Water: it is recommended to bring 3 to 4 liters of water. New informative materials to help you plan and prepare for your climb have been posted on the park's website since July. www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm, www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping.htm, www.backpacker.com/trips/colorado/rocky-mountain-national-park/colorado-14ers-longs-peak-via-keyhole-route/. How to Prepare for the Keyhole on Longs Peak, CO - Alpine Institute Time Required To Climb Longs Peak Keyhole Route? How many miles is the Keyhole Route to Longs Peak? This is not a "walk in the park." This is much more than a hike. I have summited Longs 43 times, most recently in July 2016. The trek takes most hikers about 15 hours to complete and can be done in 1 or 2 days. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. (Make sure you drink plenty of water on these heat-of-the-day training sessions. It is about 1/4 mile vertical climb up the side of a cliff face to the summit. A view of the Boulder Field from the Keyhole, with the little hut on the right. Seriously, it is one hell of a hike. Half of the people who set off for Longs Peak never see the summit. Hike at Altitude Make time to acclimate to the altitude by hiking around RMNP and Estes Park. A 180 degree panorama from the center of the Keyhole. Take care to monitor yourself carefully, dont overdo it, drinks lots of water, and eat healthily. Our hands were numb and swollen to the point of ridiculous. There is no better training. Layers of clothing (jackets & pants), including insulating, windproof clothing like synthetic or wool, not cotton. Its location means it is also easier to gain access to than many. To quote the National Park Service: The Keyhole Route [the main trail to climb Longs] is not a hike. Park employees no longer provide a rating of the Keyhole Route. Where Should I Camp in Rocky Mountain National Park? Our thought process (yea we are a little crazy) -- Oh, only experienced hikers, 4,855 climb, 16 miles, thunderstorms, 14,259 elevation, icy conditions sounds great! Try to give yourself a good three days before the summit bid to alchemize to the high altitudes at Rocky National Park. By submitting this form, you are granting: Rams Horn Village Resort, 1565 Colorado Highway 66, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States, http://www.rhvresort.com permission to email you. The last 1.5 miles is by far the most difficult, exposed and hazardous portion of the route. Once at the Keyhole, the best route follows red and yellow bulls-eyes painted on the rocks. The actual Keyhole Route begins after the Boulder Field. If you can, the best way to train for the hike is simply to hike at altitude! Longs Peak Hiking Guide | REI Co-op Adventure Center It is important to retrace your steps back to the bulls-eyes before continuing. Is the weather changing or likely to change? Here are some training tips to get you prepared for hiking a Colorado fourteener this summer: Alan Arnette, a Fort Collins resident who has summited Mount Everest, said that while you do not need to be muscle-bound to climb a fourteener, you do need to be in excellent shape to attempt any mountain. to be safe. Close trails like Horsetooth Rock (elevation 7,255 feet), Arthur's Rock (6,780 feet) and Greyrock (7,613 feet) are good beginning training hikes. Loft Route - Longs Peak - Alan Arnette Thanks for your interest in joining the Rams Horn Village Resort mailing list. Every persons body is unique when alchemizing to high altitude. This is no joke, we had a hard time climbing in good weather, wecouldn'timagine it with rain. In general, the most snow-free and ice-free time of year to climb Longs Peak is mid-July through mid-September. At 14,259 feet (4,345 meters), Longs Peak is one of the most popular Fourteeners in Colorado. Like that favorite dish of Macaroni and Cheese or Chicken Soup that exudes comfort for one's being, after thirty successful summits, so too had this peak been relegated into my comfort zones. The terrain requires route finding skills and the ability to assess and adjust to unexpected or changing weather conditions. Longs Peak Weather Conditions and Forecast - The Next Summit: A 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. If you can, the best way to train for the hike is simply to hike at altitude! To practice jumping, such as over a stream or boulder, do one leg to the other leg jumps. See all things to do Longs Peak 5 65 reviews #24 of 95 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park Mountains Visit website Call Write a review About This 14,255-foot mountain located in Rocky Mountain National Park offers challenging hiking and scenic views. Being physically fit has no bearing on whether or not you will get altitude sickness. In addition, monitor the weather conditions in the region prior to your hike. 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. Along the way, your guide will share interpretation about the Rockies and surrounding area. It is a climb, a classic mountaineering route that should not be underestimated. The Keyhole Trail has various sections with varying degrees of difficulty, and knowing the obstacles that lie ahead will help you to better prepare for the journey. Ensure that you are prepared to climb at altitude, and you are outfitted with proper gear, food, and plenty of water to make the ascent and descent. All of these factors made the hike extremely interesting and also potentially fatal. You will want to follow red and yellow bulls eyes. This is where we started to put in our blood, sweat and tears for this hike, as we didn't have gloves on. Your body will quickly adapt to the decrease in oxygen, which will mitigate the odds of having altitude sickness while climbing Longs Peak. 14 Favorite Waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The decision is yours to make. Your body will quickly adapt to the decrease in oxygen, which will mitigate the odds of having altitude sickness while climbing Longs Peak. As a team, we have either reviewed or created thousands of factsheets for the 200+ investment firms we've worked with. This allowed us to check that the skies were clear for 75 miles in every direction around us, giving us the confidence to go for it. Unfortunately for us, the Home Stretchwas extremely icy. Do not rely on your cell phone to assist you during an emergency! 