Ascend Long's Peak via the Keyhole Route

This guide will provide you with the information you need to successfully and safely reach the summit of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.  There are several routes up the mountain, but this guide describes the most popular one called the keyhole route.  This information only applies to attempts made during the summer months (May-September) since winter climbs will require very different equipment and skills.  Almost anyone in good physical condition can get to the summit and back in one day.  The total distance is 16 miles round trip and takes approximately 12 hours to complete on average.  Directions begin from the trailhead, so you will need to look elsewhere for driving directions, where to park, and local regulations.  Make sure to carefully review the preparations and precautions before beginning. 

The picture below shows the Long's Peak summit from just above the treeline.

Step 1 Precautions and Supplies

Some precautions before you begin:

Skill/Experience
The keyhole route on Long's Peak is classified as a class three hike, meaning that scrambling is involved but climbing equipment is not necessary except for personal comfort.  Scrambling implies the use of hands will be necessary.  It is worth noting that even though no technical skill is required, anyone with fear of heights or falling should not attempt this hike.  Also, anyone with unsure footing or poor balance should not continue beyond the keyhole.  Overall, the hike is 16 miles round trip with over 5,000 foot elevation gain. (a vertical mile!)  If this seems too much for you, it is still rewarding to follow the trail partway up and stop at locations such as chasm lake or the keyhole.

Time of Year
The best time to climb Long's Peak is from June to August when most of the snow and ice is melted.  During May and early June, ice can still be present near the summit, adding significant danger.  Later in the year the climb can be complicated by snow, colder temperatures, and more unpredictable weather.

Altitude Sickness
The summit of Long's Peak is 14,255 feet above sea level.  At this height, altitude sickness is common and can be deadly.  To avoid altitude sickness, it is best to spend at least two days at high altitude (around 7,000 feet or higher).  Most towns in the area will have this elevation so get a hotel and relax a couple days before attempting the ascent.  If you are from an area with high elevation this should not be necessary.  During the hike, make sure to drink lots of water, even if you are not thirsty.  Dehydration is a major contributor to altitude sickness.  The first symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches and dizziness, so if you experience these it is important to rest until they subside.  If these symptoms persist or worsen you need to turn back; do not try to be tough because altitude sickness severly affects the brain and can be fatal.

Weather
Severe storms occur almost every afternoon in the mountains.  They arrive suddenly and can spell doom for the unprepared.  Over 50 people have died on Long's Peak, mostly due to lightning strikes, slipping, and hypothermia: all of which are related to weather.  Above 11,500 feet there is no tree cover to shield hikers from rain, hail, and deadly lightning.  Your best hope is to avoid the storms altogether.  An early departure time is vital in order to be off the mountain by mid-afternoon.  If you plan to reach the summit make sure to be on the trail NO LATER THAN 4:00 AM!  During the hike, if you see dark clouds or hear thunder turn back immediately.

What to Bring

Backpack - A backpack built for hiking is best, but most backpacks should work fine.  A quality hiking backback can cost anywhere from 75 to several hundred dollars.

Hiking Boots - hiking boots provide ankle support and have the better traction than tennis shoes.
A typical pair will cost $100 or less.

Long Pants - Temperatures in the morning are commonly in the 30's so dress accordingly.

Sweatshirt/jacket/other warm clothes - Wear as many layers as necessary to keep warm.  Even on the warmest days, the summit can be under 40 degrees fahrenheit. 

Plenty of water - Bring at least two quarts per person

Food - Granola bars, dried fruit, and trail mix are good options to bring.  Quantity depends on how much you think you will want during a 12 hour hike.

Sunglasses/sunscreen - At high altitudes the sun's effects are magnified so it is extremely important to keep protected.

Rain poncho - Keeping dry in the event of rain will help prevent hypothermia

Head lamp/flashlight - You need to be able to see during the dark morning hours of the hike

 

Comments

[gmoon]

Nice--RMNP is one of my favorite places!

I've never done Longs, but I've done a bit of technical climbing there-abouts (Lumpy, and some alpine stuff...)

[Kiteman]

Cool, there's a first.

Any Brits fancy re-creating Wainwright's walks?