Longs Peak
Iconic 14,259-ft. peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a challenging Keyhole Route for determined hikers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & storms
Longs Peak
Best Time
Beat crowds & storms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 14,259-ft. peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a challenging Keyhole Route for determined hikers.
"Persistent Class 3 scramble, quite tiring but definitely worth the effort. Beautiful edge views."
Start Before Sunrise 🌅
Aim for a 2-3 AM start to summit and descend before afternoon storms.
Acclimatize Properly ⛰️
Spend a day in Estes Park to adjust to the altitude before your hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Keyhole
Keyhole Route
A narrow passage offering dramatic views and a thrilling scramble. A true test of nerve and skill.
Sunrise from the Summit
Longs Peak Summit
Witnessing the sun paint the Rockies from 14,259 feet is an unforgettable, breathtaking experience.
The Diamond
North Face
A sheer granite wall, iconic for climbers and a stunning backdrop for any adventurer.
Gem Lake Views
Near Estes Park
Enjoy picturesque vistas of Longs Peak from this accessible and beautiful alpine lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Longs Peak
Gear Up for the Keyhole Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start Before Sunrise 🌅
Aim for a 2-3 AM start to summit and descend before afternoon storms.
Acclimatize Properly ⛰️
Spend a day in Estes Park to adjust to the altitude before your hike.
Layer Up! 🧥
Weather changes rapidly; pack layers, gloves, and a hat.
Sturdy Footwear is Key 🥾
Essential for the rocky terrain and scrambling sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
Start Before Sunrise 🌅
Aim for a 2-3 AM start to summit and descend before afternoon storms.
Acclimatize Properly ⛰️
Spend a day in Estes Park to adjust to the altitude before your hike.
Layer Up! 🧥
Weather changes rapidly; pack layers, gloves, and a hat.
Sturdy Footwear is Key 🥾
Essential for the rocky terrain and scrambling sections.
Hydrate & Fuel Up 💧
Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks for this long trek.
Watch for Trail Markers 👀
Bullseyes can be hard to spot in the dark; stay alert after the Keyhole.
Respect the Heights 😨
Be aware of your fear of heights, especially in narrow sections.
Check the Weather Forecast ☁️
Afternoon thunderstorms are common and dangerous.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Longs Peak is a highly rewarding but demanding challenge, with many praising the breathtaking summit views and the sense of accomplishment. However, hikers frequently mention the strenuous nature of the Keyhole Route, the potential for crowds, and the critical importance of proper preparation for altitude and weather. Some find the descent particularly taxing.
"What a beaut!!! Did the Keyhole route 2 weekends ago, quite crowded. Got one of the last parking spots around 2:10am. It became chilly right around the boulder field. Gloves came in handy and hand warmers. Beautiful sunrise. Couple of high wind spots for instance right around the Keyhole. Registered around 42K steps total. Persistent Class 3 scramble, quite tiring but definitely worth the effort. Beautiful edge views. Good luck!!!"
Regular Guy
"One of the most popular Colorado 14ers but not easy.
Keyhole route is nice climb and views from top are great"
George Novak
"Started at 0230 and wrapped up around noon. I was making great time until I got lost after the Keyhole. After figuring out I wasted an hour climbing up only to realize the trail was below me (those bullseyes can be hard to spot in the dark!) I got back on track and was moving along nicely… until the Trough and Homestretch. It was slow going in those two sections for me, both on the way up and coming down.
I’ve never had altitude issues on any trip until this hike. Spending only a half day acclimating from sea level, hiking 6 miles the afternoon before, and getting 3 hours of shoddy sleep isn’t the brightest set of moves to prep for a tough hike. Cramping, headaches, sucking wind.. but I have experience with long hikes that gain a lot of elevation and am in decent shape so I pushed through. The Keyhole route isn’t a technical climb and I didn’t feel that any parts were too sketchy, but on the way back down I saw a lot of folks who clearly weren’t in shape for this or vastly underestimated their fear of heights in the narrows areas. Just prepare smarter than I did and you’ll have a better experience."
Zack Rexine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Longs Peak Trailhead is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado. Access requires an entrance pass for the park. From Estes Park, take CO-7 South for about 9 miles to the clearly marked trailhead on the west side of the road.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it fills up extremely early, often by 2 AM for popular hiking days. Arrive very early or consider alternative transportation if possible.
You can drive to the Longs Peak Trailhead, which is the starting point for most hikes. The mountain itself is not accessible by car.
