. Difficulty: Difficult Elevation range: 9,400-14,259 feet. A successful hike up Longs Peak via the popular Keyhole Route requires a pre-sunrise start and 8.4 miles and almost 5,000 feet of climbing to a 14,259-foot summit. Honestly, you would have to be completely oblivious to get lost on Longs. Too much focus on the summit can lead to poor decisions! The day of, make sure you are observing the temperature, and watching the horizon for dark storm clouds. 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