longs peak

Be prepared if you climb Longs Peak. It is one GREAT hike and an accomplishment you will always remember. However, people rarely say "it was a fun hike" or even "it was an enjoyable hike." The scenery is spectacular but it is long (about 17 miles round trip) and gets harder and steeper the higher you go. The upper portions are often covered in snow and ice until August so the window to go is limited and attracts a lot of hikers. The fact that you are hiking on a trail with many others might lead you to assume "it must be safe if they let all these people hike here," but in reality there are some steep areas where not paying attention can be fatal. The summit is surprisingly large and flat (You could play football on top ... But queezy tummies, headaches and tired legs make that unpopular). The views from the top are great but not as panoramic as those from smaller summits. But the view from below is even better. From Denver to Cheyenne you can look up decades later at Longs Peak and proudly say "I was there!"

Unlike most people who summit longs, we decided to make it part of a backpacking trip. We spent the night before the summit in the boulder field, which was an awesome experience and I would highly recommend it! It was windy, but the sunrise was worth it. The summit climb was fun, and once through the keyhole you are treated to awesome views of the mummy range. It is a decently strenuous climb, especially the middle section known as the trough. After an hour or so stay on the summit, we descended as it began it cloud up. We made it back to our tents just in time for a afternoon hail storm, which worked well as "rocks" in our victory scotches.

I did this in August of 2012, probably the nicest day I have ever hiked, nice and cool and no storms in the horizon. The most scenic for me so far, and exhilarating. There are a couple of spots that will scare off most, but if you can get past the rock with the rebar foot hold you are on your way. Just take your time and plan your routes. Start early so you can go through the keyhole at dawn, start around 2am for the normal hiker. This hike can take a normal hiker 10-16 hours. Read up on people reviews at 14ers.com, weather tips, route tips, etc.

An awesome climb to the top - 14,259 ft! The weather cooperated and it was fabulous! Don't try this if you don't like heights and breathing thin air...but if you do, this should be on your list!

If you've done it, you know what I'm talking about. Starting a hike at 2AM with a headlamp in the dark, crossing the boulder field, passing through the key hole, losing elevation in the ledges only to go up the trough, surviving the narrows to scramble the home stretch to the summit. If you are interested in Colorado 14ers, this is one to add to the top of list.

Check the National Park conditions before you decide to hike the trail at Longs Peak. The snow pack stays for sometime into June if the weather is cool. We were there in mid-June and the snow pack had everything closed. One of the highest peaks in America. There are glaciers, tundra, streams, subalpine meadows and abundant plant life and animals.

The snow is still covering the high peaks and Trail Ridge Road had closed again after the attempt to open it for Memorial Day tourists. This National Park is heaven on earth! Don't miss it's many breathtaking views, wildlife and amazing hikes when you visit. I know I am so fortunate to live so close to this amazing place. Senior Park Pass makes it so inviting too.

In balmy weather conditions this is a thrilling hike. When the weather turns nasty, it is chilling (in all senses of the word). When its raining or snowing, this will no longer be a hike, but a technical scramble on slippery rocks with no margin of error and frighten the pants off you. You will hear thunder coming from what seems like inside your head and expecting a bolt of lightening at any second to grill you to the spot.I've climbed Long's several times but I've turned around more often than I've summitted. Don't be afraid to be conservative and do the same. In good weather start early and finish early before afternoon thunderstorms roll in. When the weather is dicey from the start, cancel before you step out on the trail.

I have hiked this mountain 5 times now (both the Loft and Keyhole route). Great mountain, each time is different. I can't stress it enough though- it is a large mountain with a long approach- don't attempt until you do the research and know what it is all about. On one of my hikes a few years ago, we helped a stranded man out that was in need of medical attention- it ended up being a 20 hour day for us (he wasn't prepared). He was blessed that he recovered from his injuries- he may not have made it out. So prepare well and have a great time!

Did this hike Labor Day of 2012 and what an adventure..treeline hike, rock trails, vertical hike...etc... Must do in Rocky National Park. Prep well though..12-15hr roundtrip hike...

The first time my bro saw this mountain he said it looked like (from afar) the Paramount Mountain logo you see before the movie. Well this mountain, when you get up close is one of the highest and largest in Colorado. The trails are great and the sites are something else.

Must do for anyone fit and adventurous. Totally safe if you pay attention, hike when nontechnical and did I say pay attention. Aout a 15 mile hike and huge elevation gain so must be fit. At 14,500 feet you need a few days to acclimate before hiking. Wear gloves even on a nice day it gets cold up high and you wil be gripping rocks or clinign to rocks if your a flatlander like me. But that is part of the fun. Some areas will give you pause but what a tremendous accomplishment overcomeing fear andmaking the summit. Oh yeah and thats only half way. Start by 2:30 am so you have pelnty of tiem to get up and down before afternoon storms. Layers are a must. Either research on the net or read climb longs peaak to get an idea what you getting into. IT is just alonghike to the keyhole and that veiw is great. Beyond the keyhole it gets intimidating lots of open space and exposure but a fairly wide and well marked trail MOSTLY. And the narrow parts are brief but thrilling. I wear runnign shorts, running tights and rain pants, Short sleeve runnign top, Long sleever running top, fleece, and a rain jacket, leather gloves, head band and neck gaiter. On a nice dya you might be in shorts and a long sleeve top after sunrise but on other days you might be in cold chilly wind above tree line and need every layer. Montain weather is unpredicatable. Light breathable and wicking layers are best. Shoes. I have seen folks in sneakers but there can be shall ow water wet trail appraohcing boulder field so somehting a bit more substantial is recommended. Also having a hikning sole with fim lugs is a bit more stable on the rockes. I wear columbia trail shoes as hikning boots usually give me blisters. I pack a pair fo socks to change into later in the day, use sun screen, pack a blister kit, and take lots of water. I use a large camelback, the rim runner hods all my gear inside or in teh elastic cords, adequate water and it is along day so trail mix, power bar sandwich and orange. is good. Don;t forget to sign the regiister at the top. Been up twice on four attempts and hope to go again. Average trip is about 12 hours and you will be tired when done so get a nice place with a hot tub and have a bottle of wine or a six pack at the cabin to celebrate. Or go to Kind Coffee for a Latte. Usually nontechnical August and early September. At times late July. Start early of go on weekdays to limit the crowds. Not congested but cetainly a steady stream of hikers/climberrs on teh weekends.

Views from Longs Peak from the Keyhole area on are absolutely amazing. What is wonderful about this mountain is the variety of terrain & how you actually go about 3/4 of the way around this mountain to get to the top. This means more views, more adventure! There are 5 named sections of the most popular route, which gives you an idea of the variety. There are also other less used, but still well enjoyed routes which are also challenging and beautiful. But come prepared for a serious effort; it's a 15 mile round trip if you take the Keyhole Route. Bring all the necessary gear, plenty of water & food. If you're in good shape, this will be an unforgettable experience!

Two days later and I'm still sore. I would not recommended this hike to someone that is out of shape. In fact one of the brouchers specifically says "this is not a hike its a climb". I did summit and I went up the key hole rout witch seems to be the one everyone takes. It took me 13.5 hours from the parking lot back to the car. we started at 3am and summited around 9:30am. The clime down was actually the hardest part. I defiantly want to caution people about the level of physical fitness needed for this hike. and Do Not Go By Yourself!

I look out on Longs Peak, the most beautiful view in Estes Park. This view doesn't even begin to do it justice. You can hike up Longs Peak, but you had better be in really good shape, start at 3 am in the morning, and come prepared. Not a hike for the faint of heart or for those not in excellent condition.