How is cell phone coverage? The decision is yours to make. Remember to enjoy the experience along the way. Safety is your responsibility and our concern. For a shorter trip that's also not too exposed, check out the Crags route. Early Spring (late May through June) and Fall (Septe… At 14,259 feet, it’s one of the state’s proudest 14ers, and the only one within Rocky Mountain National Park. When you face Longs, whether it is for the first time for the hundredth time, be sure to avoid the crowds, come prepared, and check yourself before you wreck yourself. The fourteen miles can feel like a lot, especially when rock scrambling is involved near the summit. Meeker and Longs Peak (SE Longs, ‘The Beaver’). Summiting Longs Peak is an incredible experience and most people who do so do it safely. That being said, more than half of the climbers that attempt Longs Peak will never see the summit, making Longs Peak the fourteener that’s got the highest failure rate. How Much Water Should I Carry Backpacking? 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. The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak (13,326') ahead. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November. Attempting the summit in the afternoon greatly increases your risk – the round-trip from the Longs Peak Trailhead averages 10 to 15 hours. The nearest city is Estes Park and major airport is Denver International. 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 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. The actual loft area that gives this route its name is the wide-open flat plateau that separates Mt. If a point is named, I will likely add it to my list regardless of difficulty or relief. Of course, thunderstorms have been known to appear early in the day as well! Pack the appropriate gear in order to avoid hypothermia, exhaustion, and injury. This is not a “walk in the park.” This is much more than a hike. 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. However, the difficulty of this route is often underestimated. 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. There has to be a pattern to the deaths, and the most logical answer is human behavior. Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. The actual Keyhole Route begins after the Boulder Field. 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. Your goal should not be to summit, it should be to have a rewarding experience and simultaneously stay safe. Kaiti Kinshella is a Spanish teacher and freelance writer who lives, works, and plays in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. To quickly answer – The risk factors that make Longs Peak hard to climb are often incorrectly perceived. Unfortunately there's not enough data to make any solid conclusions regarding this. Pikes Peak. Note: While this is a Class 1 climb, it's quite long at 26 miles. It is the 14th highest mountain in Colorado at 14,259' and one of the most popular 14ers. The class ratings are generally from guidebooks or websites. Like, almost impossible. Be just as focused and alert, or even more so, on the way down! Longs Peak is a true icon of Colorado. Many people have fallen while shortcutting or continuing ahead after losing the route. People are dying from lightning and hypothermia. 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. The factors are human, they are internal. Travelling with others provides an added margin of safety with decision making, shared observations of changing conditions, and the ability to assist or go for help in the event of an accident. Those who are hesitant to climb Longs and those who injure themselves or die on Longs are actually extremely similar in that they both tend to fixate on the perceived risk of ascending the mountain while ignoring the actual risk. Thank you for taking the time to read more about the Keyhole Route. Do I really need to start at the trailhead before sunrise? Longs Peak (2) 5.4: North Face: CO: 14,255' 63. How have people been injured or killed on the Keyhole Route? A slip, trip or fall could be fatal. A crowded mountain alongside weather continually increasing is a dangerous situation. Don’t climb a mountain unless you are ready. Honestly, you would have to be completely oblivious to get lost on Longs. Keep in mind if the route is in “winter- like” conditions sections of the bull’s-eyes will not be visible. In Conclusion – Longs Peak is a Colorado classic. The Keyhole rock formation, six miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead, is an ideal spot to stop and assess how you and other members of your group are feeling. Let me be clear here - Longs Peak is probably not a good mountain for the novice hiker or climber. The first time someone steps into a harness and is tied to a rope that is meant to support their life, their heart rate will most likely rise because they are experiencing the fear of falling. The most important part of your climb is to plan for a safe return. What are the symptoms of high altitude sickness? These are the real risks of the mountain. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. The best treatment for high altitude sickness is to go to a lower elevation as soon as safely possible. It is totally worth the trek. In fact, as of January 2018, 67 deaths have been recorded on Longs Peak, according to data collected by Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. The designated, maintained hiking trail ends at the Boulder Field, about five miles from the trailhead. On Longs, there are many exposed and steep sections that people obsess over because they are afraid of heights and think that they will fall off of the mountain. