Longs Peak - Keyhole Route
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
The Keyhole Route is the standard way up Longs Peak, and the Park calls it a climb, not a hike. It's about 15 miles round trip to 14,259 feet, and the day starts in the dark. I've hiked a lot of 14ers. This is the one I'd tell friends to take seriously.
Longs Peak is the tallest summit in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 feet. The Keyhole Route starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead and runs about 15 miles round trip. The Park says to plan on 10 to 15 hours. The NPS calls it a classic mountaineering route that crosses enormous sheer rock faces, with narrow ledges, loose rock, scrambling, and places where an unroped fall would likely be fatal.
Start before sunrise. The whole point is getting below tree line before afternoon thunderstorms build. The most snow-free and ice-free stretch is mid-July through mid-September, and even then it can feel like winter up top. Be willing to turn around when the weather or your body says so. The Park's phrase is summit fever, and it's real. Call the Park at 970-586-1206 for current conditions, and read the NPS Keyhole brochure before you go. Pets aren't allowed on Park trails. If you've never done anything exposed, try a smaller scramble first. Check nps.gov/romo for current permit and reservation rules.
