How long of a hike is Longs Peak?
10 to 15 hours
Time for the 15 mile round- trip averages 10 to 15 hours. Much of this route is above tree-line so give yourself plenty of time to be back below tree-line before afternoon thunderstorms and lightning develop.
How difficult is it to climb Longs Peak?
Compared to climbing other mountains around Colorado, Longs Peak is tricky, but it’s far from impossible. It actually ranks around 15 when it comes to Colorado’s most difficult mountains above 14,000 feet. That rank of 15 comes on a list of more than 50 peaks.
What do I need to know to hike Longs Peak?
- 1 – More than 50% of those who attempt Longs don’t reach the summit.
- 2 – Longs is not a good first 14er.
- 3 – Longs is not a great place to bring your out-of-town friend for a little hike.
- 4 – Starting early is essential.
- 5 – You’ll have over 5 miles of hiking before beginning the climb.
- 6 – Weather is always a factor.
Where is the trailhead for Longs Peak?
Estes Park
The hike to the Keyhole on Longs Peak begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. To reach the trailhead from Estes Park, drive 8.9 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the turnoff for the Longs Peak Ranger Station. From the turnoff drive another mile to the ranger station.
Can anyone hike Longs Peak?
While an epic feat, Longs Peak is not a great “first 14er” to check off your bucket list. Proper training is required for this hike, or “climb.” This includes hiking trails of a similar elevation gain, but also hiking in high altitude. Dehydration is very common, and altitude sickness can happen to anyone.
What time should you start Longs Peak?
The best time of the day to begin your hike to Longs Peak is at 3 am (yes, you read that right, 3 o’clock in the morning). Typically, this 15-mile hike takes between 10 and 15 hours to complete, and you will want to be below the treeline when afternoon thunderstorms begin.
Do you need a permit for Longs Peak?
Permit & Entrance Fees for Longs Peak Hike Unlike other access points in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are no entrance fees or day permits required to access this area.
Is Longs Peak hard to climb?
Compared to climbing other mountains around Colorado, Longs Peak is tricky, but it’s far from impossible. It actually ranks around 15 when it comes to Colorado’s most difficult mountains above 14,000 feet. That rank of 15 comes on a list of more than 50 peaks.
How tall is Longs Peak?
Longs Peak is an icon of the Rocky Mountain landscape. At 14,259 feet, it is one of Colorado’s tallest mountains, the only Fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park.
What is a long hike?
A long distance hiking path is typically defined as anything that takes longer than one or two days to complete. We took that idea 5 million steps further. This list of 10 of the world’s most epic long distance backpacking trips includes trails all longer than 500 miles.