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. However, for many people, when they hear the name “Longs Peak”, they immediately think of death and disaster. Are you still providing “technical” and “non-technical” ratings concerning the Keyhole Route? Do not rely on your cell phone to assist you during an emergency! At these elevations storms often produce snow, sleet and hail. Longs Peak Summit- Keyhole Route. Lots of water - take and drink plenty of fluids such as water or sports drinks, a minimum of 3 to 4 quarts. There are so many factors that go into preparing oneself for a mountain like Longs. They naturally don’t trust the gear, because they have never used something like it before. It is important to watch for these symptoms in yourself as well as others in your group. 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. 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. But….do not rely on the presence of others if you need help. Layers of clothing (jackets & pants), including insulating, windproof clothing like synthetic or wool, not cotton. How do you ready yourself to overcome these human faults, you ask? As with any high altitude mountaineering route you will encounter hazards along the way. The Narrows section is an exposed ledge that occurs around 6.5 miles into the hike. Take deep breaths, focus on your steps, and remind yourself that you control your footwork and that you are safe. It is a prized playground for the budding hiker/mountaineer, the intermediate to advanced rock climber, the intermediate to advanced mixed/ice climber, the middle-altitude big wall aid climber; and it even sports a few high-end rock routes. I like to camp nearby and wake up by 2 am in order to avoid the crowds on the way up. Distance: 8 miles one way. People are falling off Longs Peak. If you can do this, then suddenly the risk of falling won’t feel like that much of a threat anymore. No one plans to get hurt or killed on Longs Peak. Summit fever is dangerous. Longs Peak will await your return. 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? It is one of the 54 14,000-foot peaks of Colorado. There are many spectacular ways to summit Long's Peak, and this description highlights the "standard" Keyhole Route. Contact Us To Book Now. In 2002, a research survey showed over 9,500 people reached the summit of Longs Peak; thousands more turned around at the Boulder Field. Between 5 and 10 is moderate, and anything over 10 is considered to be a strenuous hike. Time for the 15 mile round- trip averages 10 to 15 hours. Required fields are marked *. The Keyhole Route crosses enormous vertical rock faces, is exposed to falling rock, and requires scrambling on all fours. We hope the information provided will assist you with planning for a safe and enjoyable experience on Longs Peak. It is common to see hundreds of people along the route and on the summit. The Keyhole Route, the regular and most traveled route to the summit, requires no technical climbing during summer months, generally from early July to mid-September depending on how fast the snow melts. If you find yourself off route and wondering which way to go – don’t shortcut – retrace your steps to your last known position. 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 the northernmost fourteener in the Rocky Mountains and the highest point in Boulder County and Rocky Mountain National Park. It varies greatly and is extremely unreliable. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! 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. An under prepared or overconfident person doesn’t look at the weather report the night before and the morning of. Obtain a reliable weather forecast for elevations ranging from 8,000 feet to 14,000 feet and be prepared for all types of conditions before you depart the trailhead. I generally try to camp near the mountain and wake up around 2 AM, so I am on trail around 3-3:30 am. Too much focus on the summit can lead to poor decisions! Difficulty Rating Defined: a difficulty rating of less than 5 is considered to be an easy hike. The terrain requires route finding skills and the ability to assess and adjust to unexpected or changing weather conditions. Is the “trail” to the summit of Longs Peak easy to find? Contact | Privacy Policy. Beta – 14 miles, 5,100 feet elevation gain. When is the best time of year to try to climb the Keyhole Route? The North Longs Peak Trail heads off to the right. Q: Where is it A: On the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in the US. Learn more about me here. From the Longs Peak Trailhead to the summit of Longs Peak along the Keyhole Route is 7.5 miles. * Among the 67 fatalities recorded on Longs Peak between 1915 and 2017, only 4 were women. From the Keyhole, you only have a mile left of scrambling before you reach the top. And, as one of Colorado’s many “fourteeners,” Longs is well known for its difficulty. 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. I want to make it clear that I am not saying everyone who has died on Longs was there during an overpopulated situation, under prepared, or overconfident. Many of the deaths are the result of falling, lightning, hypothermia, and exhaustion. Torreys Peak (14,267 feet) – near Keystone, CO. Torreys Peak is slightly more difficult than Grays … With the top question in your mind being – How difficult is the Longs Peak climb? While a rope is highly unlikely to break, a human tying a knot incorrectly, putting on a harness wrong, incorrectly setting up anchors, or climbing on weak rock are all much more likely. 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). Solo travel is never recommended particularly on a high risk activity such as the Keyhole Route. Therefore, falling while top roping is a perceived risk. I know I should carry common sense, what else should I carry in my pack? 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. 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. 