Longs Peak
Mountain Fourteener in Colorado, prominent Rocky Mountain summit
Prominent Rocky Mountain summit in Colorado that draws experienced hikers and climbers for its long alpine approaches, the Keyhole route and ridge-line views inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Longs Peak is a prominent fourteener in Colorado and the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, with a summit elevation of 14,259 feet (4,346 meters). It is a major objective for hikers and climbers in the region.
Scramblers and climbers come for the classic Keyhole route, a long non-technical but exposed ascent typically done in a single long day. Technical climbers are drawn to the East Face, the Diamond, which offers sustained rock-climbing routes.
The peak has been known to Euro-American explorers and mountaineers since the 19th century and has long been a landmark in the northern Colorado Rockies. It is managed as part of Rocky Mountain National Park and subject to backcountry regulations.
Longs Peak sits in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, within Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Estes Park. Access is via park trailheads and backcountry routes.
- Elevation: Summit elevation 14,259 feet (4,346 meters).
- Routes and difficulty: The Keyhole route is the standard non-technical scramble; other faces include technical climbing routes requiring mountaineering skills and equipment.
What to See #
- Keyhole route: The standard ascent route that approaches the summit via a defined scramble path known as the Keyhole, commonly used by hikers in summer months.
- The Diamond (East Face): A large, steep rock face on the east side of the mountain known as the Diamond, noted for multi-pitch technical rock climbing.
How to Get to Longs Peak #
Longs Peak is approached from the east via Estes Park. From Denver drive north on I‑25 then west on US‑36 into Estes Park (roughly 70-75 miles / about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic). From Estes Park follow the access roads into Rocky Mountain National Park to the Longs Peak/Keyhole trailhead where parking and the trail start. The standard Keyhole Route to the summit is a long, alpine day climb of roughly 14-15 miles round trip with substantial elevation gain, so plan for a very early start and prepared parking at the trailhead.
Tips for Visiting Longs Peak #
- Start very early (often around midnight to 2 a.m.) to reach the summit and be back below the treeline well before typical summer afternoon thunderstorms - afternoon storms are frequent and dangerous on Longs Peak.
- The standard non-technical route is the Keyhole Route; if you plan that line, study the route and timing carefully and only attempt it in stable, dry conditions - it's long and exposed despite being the 'normal' route.
- Avoid peak-day crowds by beginning your climb well before dawn; even on busy summer weekends an ultra-early start spreads parties out on the approach and the Keyhole section.
Best Time to Visit Longs Peak #
The best time to attempt Longs Peak is the short summer window (July-September) when routes are most often free of persistent snow and storms.
Weather & Climate near Longs Peak #
Longs Peak's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -16°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (756 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
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