Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park

Longs Peak

The unforgettable climb up to the summit is one of the most challenging and rewarding ascents.

Plan Around Longs Peak

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Longs Peak Details

The unforgettable climb up to the 14,259-foot summit of this iconic mountain is one of the most challenging and rewarding ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although many hiking and technical climbing trails ascend the mountain, the most popular routes depart from the Longs Peak Ranger Station, and feature a long, partially wooded climb to a large boulder field before beginning the strenuous climb through the Keyhole, the Narrows, and the Notch. These last few miles contain sheer, 1,000-foot drop-offs, virtually vertical rock scrambles, and extreme exposure to sun and wind. The rewarding summit provides the most spectacular, breathtaking views in the park, spanning from Storm Peak in the northwest to the Wild Basin, to Chasm Lake, and the Continental Divide. Due to the difficulty of this ascent it is recommended that hikers take extreme caution when walking, and start the climb well before sunrise to avoid the thunderstorms that frequently occur in the afternoon.

Difficulty

High

Distance

7.5 miles

Estimated time

10-15 hrs

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Longs Peak

Compare nearby parks around Longs Peak when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

6.5 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

164.3 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

175.5 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

245.1 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

254.4 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

259.9 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Longs Peak

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Longs Peak while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Longs Peak Trailhead

The square-topped, 14,259-foot Longs Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most distinctive landmarks.

0.0 mi away

Longs Peak Trailhead

The square-topped, 14,255-foot Longs Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most distinctive landmarks.

0.1 mi away

Estes Cone

This short, steep climb is reputed to yield some of the best panoramas in the park.

0.2 mi away

Longs Peak Campground

Open year-round, Long's Peak Campground has 26 campsites for tents only.

0.2 mi away

Longs Peak Campground

Open year-round, Long's Peak Campground has 26 campsites for tents only.