However, the seven sections of the route leading to the summit require trail-finding skills. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Chasm Lake Hike Featured Route 8¼mi Rocky Mtn. This route typically takes travelers between 10 to 15 hours to complete, depending on how quickly you wish to tackle the 15-mile trail. You will see a big National Park sign, take right from here towards the Longs Peak Campground. This area is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Take one look at Longs Peak, and it’s easy to see why so thousands of climbers ascend the summit each year. around 6 pm the elk came out lots of photo chances.. You’ll now need to retrace your steps and move back down to the Longs Peak Keyhole and make your way back to camp. The last time we were on this trail was 2007. However, this area is full of loose rocks. Longs Peak Statistics Trailhead Elevation: 9,400 ft. Different angles show the great mountain's unique profiles. An early morning start and being fully rested is essential for a summit attempt on Longs Peak. Bring a jacket when we went it was 55 at the top not bad. From the East Longs Peak trailhead follow the well maintained trail through pine forests. Trailhead | Hiking the Keyhole | Conditions | Best Longs Peak Hikes. The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak (13,326') ahead. The first two miles gain steady elevation while passing through Goblin's Forest. At your final destination, Chasm Lake ripples with the spurts of wind and Longs Peaksâ monolithic granite stretches 14,259 feet tall into the sky. Don’t celebrate for too long — you’re only halfway done with your trek. For the southern approach drive north 10.5 miles from the junction of CO 7 and CO 72 on the Peak to Peak Highway to the Ranger Station turnoff. However, this is no excuse to sleep in, as this leg is the most difficult part of ascent. This trek involves scrambling over rocks and heading through exposed sections with sudden drops, especially in the street trail section known as The Trough. Towering above the clouds at 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the tallest summit in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park to the north, drive 9.2 miles south on CO 7 from its junction with US 36 to a right (west) turn to Longs Peak Ranger Station and Campground. For the northern approach, drive 9.2 miles south from the intersection of US 36 and CO 7 to the turnoff for the Ranger Station. Other Information. Weather. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country, cracking the top 10 thanks to its astounding scenery and the temptation to summit Longs Peak. (I think this is so they can identify the body if you don't make it back.) Unlike other access points in RMNP, no entrance fees are required to access this area. To learn more about taking a guided day hike of Longs Peak, or to discover the other wonderful areas of the Rocky Mountains via hiking, snowshoeing, or with porters and llamas, contact us today! For Front Range residents, there are any number of ways to reach the trailhead for Mt. Incredible Hike to one of the 14ers of Colorado, Take water, rain gear, warm clothing and food on this very popular and strenuous hike. Alberta Falls. The Boulder Field campsite is located within the first 5 miles and only 1 mile from the summit, offering a great base camp for leisurely hikers. You Must Start Early. No matter how long your adventure lasts, the memories will last a lifetime. Activities. I made it to the keyhole but the drop off on the other side made me too queasy to finish. Unlike other trails in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak route is more than a hike. At that time, there had been some major trail work on the first mile and a half of the trail with gravel having been brought in to raise the bed of the trail. Congratulations, you’ve navigated the Longs Peak trail and reached the top! These days, climbers hike from the Longs Peak trailhead at 9,500â² themselves, often stopping to camp in The Boulderfield. This means guests can hike with light(er) day packs and still explore and camp in the backcountry. Most hikers typically begin before dawn, since afternoon thunderstorms usually roll in around 12 or 1 pm and can be life threatening above tree line. The last portion of the hike is a rock scramble to the shores of Chasm Lake. From the end of the East Longs Peak trail, the next destination is the Keyhole (.4 miles) to the southwest across the Boulderfield. Try to begin your descent in the early afternoon to avoid thunderstorms and darkness that can complicate your descend. 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