Climbing Longs Peak
Overview
Climb Longs Peak — The Crown Jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park
At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the most iconic and sought-after summit in Rocky Mountain National Park and one of the premier alpine objectives in Colorado.
Located just a few hours from Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, Longs Peak offers a true high-altitude mountaineering experience. The summit lies more than 7 miles from the trailhead, making every ascent a rewarding test of endurance, skill, and commitment.
While some climbers attempt Longs Peak in a single day, most guided ascents are completed as a two-day overnight climb with a high camp in the Boulderfield.
Classic Routes on Longs Peak
The Keyhole Route
The Keyhole Route is the most popular line to the summit. This exposed but non-technical alpine route winds around the mountain and is ideal for strong hikers seeking a classic Longs Peak ascent.
The Cables Route (North Face)
For climbers looking for a more technical challenge, the Cables Route rises directly from the Boulderfield and offers the most direct line to the summit.
This historic route includes:
- Several short technical pitches
- A classic 5.4 slab crux
- A spectacular traverse above The Diamond
- Continuous exposure in a true alpine environment
A Historic High-Altitude Climb
In the early 1900s, mountaineers rode horses to the Boulderfield and climbed the North Face using a fixed steel cable attached to the rock with eye-bolts.
Today, climbers begin at the Longs Peak Trailhead (9,500 ft) and hike to a high camp in the Boulderfield before continuing upward through talus, slabs, and exposed alpine terrain to the summit.
This route is widely considered a superb introduction to high-altitude mountaineering, offering:
- Multi-pitch alpine climbing
- Route finding and movement on varied terrain
- Real exposure at 14,000+ feet
If attempting this mountain in a day, you should plan on leaving the Trailhead between 2-3am. This timing usually allows you to gain the summit and descend from the upper mountain before any weather develops. 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. It’s 5.5 miles to The Boulderfield and a view of the summit. After reaching the amazing Chasm View, across from The Diamond, the technical climbing begins. Your day is only half way over at the summit and a long hike out awaits, so after enjoying the summit for a short time, you will reverse the route.
Available Routes: North Face and The Keyhole
If attempting this mountain in 2 days, departure from the trailhead could be as late as 10am. 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. This hike will commonly take people 5-7 hours with overnight packs and needs to be paced effectively so as not to jeopardize your summit day. Camping with the summit in view, at 12,500′ in The Boulderfield is guaranteed to be a memorable night. Getting to sleep as early as possible sets you up for being somewhere amazing at sunrise. In the morning of day 2, all you’ll 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.
Available Routes: North Face and The Keyhole
Would you like to join a group of passionate mountain lovers on a trip of a lifetime up Longs Peak? Book now!
Private 1:1 $665, 2:1 $525 per person, Group $445 per person
Private 1:1 $1,320, 2:1 $955 per person, Group $800 per person
Footwear
Objective Dependent – Scarpa footwear is available at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for rent. JHMG also carries a selection of rock shoes for rent.
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes: required for all mid-summer climbs (mid-July through Sept). Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux (Available for rent)
OR
- Mountain Boots: Most trips before July 15 and all Gannett Peak Climbs, require a crampon-compatible mountain boot – Guide Pick: Scarpa Zodiac Tech (Available for rent)
- Rock Shoes for technical rock routes (Available for rent)
- Socks: 2-4 pairs: sized for your boots and blister prevention
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top
- OR
- Synthetic/ Wool Sun Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Insulating Jacket: lightweight fleece or synthetic
- Soft Shell: fleece or pile
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood.
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom
- Hiking Short or Pant for approach
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Rain Pant
Accessories
- Hat: lightweight to medium-weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet
- Gloves: BRING TWO PAIR – one lightweight to medium weight pair – synthetic or fleece material. If snow route, shell also recommended.
On the trail
- Alpine Climbing Pack – Internal frame only. 45 to 5O L for 2 or 4 day trip. Large enough to fit all your personal gear plus ten pounds of food and water.
- Sleeping Bag
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) or H2O hydration system
- Water Treatment – Steripen or other
- Closed-toed camp shoes (optional)
- Stuff Sacks: zip lock bags
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Contact Lenses
- Sun Hat or Visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Headlamp and Fresh Batteries
- First Aid – minimal: blister care, analgesic, etc.
