At 14,255′ Longs Peak towers above the rest of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the only 14er within the park’s boundary and is the northernmost 14er on the Front Range. It is easily accessed from Denver, but climbing to this summit is not easy. I have summited nine other 14ers prior to climbing Longs Peak and attempted two others (turned away by the weather). Climbing Longs Peak is without a doubt the most challenging and dangerous to date. The sense of accomplishment found at the top along with the amazing views makes this one of the best hikes found within Rocky Mountain National Park’s boundary. This is the Longs Peak guide for the Keyhole Route.

Longs Peak Guide Stats

• Longs Peak Elevation: 14,255’
• Trailhead Elevation: 9,405′
• Total Elevation Gain: 4,805’
• Rating: Extremely Strenuous
• Trailhead: Longs Peak Trailhead Trail
• Distance: 7.5 miles (one-way)
• Best time to start the hike: 3:00 AM or earlier
• Alt Trailhead: Bear Lake (adds 3 miles each direction onto the journey)
• Boulder Field Campground Elevation: 12,760’
• Chasm Lake Spur: Add 1.7-miles round-trip

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