1. For example, I wore a pair of underwear, sweatpants, and REI thin khaki hiking pants over those. Acclimate your body and lungs: You can do this by going to shorter hikes at lower elevations on the days leading up to your planned summit. First things first, lets highlight the difficulty and hazards of this climb we cannot stress this enough: Longs Peak is dangerous! Itinerary Escape to the true wilderness on this challenging, steep, and technical 15-mile day hike on Longs Peak. The trek from 5,000 feet to 14,000 feet isn't like running a weekend 5K. At these elevations storms often produce snow, sleet and hail. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Pack a first aid kit, a headlamp (which youll need for the beginning of the hike, since its best to start before sunrise), sunscreen, a personal locator beacon (for emergencies), a trail map and compass (in case you get lost however, the majority of the trail up to the boulder field on Longs is well-traveled and well-marked), waterproof matches, a pocket knife or multi-tool, a whistle, and possibly hiking poles. All Rights Reserved, : The Keyhole Route [the main trail to climb Longs] is not a hike. Practice hiking in the heat of the day: Since you will be hiking for a majority of the day, it is important to train for the heat by hiking during the day, when the sun is blazing. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Safety is ultimately each visitors personal responsibility. Ultra-runners routinely make the 15-mile roundtrip in about six hours, and an acclimatized hiker who doesnt dawdle can eke out 12 hours. I had never been that high up before and it was astounding how little oxygen there is at 14,259 feet. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The flat-topped monarch is seen from almost anywhere in the park. The best time of year to climb Longs Peak is when it has the least snow and ice, typically between midJuly and mid-September. Alan Arnette, a Fort Collins climber who has climbed Mount Everest, suggests these Colorado fourteeners for your first 14,000-foot summit: For information on Colorado's fourteeners, visit, www.14ers.com. Thus, you need to try to put yourself in hot conditions and exercise when possible, even if indoors. This is a problem with any hike above the tree line in Rocky National Park. This iconic peak is what most people think about when they think of Rocky Mountain, or Colorado mountains, in general. For strong hikers without vertigo, no special climbing equipment is necessary. 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. With each machine, resist hanging on to the hand rails. But the Keyhole Route is only a hike in places. Whether you plan to spot a sight and turn back or stay the night . Its location means it is also easier to gain access to than many. Never hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate. Its 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 peaks almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms. A slip, trip or fall could be fatal. However, some tips on how to prepare for a longs peak hike may include: - Making a map of the area you will be hiking in - Studying the weather conditions in the area - Planning your route - Preparing your food and water - Preparing your gear - Preparing your self A view of the "Ledges" part of the trail, about 1/2 mile after the Keyhole. Longs Peak - Keyhole Route - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S LONGS PEAK WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS HIKE WE COMPLETED, A MAN DIED ON IT THE DAY BEFORE WE GOT THERE, THIS HIKE CAN KILL YOU, AND IT ALMOST KILLED US, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS ON LONGS PEAK, YOU NEED TO MAKE A CALL ABOUT THE WEATHER AND YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION, THE ALTITUDE + ICE + COLD + THUNDER + DISTANCE MAKE THIS HIKE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, DO NOT ATTEMPT IT UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY PREPARED FOR IT, ONE LAST THING -- DON'T BE STUPID AND MAKE A RANGER RISK THEIR LIFE FOR YOU, IT JUST ISNT WORTH IT. When you access the website you will find a downloadable brochure showing the main sections of the route starting at the Boulder Field and ending at the summit with brief text and photos. 4. Around 1925, a steel cable was placed on the North Face to be used as a hand rail to assist hikers in ascending the peak. Here are a few tips to help you be successful on this route: 1) Find a specific mountain workout program that works for you, and stick to it There are many workout programs available in the modern era that are specific to mountain fitness. Its crucial to prepare for the climb to the summit well in advance to ensure that you minimize the dangers and hazards that exist on one of Colorados most sought after peaks. 