Come climb the iconic Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park's only 14er.
Season
Year round
Skill Level
Beginner and Intermediate
Duration
10-14 hours
Group Size
1-4
Discover the unmatched allure of Longs Peak, the only 14,000 ft. peak nestled within the enchanting Rocky Mountain National Park. As the solitary peak of its kind within RMNP, Longs Peak magnetizes adventurers year-round. Its extensive array of hiking and climbing routes effortlessly accommodates the influx of enthusiastic crowds.
Each ascent of Longs Peak intertwines skill, knowledge, and a bit of luck. Its enduring appeal has captivated climbers who return year after year, obsessed with conquering its mysteries and embracing its irresistible allure. Don't miss your chance to partake in this unforgettable expedition of a lifetime. Enroll now and prepare to be mesmerized by the relentless splendor and indomitable spirit of Longs Peak.
The Keyhole Route is a popular and challenging climbing route on the mountain. It is considered a classic alpine route and attracts experienced mountaineers from around the world. The Keyhole Route is named after a distinctive keyhole-shaped notch that marks the gateway to the more technical and exposed sections of the climb. It is the most commonly used route to reach the summit of Longs Peak and offers breathtaking views and a thrilling adventure for those who attempt it.
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Max Lurie - Owner of Alpine to the Max
Max Lurie is an American Mountain Guides Association certified Rock and Alpine Guide, as well as an accomplished alpinist. Max has been climbing since 2004 and traveling to the greater ranges in pursuit of his passion.
As an independently certified climbing guide based in Boulder, CO, Max provides custom education and mountain experiences in the Colorado Front Range and beyond. All of the climbing instruction offered through Alpine to the Max is customized to your goals, objectives, and skill level.
Our exact start time will vary on several factors, but you can expect it to be long before sunrise. So bring a headlamp with full batteries and get ready to kick it into low gear. It is about an hour of hiking to the treeline where things open up and we can see the upper mountain. From there it is several more hours of hiking until we get to the Boulder Field at 12,700 feet. Usually around or just after daybreak, this is a phenomenal place to watch the colors spread across the sky, allowing us to put away our headlamps. After a short and likely chilly break, we'll head toward the Keyhole itself. A unique rock feature that is hard to miss. Once through the Keyhole, the fun begins. With sections of trail named things like the Ledges, the Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch. You'll just have to climb it to find out how those sections got their names.
There is no typical ascent of Longs Peak, but we can usually expect it to be a 10 to 14-hour day of strenuous physical activity.
The specific equipment needed for climbing Longs Peak varies on the season and even day to day. It can snow any month up high so being prepared for anything is important. We will reach out shortly before the outing to ensure you are adequately prepared based on the weather forecast.
Here is a general list of things that we want you to bring along.
Technical equipment
Equipment
It takes a lot, no two ascents of Longs Peak are the same. Be prepared for an arduous and challenging adventure.
It depends on the weather and season of your ascent. Generally, you'll want a 30-40 liter backpack with appropriate clothing and food/water for the day. Your guide will give you specific instructions on what to bring.
the trailhead is at 9600 ft and the summit is 14200 ft with roughly 7 miles between them. This makes for a 16-mile round trip with about 4600 vertical feet between the trailhead and summit.
Alpine to the Max is an independent certified guide with more than a decade of experience in a wide variety of terrain. No matter your current skill level, when you climb with us you get a top-notch experience that is fully customized to meet your exact desires.