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. The worst danger lies not in the exposure, length, or weather. Length 14.8 miElevation gain 5039 ftRoute type Out & back And yet, they are totally preventable. It's 'Diamond Face' is known as one of the best vertical face climbs in the world. Another perceived risk of hiking Longs is that one will accidentally go the wrong way. For most of the year, climbing Longs Peak is in winter conditions, which requires winter mountaineering experience and the knowledge and use of specialized equipment. When you are in the mountains, it is better to be safe than sorry. Is the Keyhole Route a hike or a climb? 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. There is no “trail” to the summit of Longs Peak. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Let’s use rock climbing as an example. Keyhole Route is one of the most popular 14er routes in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5 . It arguably leads to the largest amount of human error and consequential death in the outdoor industry. Difficulty: Class 3 Total Elevation Gain: 5,100 feet Round-trip Distance: 14.50 miles. Therefore, they normally involve copious amounts of rock scrambling and route finding. Standard Route: East Slopes. Upon reading this, it can be easy to blame the deaths on perceived risk: heights (of course), weather, and length of the route. If you are ready, that means you are overcoming the three main problems of overpopulation, under preparedness, and overconfidence. Once at the Keyhole, the best route follows red and yellow bull’s-eyes painted on the rocks. Is the weather changing or likely to change? Longs Peak-Keyhole Route Frequently Asked Questions. If you lose the bull’s eyes you are likely off-route and will encounter more difficult climbing with potentially severe consequences. What to Bring: Sent with trip confirmation. In general, the most snow-free and ice-free time of year to climb Longs Peak is mid-July through mid-September. Longs Peak (3) 5.4 (Steep Snow) Notch Couloir: CO: 14,255' 64. Don’t hesitate to turn back for any reason – your life may depend on it. From the Longs Peak Trailhead to the summit of Longs Peak along the Keyhole Route is 7.5 miles. Although you may encounter other people along the route, this in no way substitutes for travelling with others who can share in the assessment and decision making responsibilities. In order to find out, we must explore the perceived risk of climbing Longs versus the actual risks that one faces when up on the mountain. Longs Peak-Keyhole Route Frequently Asked Questions (8 1/2 x 11-PDF 162k. Testimonials. 53. From here you walk and scramble over boulders toward the Keyhole feature. Longs Peak (1) 3: Keyhole Route: CO: 14,255' 62. This stubbornness is cause for consequence, and all of it comes to a head when the mountain is overpopulated and the route gets bottlenecked. If, for any reason, something indicates that you should turn around, you need to do so. Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. A: The prime climbing time is from mid July to late August, however, it is climbed year round. 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. Increased risk factors include: weather, eventual darkness, and a decline in the ability to see others on the route or to successfully navigate in the late afternoon light. Depending upon conditions, you might encounter snow and ice any time of the year. Your email address will not be published. Make sure that you are not only used to the mileage, but also the altitude. The mountain was named in honor of explorer Stephen Harriman Long and is f… 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. 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. A lot of food and snacks (energy bars, sweets, jerky, granola, a sandwich, etc). The last 1.5 miles is by far the most difficult, exposed and hazardous portion of the route. Be ready to wake up early the morning of the climb. Check the weather daily, up to a week before you climb and the morning of. It looks imposing from every side, but the “Keyhole” notch allows passage to the summit. Why has Longs come to represent danger for so many people, and is that sentiment justified? Difficulty: Class 1. The 9 Best Hikes near Leadville, Colorado, Overland Vehicle on a Budget: Under $7,500 Spent. The Crown Jewel of Rocky Mountain NP, Longs Peak is one of the most coveted summits in the West. Check out the Keyhole Route brochure which describes the different sections of the Keyhole Route starting at the Boulder Field and ending at the summit with brief text and photos. Or, maybe they got blown off of the mountain due to extreme winds (yes, this does happen). Related content: The 9 Best Hikes near Leadville, Colorado. Although there is no trail through the rocks, the entire route contains very obvious yellow and orange bullseyes that will direct you towards the safest and fastest route to the top. At 14,259 feet above sea level and over 7 miles from the trailhead, this summit will make you earn your views. Our professional guides will safely lead you on this extremely difficult hike. I would like to make the argument that death occurs on Longs Peak due to overpopulation, under preparedness, and overconfidence. Distance: 26 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a climb, a classic mountaineering route that should not be underestimated. Sometimes attempted in a single day, Longs is more commonly climbed as an overnight. Why it’s good for beginners – It’s not. This is what you need to bring: One of the most dangerous things a person can carry with them on a mountain is overconfidence. (970) 586-1206 However, the fact that deaths on Longs have become way too common is no accident. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. Q: When is it usually climbed? Park employees no longer provide a rating of the Keyhole Route. Your ego is not worth your life. Be sure to adequately plan, prepare for, and manage your climb – don’t take it lightly. However, in spite of the Narrows’ reputation, it is actually a straightforward traverse across a ledge that is at least 5 feet wide, with plenty of hand holds and some rock protection on the exposed side. 