When I chose to backpack and summit Longs Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, I could not have picked a better place for a Summer hike. Nor could I have imagined how rewarding this hike would turn out. The Longs Peak Trail is not only one of the most scenic and breathtaking trails I have ever done, but the reward isn’t until you get to 14,300 feet ontop of Longs Peak. How does one “Summit” a mountain without climbing gear? Step by step, and one hand over foot at a time. That’s how!

The Trail head starts about 9 miles out of Estes Park, Co on Route 7. Get there early if you want a parking spot. 4:00 – 6:00 AM early. If you truly want a backpacking experience, make reservations to camp at the Boulderfield tent site. The camp is below the “keyhole” and sits at about 12,500 feet, or so.

The Longs Peak trail starts up slow. The gain when all said is and done, will be 4,850. That can make for a long day of hiking. I stayed at the Boulderfield tent site and endured a Thunderstorm, wind, and hail. But was well worth the wait to summit the next day when my legs were fresh. (getting used to the Altitude is something to think about also). There is fresh water also at the Boulderfield tent site.

In about 2 miles you start entering the Alpine Tundra which brings you above tree line. After that, it’s all switchbacks around the to the North Side of the Mountain. The switchbacks are like doing a stairmaster at 12,000 feet. Once up, you can see the “keyhole” that you are going to have to climb in to start your summit on Longs Peak.

For those who don’t want to take the time and tent. Better start early. You have to be off that summit by 12:00 or pay for the Thunderstorm later. Why? July and August are the best times to summit without gear, snow maybe your biggest obsticle. Summertime brings a Thunderstorm almost daily. With Thunderstorms, come lighting. Do you really want to be the highest standing object in a boulderfield?

Tragically, there are those who never left Longs Peak alive.

According to the Park Districts Web Site.

It took exactly 4-5 hours to get to the tent site (Boulderfield) and it took another 2.5 hours to get through the “keyhole” and to the Summit. Another 2 hours to get down. Then it was 6 miles back down to camp below tree line. Plan accordingly. Do your research before attempting this hike.

This was by far one of my all time favorite adventures into the backcountry. You can see my trail reports here. To see picutres of this hike, go to the “gallery page”

For more information on this hike, go to the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Web Site. Here is the backpacker.tv video of Longs Peak. I’ll see YOU on the trail

LIVE TRAIL REPORT via Twitter

New video and pictures now available on thebackpackertv 55 days ago
On my way back home. Awesome trip. 59 days ago
Reached base camp off the summit at 12:30 pm. Back down to tree line 6 miles. And set camp….good nite. 60 days ago
Now…..how do I get down? 60 days ago
The summit is beautiful. Snow covered mountains everywhere. Sun is out. Took picture and video. 60 days ago
Reached summit at 10:59. 14,300 feet. I made it… 60 days ago
Slurring my speech. Hard to take a deep breath. 60 days ago
Ice and snow in my path. 60 days ago
At the final stage of the summit. The Home stretch is a 40 degee angle climb. All hand over foot at this point. 60 days ago
At the Saddle. Very steep. Against the rock wall. 60 days ago
Up and out of the Trough. Took 1 1/2 to get up it. 60 days ago
Hate the Trough. Been climbing it for an hour now. 60 days ago
The Trough looks ugly and steep. R U serious? 60 days ago
Made it across the Narrows by 8:15 am. 60 days ago
Up Boulderfield to the Keyhole. Made it to the Keyhole at 7:30 am. 60 days ago
6:30 AM. Up getting ready to summit. 60 days ago
9:00 PM in tent for night. Very chilly. Temp in the 30s 60 days ago
4:00 PM storm clears. 60 days ago
1:00 PM: huge thunderstorm..sleeting, hail, lightning. Bad… Very windy. Hopefully won’t last. 60 days ago
Arrived at Base Camp (Boulderfield) at 11:00 am. I have slight headache, and dizzyness. 60 days ago

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.