She definitely gets a 10+ and would highly recommend her for a tour. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Guide to the Keyhole Route Here is a step-by-step description of Longs Peak's Keyhole Route, which is the most popular way to the top: The hike: The 6 miles from the trailhead to the Boulder. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided. Please consult with our office for further detail regarding your specific class or objective. The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. If its your first trip into Rocky Mountain National Park, you should first know that there are two entrances one via Estes Park on the eastern side and one via Grand Lake on the western side. Even still, this campsite can feel extreme during thunderstorms. Sometimes attempted in a single day, Longs is more commonly climbed as an overnight. There are inherent objective hazards such as altitude illness, rock fall, items or rocks dropped by other hikers, thunderstorms, heavy windsetc. Maps - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) You will quickly warm up as the trail consistently gains elevation for three miles. Either way, we will head to bed early for a good nights rest. This is likely one of the most unique campsites in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Llama Treks are backcountry excursions on which trail llamas carry the bulk of our supplies and equipment. Please note: this ascent of Longs Peak is all above an elevation of 13,000 feet and requires hand-and-feet scrambling on steep and at times exposed rock slopes. Take a virtual trip up the Keyhole Route via the Climbing Longs Peak podcast. A narrow ledge and vertical rock face offer only boulders and handholds to guide you across, leading you to The Homestretch. Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to schedule your hike! The most popular route is The Keyhole, an exposed but non-technical passage that spirals around the mountain. Youll now need to retrace your steps and move back down to the Longs Peak Keyhole and make your way back to camp. Different angles show the great mountain's unique profiles. If you have any questions, call. This timing usually allows you to gain the summit and descend from the upper mountain before any weather develops. Take a virtual trip up the Keyhole Route via the Climbing Longs Peak podcast. Once through the Keyhole you will ascend to the summit of Longs Peak. This majestic mountain is visible throughout the Colorado Front Range and draws numerous hikers each year. Unless they already have a lot of mountain experience under their belts, especially at higher altitudes, Longs can be a rude awakening. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Area: Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Tours. There are many routes to get to the Longs Peak summit, but the Keyhole Route is the most popular. The Keyhole Route is not a hike. Rental vehicles may be the best option for your Estes Park trip. A great introduction to alpine climbing and exposed ridges. Required fields are marked *. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Keyhole: there is a break in the rock, creating a "keyhole", this is where the climbing route to the summit starts. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness. With 3,000 feet of gain over 5.5 miles to camp at 12,500 you should bring only what you need and come well rested, fed and hydrated. In the ideal conditions, we recommend that hikers begin their trek around 3 a.m. You may consider additional clothing if youget cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy. After completing the technical climbing, the route traverses up and left as it tiptoes above The Diamond to the summit. Estes Park Rock Climbing, 1230 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO, 80517. The Diamond of the Front Range of Colorado! By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations. Longs Peak Hiking Guide | REI Co-op Adventure Center Along with packing the appropriate gear, you must also be physically prepared for the hike up Longs Peak. Technical gear is not necessary to climb this route during the summer, but gloves (and a helmet as an extra precaution) is recommended. Our Their six dedicated webcams include one focused on Longs Peak, providing a glimpse of the weather conditions around the mountain. Though there are only two miles left after the Keyhole, this is the most difficult part. - Single Day Trips. There is a limited taxi service in Estes Park to facilitate getting to trailheads, etc. Maximize your time at America's national parks by embarking on a day hike tour with one of our expert hiking guides! If attempting this mountain in 2 days, departure from the trailhead could be as late as 10am. Whether you plan to spot a sight and turn back or stay the night and enjoy life under the Colorado sky, you should plan your full excursion ahead of time. The starting trailhead is not Longs Peak but Storm Pass. Start at the same time others grab a nightcap as it Typically takes between 10 and 15 hours to complete this hike. Since the early 2000s, our Rocky Mountain