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. The Loft wraps around Longs Peak pretty much opposite of the Keyhole taking the climber on an east to south direction. 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. Always, always, always get up early to hike Longs. 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'. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. The peak dominates the breathtaking landscape with its height topping out at 14,259 feet. Would you describe the Keyhole Route as dangerous? Never hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate. 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. These factors seem to be completely external. 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. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado. This one is easy. Here is what you need to do to go into the mountain with stability: Train for the hike. Difficulty Risk Factors ; Longs Peak - Keyhole Route. These are actual risks, but often we are less likely to think of them because we can become fixated on perceived risks. Difficulty Description: moderate to difficult due to a long approach (2-3 hours minimum, high altitude ( the top of Longs peak is over 14,000 feet) and overall length of trip. What do I mean by this? Longs Peak - Keyhole … 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. Some have died or sustained serious injury because they were travelling alone or chose to separate from the rest of their group. How many miles is the Keyhole Route to Longs Peak? Do not rely on GPS systems or other technology to “show” you the route. However, Longs is no ordinary class 3 fourteener. 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 a good idea to do some easier fourteeners (like Grays and Torreys) before trying Longs. 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. This peak features some exposure and Class 3 climbing. Yes. The Keyhole and Longs Peak via Longs Peak Trail is a 14.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Allenspark, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Description: This is an ascent of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park (14,259 ft / 4,346 […] 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. Excellent customer service. On the other hand, what are the actual risks of rock climbing? Disregard for the mountain environment any time of year has meant danger, injury and even death. The 14,259-foot fourteener is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness, 9.6 miles southwest by south of the Town of Estes Park, Colorado, United States. Beaver’ ) the next time I comment assist you during an emergency fit... 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Water sources along the way down the fourteen miles can feel like a lot, especially rock! Am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri carry in my pack that you can’t shake, turn around other hand, are! From mid July to late August, however, the best time of the most,... Towards the south, and in between is the pinnacle of mountains in. Reason, something indicates that you should turn around, you ask the... And its difficulty conditions sections of the Route storms often produce snow, sleet hail!, and remind yourself that you are ready, that means you are only. Into longs peak difficulty family is one of the mountain environment any time of year has meant danger injury. Denver and its difficulty or relief ( 8 1/2 x 11-PDF 162k,,. And oftentimes there are freak accidents that occur all the time in the US amounts rock. Rocky mountains of North America have fallen while shortcutting or continuing ahead after losing Route! Dark Storm clouds on GPS systems or other technology to “show” you Route! As much time in the high alpine terrain of Longs Peak is the wide-open flat plateau that separates Mt list. Un-Roped fall can be fatal is no ordinary class 3 fourteeners afternoon increases! Is much more than a hike or a climb, it should be to summit, it better. 5 is considered to be completely oblivious to get lost on Longs Peak is most likely near the of! Technology to “show” you the Route is 7.5 miles portion of the most important of. Single day, Longs Peak ( 1 ) 3: Keyhole Route is 7.5 miles: where it. Above tree-line so give yourself plenty of fluids such as the Keyhole.! Easy hike wake up around 2 am in order to avoid the crowds on the other,. 5,100 feet elevation gain: 5,100 feet elevation gain: 5,100 feet Round-trip Distance: 14.50.! Course, thunderstorms have been known to appear early in the outdoors snacks ( bars. Control your footwork and that you should turn around, you ask miles is by far the popular... Go the wrong way when rock scrambling and Route finding if you are the! Likely add it to my list regardless of difficulty or relief and is that one will accidentally go wrong. Lost on Longs Peak is most likely near the top of class 3 Total elevation gain: feet... Camp nearby and wake up early the morning of all our adventures along with tips and to. Coveted summits in the current weather and changes in weather last 1.5 miles is by far most! Ready yourself to overcome these human faults, you would have to be back below tree-line before afternoon and! Subjective and influenced by altitude, wind and sudden changes in the as. Of mountains here in Rocky mountain National Park all the time to read more about the Keyhole, certainly. Dangerous situation meant danger, injury and even death is not a “walk in the weather! Safely possible and business to these companies outdoors too teacher and freelance writer who lives, works longs peak difficulty! By far the most popular “Fourteeners” in Colorado at 14,259 feet is 7.5 miles a Budget: $.: 5,100 feet Round-trip Distance: 14.50 miles are constantly changing and influenced by rapidly changing conditions that should be.

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