- Lunch, snacks & drink mix.
- Misc Items: minimal: light knife, camera,
bandana, camp suds, washcloth, etc.
Some trips require (please inquire with JHMG):
- Sleeping Pad: Closed-cell foam or Thermarest
Recommended & Optional Items
- Trekking Poles
- Camera and batteries, spare memory card
- Insoles: custom or aftermarket
- Insect Repellent (Ask the office if this is necessary)
- Headnet (Ask the office if this is necessary)
- Camp Shoe – lightweight
Cold Weather Considerations:
Early and late-season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Extra down vest or jacket
- Expedition weight long underwear
- Extra gloves
**The Mountain Guides supplies all the rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners & belay/rappel devices, crampons, and ice axes. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please coordinate with our office for gear checks. Backpacks, rock shoes, and boots can all be rented & purchased in our Jackson office.
For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton
is NOT recommended and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without
encumbering movement.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ESTES PARK
Estes Park is located 65 miles northwest of Denver, and about 76 miles from Denver International Airport. Meeting locations vary depending on the time of year and the class/trip, your guide will provide you with this information. There are plenty of accommodations and amenities located in Estes Park, including the Historic Stanley Hotel. Campgrounds are available in the area. If you have any additional questions about your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure, please call (970) 283-7594.
TRAVEL
Estes Park is 2 hours from Denver International Airport, via Pena Blvd to I-70 to I-25 to HWY 36. Car rentals, shuttles, taxis, charters/limousines are all available from the airport. Nearly every rental company is represented at DIA. Try to avoid driving during the rush hours around Denver, as significant delays can occur.
If driving to Estes Park from another location, there are numerous routes.
The following are general suggestions to map your route. Ultimately we recommend using Google Maps or GPS:
From the west, going through the mountains on I-70, exit for Golden and continue on CO-93 and on through Boulder to Hwy 36 through Lyons.
From the north, if driving I-25, taking exit 243 for CO-66 W, following signs for Longmont/Lyons.
From eastern Colorado, on I-70, follow I-70 W, to I-270 W, to US-36 W through Boulder and Lyons.
From southern Colorado, if driving I-25, take I-25 N to US-36W through Boulder and Lyons.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Please note that guides cannot provide transportation. Please arrange independent transportation to and from the trailhead. Estes Park Mountain Shuttle is a good option for getting to Estes Park from DIA, Boulder and Denver. There is a limited taxi service in Estes Park to facilitate getting to trailheads, etc. Rental vehicles may be the best option for your Estes Park trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A phenomenal number of options exist for lodging in and around Estes Park. Motels from $99 can be found if booked early, luxury accommodation at the historic Stanley Hotel and B&B stays at the Golden Leaf Inn can add a memorable note to your trip. The Trip Adviser list for lodging options is recommended. Air B&B options abound as well, ranging from unique cabins to luxury vacation homes. If booking accommodations late, consider the YMCA of the Rockies with a wide selection of lodging options close to town.
MEETING TIME & PLACE
Our standard meet time for full day climbs and classes is 8:00am. If climbing a high peak in The Park, plan on starting as early as 2am. Weather conditions and route aspect commonly suggest alternate meet times. Please consult with our office for further detail regarding your specific class or objective. Our meeting locations vary depending on the class or climb. We will generally meet at the Beaver Meadows Visitors Center on Moraine Ave, just outside the entrance station.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
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. Summer temperatures range from the 40’s to 80’s. Spring can be harder to predict with snow and rain possible and temperatures from 30’s to 60’s. Fall in the high country offers the most stable weather but can be colder and afford less daylight with temperatures in the 30’s to 60’s. Winter in the Rockies can be exquisite or harsh with temperatures in the 20’s to 40’s. Fortunately, with 300 days of sunshine, these temperatures are often offset and quite comfortable. During The Summer months especially in Rocky Mountain National Park, even if the day dawns clear, all climbers should pack a rain jacket for the occasional surprise afternoon thundershower. Synthetic or wool clothing is mandatory. Plan on dressing in layers so you can adjust your temperature easily. Comfort levels can vary quite a bit depending on where you’ll be adventuring, so please ask us for our clothing recommendations based on your planned climb/class/ski.