National Park guides have performed uncountable guided Longs Peak hiking trips and know the mountain better than anyone. Unfortunately I didn't make it to the summit, my decision, but the experience was awesome. At 13 miles and 5,000ft gain/loss The North Face Route is mostly trail hiking, capped by almost 2,000 feet of route finding and a dash of technical climbing. Much of the trip is at easier levels. Terms of Privacy. Sometimes attempted in a single day, Longs is more commonly climbed as an overnight. Hiking Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park | 57hours This hike should only be undertaken by those in excellent physical health. Recommended only for experienced mountain hikers and climbers in top physical condition, this trail climbs 4,855 feet along steep ledges and through a narrows to the top of 14,259 foot Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. Additionally we have a 24/7 system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time. If you have any questions, call. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Receive Emails about Wildland Trekking Promotions, Updates, and Discounts: Your email address will not be published. - Rock Climbing Use the information below as a guide for hiking Longs Peak! The Boulder Field stretch requires a slower pace to boulder-hop and scramble up the rocks. Keep in mind that the Estes Park entrance is the most popular entrance to the park. The trail makes a mile long traverse from Chasm Lake Junction to Granite Pass. Longs Peak Loft Route With Mt Meeker Hike Guide 45 to 5O L for 2 or 4 day trip. Spring can be harder to predict with snow and rain possible and temperatures from 30s to 60s. The National Park has put together a more in-depth description of the Keyhole Route that can be found here, as well as a video with even more visuals and information. Here are five of our favorite destinations along the Longs Peak routes that youll love. Know that the scrambling, the long approach, the weather, and the high altitude bring an added risk when attempting a summit of Longs Peak. From eastern Colorado, on I-70, follow I-70 W, to I-270 W, to US-36 W through Boulder and Lyons. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." Longs Peak - Keyhole Route - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from a designated meeting area. Even if youre on a Longs Peak guided hike, you should become as familiar as possible with these seven sections so that youre as prepared as possible. Backpacks, rockshoes, and boots can all be rented & purchased in ourJackson office. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). The Keyhole Route can experience winter-like conditions at any time, requiring greater skill and judgment. Turn right and traverse west and northwest across the northeast slope of Mt. Past the difficult section we descend back to the shuttle vehicle, ideally arriving to the trailhead by 3pm. To email our customer service team, you canclick hereto get the ball rolling. . Try to begin your descent in the early afternoon to avoid thunderstorms and darkness that can complicate your descend. Don't have summit fever: Enjoy the experience, but be willing to turn around at any time. If you would like to schedule 4 or more people please give us a call to work out the details. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 At the exit trailhead, we will reminisce our trip over lunch before heading into town to conclude the tour. Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. The Longs Peak Experience: And Trail Guide - amazon.com 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) . This trip is available and bookable online! dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable Our all-inclusive Rocky Mountain backpacking & hiking trips cater to a variety of travel styles. Meet . On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Even when you are choosing to hike the Longs Peak trail in the mid-summer or early autumn, you must also be aware of changing alpine weather that could occur drastically at any time. Standing tall at 14,259 feet, it is Colorado's 15th highest summit. Aimee saw a need to create an event for women/ non-binary people who wanted to climb and connect with women/ non-binary climbers and guides. The 1,000 foot world-famous Diamond face is home to difficult Colorado classics such as the "Casual Route", while easier climbing and hiking routes take a more scenic approach to the mountain. Making your way up this polished slab of rock is easier with help from the yellow and red bulls-eyes, but there are also other options for scaling. The trail continues to gain elevation while feeding through open tundra filled with jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise. Longs Peak CLIMBING & HIKING BOOK NOW DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS PRICE INCLUDES PRICE INCLUDES Description The Diamond of the Front Range of Colorado! We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Plus, you need to start early in the morning, pre-dawn, to avoid being on top or above tree line when the afternoon lightning storms roll in. Longs