From Denver, take US-36 W towards Estes Park. Continue on US-36 W until it merges with CO-7 S. Follow CO-7 S for approximately 9 miles to the Longs Peak Trailhead. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers shuttle services during peak season, but it's essential to check their current schedule and routes as they can change. The Longs Peak Trailhead is typically served by park shuttles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Longs Peak is located within Rocky Mountain National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass. These can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
There are no additional fees specifically for hiking Longs Peak beyond the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee.
Rocky Mountain National Park is generally open 24/7, but specific roads and facilities may have seasonal hours. The Longs Peak Trailhead is accessible year-round, weather permitting.
There is no reservation system for hiking Longs Peak itself. However, Rocky Mountain National Park may require timed entry permits during peak seasons, so check the park's official website for current requirements.
The Longs Peak Trailhead is accessible year-round, but hiking to the summit is highly dependent on weather and snow conditions, making it primarily a summer and early fall activity. Winter ascents require advanced mountaineering skills.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Keyhole Route is considered a strenuous Class 3 scramble, meaning it requires significant physical fitness, endurance, and comfort with exposure and basic climbing techniques. It's not a beginner hike.
Most hikers take between 10 to 15 hours to complete the Keyhole Route round trip, depending on fitness, weather, and breaks. Starting very early is crucial.
Challenges include extreme altitude, unpredictable weather (especially afternoon thunderstorms), significant elevation gain, Class 3 scrambling, and potential for getting lost, particularly in the dark.
The Keyhole Route involves Class 3 scrambling, which means using your hands for balance and support. It is not technical rock climbing, but it requires comfort with exposure and uneven terrain.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof and windproof outer shell, a hat, and gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential.
Yes, the Keyhole Route is typically done as a very long day hike, starting in the pre-dawn hours. Overnight trips are generally not recommended due to the challenging nature of the trail.
Longs Peak stands at an elevation of 14,259 feet (4,346 meters), making it one of Colorado's highest peaks.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo opportunities include the sunrise from the summit, the dramatic Keyhole passage, the sheer face of The Diamond, and panoramic views from various points along the trail. Gem Lake also offers beautiful perspectives.
Sunrise offers magical light and is a popular time for summit photos. Golden hour before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting, but be mindful of afternoon storms.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife like elk. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions, and a weather-sealed camera is advisable.
The primary challenges are the extreme altitude affecting gear and personal stamina, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need for early starts to capture sunrise, which means shooting in low light.
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Keep a safe distance and use a telephoto lens for close-up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider scenic drives through the park, like Trail Ridge Road (seasonal), and visiting the Estes Park area for family-friendly activities. Horseback riding near Longs Peak can also be a fun, accessible way for families to experience the mountain scenery.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Climbers
Consider exploring other routes if you have advanced mountaineering skills, such as the North Face or The Diamond, which offer more technical climbing challenges.
Always prioritize safety, check weather conditions meticulously, and be prepared to turn back if necessary. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings like elk. Be prepared for early morning starts in low light and rapidly changing weather.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Keyhole Route
The journey begins at the Longs Peak Trailhead and winds through various terrains, including forests, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes. Key landmarks include the Boulder Field, a challenging section of navigating large rocks, and the Keyhole itself, a narrow opening in the rock formation that offers a dramatic passage. Beyond the Keyhole, the trail becomes more exposed, with sections like the Trough and the Homestretch requiring careful footwork and a good head for heights.
Many hikers emphasize the importance of proper preparation for the Keyhole Route. This includes acclimatizing to the altitude in Estes Park, wearing sturdy hiking boots, and packing layers of clothing to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions. Sufficient water and high-energy snacks are crucial for sustaining energy throughout the long day.
Safety and Preparation for Longs Peak
Weather is a critical factor. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly and pose a severe threat, especially in the exposed alpine environment. Hikers must start their ascent well before dawn to ensure they are off the summit and descending before the typical storm window. Checking the forecast diligently and being prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate is paramount.
Beyond physical fitness, mental preparedness is key. The Keyhole Route involves exposure and scrambling that can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights. Understanding the route, staying focused, and making smart decisions, especially when tired or in challenging conditions, are vital for a safe and successful ascent.
Longs Peak Beyond the Summit
For those interested in the mountain's natural beauty without the strenuous climb, Gem Lake offers a picturesque destination with stunning views of Longs Peak. Trail riding near the mountain, as offered by local stables, provides a different perspective of the landscape.
Longs Peak also hosts the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, a popular annual event that brings a vibrant cultural experience to Estes Park, featuring music, dancing, and traditional games.
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