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. Is the Keyhole Route a hike or a climb? Start with shorter, manageable hikes and work to increase the length of your hikes until youre comfortable attempting a Longs Peak summit climb. However, we think our acclimation strategy worked, as we didn't really feel it until we got to the very top. "A combination of climbing (hiking) on the weekends and aggressive exercise during the week will get you there," Arnette said. Never attempt to summit too late in the day (when weather conditions can change drastically in minutes). We recommend that you hike at altitude and work on your endurance to prepare for the thinner air and the long hike. While you are at it, snacks and water will provide energy for the trip beyond or your return back to the trailhead. . When we were first reading through the section in our Frommers book on Rocky Mountain National Park and read about the Longs Peak hike, we were immediately interested. The Trough: there is extreme exposure here, and the terrain is very loose, so watch your footing and take extreme caution. Time for celebration; drink some water, take in the views, and prepare for the climb down. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Also, your departure time is crucial. If you lose the bulls eyes you are likely off-route and will encounter more difficult climbing with potentially severe consequences. The Keyhole: there is a break in the rock, creating a "keyhole", this is where the climbing route to the summit starts. My friend said it best, "It was like a putting a slip and slide on the side of a cliff face and trying to climb up it." Climbing Longs Peak takes most hikers between 10 and 15 hours in total, and you should aim to summit well before noon, when weather conditions usually begin to destabilize. Its well worth the journey if you are prepared, patient, and careful. The Narrows: here you will cross a sheer vertical rock face on a narrow path. Longs Peak is one of Colorados most coveted 14ers, mountain peaks that are over 14,000. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. So keep up with forecasts, talk to rangers and climbing professionals in the area, check again even as you are about to start, and when in doubt, turn back. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, See Rocky Mountain National Park in One Day, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Spring, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Summer, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter. Plus, once youve completed your trek you can enjoy a dip in the pool! This is also a piece of gear that provides peace of mind. Staying in accommodations close to the park or camping in the park are also helpful. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. It was slightly icy and snowy, but overall, taking it very slowly and carefully, it is not that bad. A long and but exciting hike well worth your time. Your first thought will be, "Are you serious? Try the Bosu ball or placing pillows under your foot. Look for a boot with a good balance of flexibility (which provides better grip and feel) and support (which helps distribute the weight youre carrying while securing the ankle). The actual Keyhole Route begins after the Boulder Field. The report illustrates conditions along the route with photographs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 2 Longs Peak is the queen of the front range, rising high above the northern Colorado rocky mountains. It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces, often with falling rocks, requiring scrambling, where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. I usually try to hike longer trails and a few lower elevation mountains to prepare myself for 14ers. Permits required for overnight parking. Flexibility is important while traversing rocks and narrow sections on the trail. This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks. Both of us came close to falling of the side of the mountain multiple times though. Conditioning hikes: As Arnette suggests, do your hiking on the weekends. After the climb . Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Days/Nights to Camp/Spend Here As many as you can, but this depends on what you are doing in RMNP. Powelka suggests several functional exercises to mimic conditions on a fourteener hike. The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. However, you might not live somewhere that produces hot weather hikes for two solid weeks. There is no trail to the summit of Longs Peak. As we mentioned, Longs Peak tops out at 14,259 feet, which is well over a vertical mile above the altitude here in Estes Park. Tips/Tricks - Crampons and gloves + a little common sense. Thus, anyone attempting Longs Peak without having proper experience and skills is making a foolish and potentially deadly decision. The Keyhole Route crosses enormous vertical rock faces, is exposed to falling rock, and requires scrambling on all fours. Book a stay as you plan your climb while acclimating to the altitude. Camping Evaluation - Longs Peak Campgroundisdefinitelythe way to go if you are hiking Longs Peak. CO Remember that ice slip-n-slide you just climbed up? We each brought 7 liters of water, as there are no places to refill along the way. Start with moderate efforts of an hour each several times a week, working up to longer, more-intense sessions with one full-day hike on the weekend. Not reaching the summit is not a failure; it is smart to turn back when you need to, and you will still receive incredible views along the way. Keyhole Route - Longs Peak - Alan Arnette Looking up the Troughsection of the Longs Peak Trail. The best time to begin your Longs Peak adventure is 2 am 3 am. . You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. It is located in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado's front range. Best Time Of Day To Begin Longs Peak Keyhole Route? Make time to acclimate to the altitude by hiking around RMNP and Estes Park. What are the symptoms of high altitude sickness? Critical sections of the Keyhole Route are often snow-covered until midsummer, so most climbers should aim for late July through early September. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Many people have fallen while shortcutting or continuing ahead after losing the route. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and How early? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Yoga offers a unique combination of stretching and strengthening that improves flexibility and eases stress on joints. Estes Park, In addition, pack at least four quarts of waterthe Boulderfield is the last chance to fill up, and its not guaranteed thereplus snacks, a warm hat and gloves, raingear, and a puffy jacket for the summit. You need to be very careful on this part as it is very icy and there are little to no handholds. Long's peak, while far from being mundane, had melded itself into my palate as a standard staple of climbing fare. Its likely that youll end up carrying 20 or 30 pounds of gear or so including water, snacks, and extra clothing on your journey up Longs. Below is a list of what you should bring on your journey to the summit: This 15-mile hike should take you approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete. An interesting note about the guest book, which you should sign by the way: apparently, the rangers don't check it on a daily basis, they will only check it if someone reports you missing. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. National Park Services Longs Peak trail conditions report. After that, it is a short 6.2 mile hike back through the Boulder Fieldto the Ranger Station and hopefully your campsite. We recommend that you hike at altitude and work on your endurance to prepare for the thinner air and the long hike. Longs PeakLong Hike : Trip Reports : SummitPost Schedule your stay today, and dont forget to check out our next article in the series: Summiting Longs Peak Part II: The Keyhole Route Trail! Youll love the many amenities we offer, and the warm character of our cabins. Flexibility: The up and down of climbing a fourteener puts a huge strain on your joints and muscles. Thats why we recommend that you stay near the mountain before the day of your hike. Longs Peak-Keyhole Route: Frequently Asked Questions The route circumnavigates the upper mountain on the way to the summit, providing stunning views. I'll make you guess. How early? If you're new to running, start at two times per week 30 minutes at a time, building to 45 minutes. Thus, people sometimes try it on a whim, 14 miles doesn't sound hard or that long of a day. A look down the Troughsection of the Longs Peak Trail. If you are doubtful, turn back. If you want an alternative that is less crowded, slightly shorter by mileage, longer by time and more difficult actual climbing then the Loft Route is for you. Too much focus on the summit can lead to poor decisions! More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Let your group know right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Be wary that the trail may still be wet (which makes the final stages of the climb more difficult and hazardous). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Do 12 to 15 per leg, bending forward slightly and reaching in front with your arms. 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 elevation marker on the top of Longs Peak. Thus, people sometimes try it on a whim, 14 miles doesnt sound hard or that long of a day. Build up to three hikes a week, starting at two- to four-hour efforts. The Ledges: a series of steep and narrow ledges travels along the cliffs edge. The best hiking conditions tend to be between mid-July and mid-September, when snow and hail are less likely to be on the trail. Wrong! She isn't a mountain to be trifled with; More people have died climbing Longs Peak than any other mountain in the state. ", After you discover that is is icy, your next thought will be "Oh F#$k.". ). Add a 10-pound vest pack to your runs/walks to simulate the extra load of 12-20 pounds you'll be carrying with your backpack. The route has narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep cliffs., High-Altitude Hiking Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park, Now, youll have to take the length of the Keyhole Route into consideration if youre planning on summiting Longs Peak. The designated, maintained hiking trail ends at the Boulder Field, about five miles from the trailhead. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thegromlife_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:468px!important;max-height:60px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'thegromlife_com-box-4','ezslot_5',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thegromlife_com-box-4-0'); Heat is another big issue when doing Longs Peak. How have people been injured or killed on the Keyhole Route? Do I really need to start at the trailhead before sunrise? Trail and Timberlines Summer 2011 edition, their dog is experiencing altitude sickness, live somewhere that produces hot weather hikes, How To Get To Rainbow Canyon in Death Valley, Yes, People Live In Death Valley, California, The Best Times To Visit Death Valley National Park, What To Wear To Hike Sand Dunes In Death Valley National Park, What Death Valley In California Is Known For.
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