Peak The Longs Peak Webcam is located in the beautiful Tahosa Valley along Hwy 7. Keep in mind that hiking to the Longs Peak summit can take up to 15 hours alone. She also did our week tour and again I can't say enough on how much we enjoyed her. This book gave me the exact information I needed to hike Longs Peak. Expect to hike at least 9 miles with close to 5,000 feet of elevation gain through difficult and strenuous terrain to reach the top. It was a challenge mentally and physically for us but so worth it. Spend two days with us on the warm sandstone of the desert as you hit the local classic crack climbs in the Moab area. The face can be climbed by experienced climbers. Another fantastic campsite for those headed for the Longs Peak Keyhole Route, Boulder Brook is similar to Battle Mountain both are 2.5-mile moderate hikes. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/roomsuninterruptedfor a minimum of 5 hours each night. Continue moving up to reach The Trough. If you believe that the most difficult decision was choosing which hike to take on in Rocky Mountain National Park, think again! Required fields are marked *. Towering above the clouds at 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the tallest summit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thankfully, the mountains most popular route to the summit can be completed with nothing more than trekking poles and an early morning start. Its an easy-to-follow trail that challenges you to scramble over rocks, cross sheer vertical faces and venture around steep cliffs, over loose rocks and across narrow ledges. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and Longs Peak is the northernmost fourteener in the Rocky Mountains stands at a towering 14,259 feet and is one of the most sought-after summits in the United States. The Crown Jewel of Rocky Mountain NP, Longs Peak is one of the most coveted summits in the West. Good enough to climb multiple times, this route has it all. Moving up and down between The Ledges and The Trough can be confusing, and some hikers may have difficulty locating the transition point. 3. In the morning of day 2, all youll need to do is get some food a hit the trail, leaving camp set up and going for the summit with a small, lightweight pack. Air B&B options abound as well, ranging from unique cabins to luxury vacation homes. Passing through the Keyhole (a notch-like pass that allows us access to the summit), we gaze upon a new side of the mountain. The infamous keyhole, which leads to the only non-technical route up Longs Peak, is now visible directly ahead at the top of the boulder field. Longs Peak sits at an elevation of 14,259 feet above sea level and is a challenging mountain to climb under the best conditions. BOOK NOW Guided Longs Peak Hiking Trip Looking to take the guided trip of a lifetime and summit Longs Peak, a famous Colorado 14er! The area is void of plant life, surrounded by mountains, and filled with jagged boulders. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Youll first encounter the Keyhole route via Boulder Field. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 10 Things to Know Before Hiking Longs Peak - Olde Man Granola Location: Colorado Hikes & Tours. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult. With an exceptional Longs Peak climbing guide leading the way, youll check this magnificent mountain off of your bucket list. This 15-mile hike will take more than half of a day to conquer, and difficult terrain plus increases in altitude can wear you down. A hiker descends the treacherous section of the Longs Peak trail known as The Trough. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. 1. This trail is a much more achievable day hike than Longs Peak. I cannot say enough positive comments about this experience. This trip is not for the faint of heart! Car rentals, shuttles, taxis, charters/limousines are all available from the airport. The trailhead does fill up fast though, so show up early! Were here to help. At Chasm Lake Trail Junction, grab a quick snack and soak in views of Longs 18-acre granite face known as the Diamond. Distance - 8.4 miles round trip (13.52 km) Height - 11,823 feet (3,603.7 m) Elevation gain - 2,500 feet (762 m) Duration - 6 to 9 hours (book time) Trailhead Location - Longs Peak Ranger Station - 9,405 feet (directions below) Dogs - Not Allowed Need To Know Information Why is this park such a popular destination for hikers? Its easiest pathway still requires skilled transversing and confidently scrambling up exposed cliff edges. You will learn the nuances and skills it takes to climb splitter cracks, taught by some of the best women/ non binary guides [], The City of Rocks, one of Idahos most incredible climbing areas, is the birthplace of The Womens Network. The hike then enters the boulder field, a large relatively flat field of boulders where a few backcountry campsites reside. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMTs, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. At 14,259 feet above sea level and over 7 miles from the trailhead, this summit will make you earn your views. We designed the Longs Peak Loop to allow for acclimatization during the first couple days of the hike, increasing the odds of a successful summit bid. Start early as the parking lot fills up quick. Starting at Longs Peak Trailhead, hike in 5 miles of gradual incline to camp above the tree line. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation. We guide both technical climbing trips and hiking trips up Longs Peak. This park receives visitors throughout the year, and some may choose to attempt the Longs Peak trailhead and turn around at Longs Peak Boulder Field during certain conditions. After celebration and photos we will head back the way we ascended. You can easily see it for miles in every direction towering above the rest of the Park! The following are general suggestions to map your route. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee. Many hikers decide that Longs will be their inaugural 14er. Chasm Lake (not accessible via the Keyhole Route) near Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. After an unsuccessful try on my previous attempt up Longs, I was back and ready for revenge. Past this point the trail is fully exposed and can be dangerous if a thunderstorm rolls in. With our phenomenal guide Corey's support we surmounted all of these challenges. Learn about the origins, mission and people of Wildland, Americas #1 source for Unforgettable Hiking Vacations! Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to enjoy the natural world. Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability. A nearby hike with views of Longs Peak is the Chasm Lake Trail. See below for average summer temperatures: The experience of a lifetime! Longs stands 14,256 feet above sea level. This is the iconic desert tower! Calendar_Event_2023-07-16 Interstate Eagle Peak Trail Guided Hike . Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. from $115. Longs Peak Loft Route is a popular alternative to the standard Keyhole Route. A strenuous out and back excursion that will have you transverse 13.5 miles in elevations increasing over 5,140 feet, the Longs Peak Summit Keyhole Route is the easiest way to reach to Longs Peak Summit. A reward for our early departure is reaching Battle Mountain in time to watch the sunrise crest upon the notorious Diamond of Longs Peak, a 1,800 foot cliff face sculpting Longs Peaks east side. then would like to take a boat to Emigran and do the 8.1 km walk along the bosphorus to. Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) However, even during summer, the day can start out as sunny and blue skies, and by the afternoon, thunder, rain, or snow could come over the pass! By packing light its often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. This classicRocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Estes Park and a short shuttle to our trailhead. Winter in the Rockies can be exquisite or harsh with temperatures in the 20s to 40s. Hikers looking to bag another summit and Colorado centennial, Mt Meeker, will also take this option as it does only add a very small distance to the hike. If not, weve got you covered! Estes Park, Colorado Guided Tours & Activities - KMA - Kirk's Mountain A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)! Youll find out when you reach the top and receive an unspoiled view of 100 miles in every direction. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund. Join the naturalist on a tour to Interstate Park's highest point, home to a rare bedrock glade habitat. Age restrictions on this trip are as follows: Being a high mountain environment, the Rocky Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. Corey, was an extremely informative guide. Dehydration is very common, and altitude sickness can happen to anyone. Always remember to err on the side of caution and heed a hikers well-known saying: the mountain is not going anywhere; it will be here another day. An early morning start and being fully rested is essential for a summit attempt on Longs Peak. Follow the trail south into the Boulder Field and eventually to some established tent sites in the middle of the field. There are a few designated campsites in the Boulder Field area (5.5 miles up the trail closer to the summit) but they go fast. Highly recommend Wildland Trekking Company and Zion as a guide! Time this right and the sun will just be peaking out across the eastern horizon. Website Designed & Built by TMBR a Creative Agency. Types High Points All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, first trip into Rocky Mountain National Park, Layers of clothing made from insulated and moisture-wicking fabrics. From the north, if driving I-25, taking exit 243 for CO-66 W, following signs for Longmont/Lyons. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The first few hours stick to smooth but steep trail, then at the Boulderfield the route becomes a rocky scramble with occasional narrow sections above cliffs where a slip could kill. What Can You Expect on a Guided Longs Peak Hike? (Photo by, Climbing Longs Peak is difficult and long. Continental Divide Summits Private Hike. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Where The Ledges were narrow, the gulley of The Trough is broad. The trail itself starts out on a maintained trail through pine forests, then up steep switchbacks. Were here to help. Your guide will contact you approximately one week before your hike to coordinate the exact time and location of your rendezvous in Estes Park, as it may also be affected by weather forecasts. For answers to the most frequently asked questions about climbing Longs Peak, visit www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longs_peak_faq.htm. Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes: All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023. Reaching the summit of Longs Peak before the afternoon thunderstorms will give you the best views and experience. Estes Park is located 65 miles northwest of Denver, and about 76 miles from Denver International Airport. Switchback up the slope to reach the north end of the Boulder Field, 12,400'. Longs Peak Trail alone has a handful of amazing sites to visit, sending travelers to various destinations on the trail. enjoy the natural world. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Guests can choose to lead a llama or to hike independently. See, Transportation for the duration of the trip beginning and ending in Estes Park, CO, Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone). Guided Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park Get Directions (800) 370-0581 Details; Estes Park Mountain Shop . Longs Peaks summit is only 1 mile from the Boulderfield on the the Keyhole Route. The trip takes us through a series of camps, drawing us closer to striking distance of Longs Peak. The City of []. Even at a quick clip, Longs can take 10 hours to hike and many people will spend 12 - 15 hours on the mountain. Thanks for sharing a part of your life with me. It is impossible to stare at the eastern skyline of Rocky Mountain National Park and not be compelled to at least wonder what it would be like to climb Longs Peak. It gave general hiking information, such as clothing, safety issues about lightening and weather, then gave more information about those things specific to the trail. The trek was a challenge well worth it. Longs Peak is the only (14er) peak above 14,000 feet located with Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan on dressing in layers so you can adjust your temperature easily. ), Scale of 1-5. If youre searching for a physically challenging hike without venturing too close to the cliff edges, The Boulder Field may be the best destination for you. Looking ahead you will now be able to see Longs looming in dawn light. We encourage all hikers to bookmark these webpages so that they can stay up to date on any official changes. During the summer, the trailhead parking lot is typically full before sunrise. Unless youve trained for climbing this peak or are extremely fit, its not a mountain wed recommend trying to hike off the couch. She was knowledgeable and very encouraging. The trail is 1.2 miles round trip and has an elevation change of 120 feet. The route was named Keyhole for its passage through the the keyhole, a break in the peaks rocky ridges. Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. Look no further than Kirks Mountain Adventures for the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours. Anticipate a 1:30am 2am pick up from your hotel in Estes Park. For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. As you ascend the trough, dont forget to turn around for some of the best views in the Park of Glacier Gorge to the North. With a 5,000 foot elevation gain you will ascend the high alpine tundra, scramble across the boulder field, through the picturesque keyhole, skirt the ledges and narrows above sheer drop-offs, and finally scramble up the Homestretch slabs to emerge on the broad summit. No matter how long your adventure lasts, the memories will last a lifetime. Elevation: 5,000 feet+ (Starting at 9,400 feet, summit at 14,259 feet) USA Hiking Vacations. On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Longs Peak - Complete Trail Guide, Maps, Pictures, Descriptions & More 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Hike to the Top of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details, Keyhole Route: Frequently Asked Questions. Explore Rocky Mountain NP with Expert Guides. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. For most of the year, climbing Longs Peak is in winter conditions, which requires winter mountaineering experience and the knowledge and use of specialized equipment. If visiting Estes Park in the Summer time, expect dynamic weather ranging from sunny and warm to begin the day, with afternoon storms a common occurrence. If you want to summit this burly peak, youll need information on the route, how to hike in high altitude, the gear youll need, and the logistics youll need to plan in advance. You are rewarded with 360 degree views of the National Park, Estes Valley, and the Front Range, looking down on everything in sight!
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