You Must Start Early. The Longs Peak trailhead parking lot was mostly empty except for a couple vehicles. Longs Peak weather forecast updated daily. Take a virtual trip up the Keyhole Route via the Climbing Longs Peak podcast. Trailhead: Longs Peak. We designed the Longs Peak Loop to allow for acclimatization during the first couple days of the hike, increasing the odds of a successful summit bid. West Winds 15 to 25 Mph with Gusts to around 35 Mph. Though this portion of the hike is enough to have many headed back to the car, the most extreme portion of Longs Peak is yet to come. GPS track: From Longs: The Keyhole Route is not a hike. The trip takes us through a series of camps, drawing us closer to striking distance of Longs Peak. Arctic Village, Arctic Village Airport, AK, Portland, Portland International Jetport, ME, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, AZ 85034. Hiking. Watch live feed from the Longs Peak Webcam. For important information on the Keyhole Route, please reference the Route Brochure and Keyhole Route: Frequently Asked Questions, see our Longs Peak Conditions Report and High Country Hazards pages, or contact the Rocky Mountain National Park Information Office at 970-586-1206. The weather in the mountains are constantly changing, and it’s important to be up-to-date on the conditions before you hike Longs Peak. If the webcam fails, it will not be repaired until the end of May when this location is safely accessible again. Check with the ranger at the Longs Peak Ranger Station for current trail and route conditions. Highs 15 to 25. The prime months to hike Longs Peak is from mid-July to September. The high elevation may affect your condition and judgment. We hiked under the stars up the keyhole route which was a very nice, almost impossible to get lost trail. View the current Longs Peak Conditions Report. Longs Peak Trailhead is located 10 miles south of Estes Park off of Highway 7, between Estes Park and Allenspark. West Winds 20 to 25 Mph shifting to the southwest 10 to 15 Mph after midnight. The nearest quality alpine observations are taken on Niwot Ridge approximately 15 miles to the south. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Follow the road .9 miles to the ranger station and trailhead. Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. Don't have summit fever: Enjoy the experience, but be willing to turn around at any time. Highs 27 to 37. To reach the trailhead from Estes Park drive 8.9 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the turnoff for the Longs Peak Ranger Station. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs 15 to 25. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. The hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. NOAA weather radar, satellite and synoptic charts. First to Review. All travel on maintained trails throughout the mountain is now snow free. Longs Peak: It's all about the weather - See 62 traveler reviews, 78 candid photos, and great deals for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, at Tripadvisor. Different angles show the great mountain's unique profiles. Mostly cloudy. Info: Zero snow at trailhead. Though this portion of the hike is enough to have many headed back to the car, the most extreme portion of Longs Peak is yet to come. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Lows 13 to 23. Once above treeline, the approach toward Longs Peak continues for several more miles, seemingly getting steeper by the step. Reviews (11) Photos (2039) Recordings (13) Completed (61) Kate L. June 12, 2020. On day 3, permitting good weather, we'll go for the summit. Made it to the Keyhole at 5:40. Rocky Mountain National Park has Longs Peak hiking conditions frequently updated on the website during the season (starting in May). Hikers continue up switchbacks that get more rugged with each foot of elevation gained. I left my snowshoes on all the way back to the trailhead, arriving at 3:55pm. However, weather and conditions vary so it’s best to check with a ranger or online for current conditions, 970-586-1206 or the park's Conditions & Closure page. Current conditions, warnings and historical records Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Keyhole Route. Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. Be prepared to turn back during sudden, drastic weather changes. Partly cloudy. Caution and good judgement is highly recomm… Highs 15 to 25. Thank you trailcrew! The North Longs Peak Trail heads off to the right. You will see a big National Park sign, take right from here towards the Longs Peak Campground. Weather patterns throughout seasons frequently cause snow to be present along the trail into the last days of June. Highs in the 30s (Fahrenheit) at the trailhead and highs in the upper teens at 13,000', a few inches of packed snow in the woods, very windy (sustained 30 with most gusts in the 50s) above treeline, a few sparse snowfields above treeline, and icy (microspikes recommended) last few minutes to Chasm Lake. Longs Peak weather forecast. To reach the trailhead from Estes Park drive 8.9 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the turnoff for the Longs Peak Ranger Station. Longs Peak weather forecast updated daily. The East Longs Peak Trail is by far the more popular route. Hikers continue up switchbacks that get more rugged with each foot of elevation gained. Route: Keyhole (standard) Mileage/Elevation gain: 13.85 miles and 4971 feet of gain . Trail was absolutely dry up to the point that I turned off of the Longs Peak Trail towards the Eugenia Mine (9,450 feet). From the turnoff drive another mile to the ranger station. Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details, Keyhole Route: Frequently Asked Questions. UV Index. Joined my wife, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend Jesse on a lovely Saturday jaunt up Longs Peak. We hiked under the stars up the keyhole route which was a very nice, almost impossible to get lost trail. NOAA weather radar, satellite and synoptic charts. Alpine Tundra (2.3 miles, 1445 feet gain) Hiking 2.3 miles brings you above treeline and onto the tundra. Longs Peak Trailhead The journey starts from the Longs Peak Trailhead located along CO-7 10.2 miles from Estes Park. Highs 24 to 34. Checklists. I met up with three girls from the Colorado 14er Ladies Facebook group at the trailhead at 2:30am. Breezy, with a west southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. From the turnoff drive another mile to the ranger station. Day hikers planning to summit Longs Peak usually arrive between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow. Climb up and towards the end turn left to reach the parking. Trail was absolutely dry up to the point that I turned off of the Longs Peak Trail towards the Eugenia Mine (9,450 feet). Backcountry and overnight regulations may apply. Peak: Longs Peak. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. This location is inaccessible during the winter when Trail Ridge Road is closed due to deep snow and strong winds. In the summertime, when conditions allow, thousands climb to Longs' summit via the Keyhole Route. Thank you trailcrew! The Alpine Visitor Center Winter Webcam is located at 11,796 ft (3595 m). GPS track: From Longs: The north and east faces of Longs come into view, as well as Storm Peak (13,326') ahead. Peak Forecasts. The summit of Longs Peak reaches an elevation of 14,259 feet, rising 9000 feet above the plains to the east, and 5000 feet above the high mountain valleys to the west. The Keyhole Route can experience winter-like conditions at any time, requiring greater skill and judgment. I arrived around 10 pm the night of our climb to get a few hours of truck sleep before an early start. Chance of snow 60 percent. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Winter Longs. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. Weather. (970) 586-1206 Hourly precipitation, lightning potential, temperature, wind speed, and trail conditions. Longs is not a great place to bring your out-of-town friend for a little hike. Lows 6 to 16. Weather. It is not only the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County, but it is also the 15th highest peak in Colorado. Though this hike is difficult, and especially dangerous during poor weather, it is stunning, and doable for most intermediate to experienced hikers. Patchy blowing snow. Follow the road .9 miles to the ranger station and trailhead. This area is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park, travel 9.1 miles south on Highway 7 to the Longs Peak Trailhead turnoff on the west side of the road. Storms continue to bring heavy rain and hail accumulation to alpine zones on an almost daily basis, and the consistent threat of afternoon lightning storms has arrived for … The Keyhole Route is not a hike. The Longs Peak Trailhead is the primary means for accessing Longs Peak, and is the trailhead for the popular East Longs Peak Trail. What a day on my favorite 14er! Stay left on the East Longs Peak Trail and switchback up and easy slope (3) to reach the north end of the Boulder Field, near 12,400'. Chance of snow 60 percent. Snow likely and patchy blowing snow. Snow. Longs in winter is a true test of fortitude and perserverance, but with a little luck with the weather it can be a very rewarding climb. Disregard for the mountain environment any time of year has meant danger, injury and even death. It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces, often with falling rocks, requiring scrambling, where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. … Highs 23 to 33. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. Current conditions, warnings and historical records Longs Peak weather forecast. The Keyhole Route described below is the most climbed … Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for the entire route on this hike. As in, you don’t want to be starting the Keyhole area of the hike anytime after … What a day on my favorite 14er! Longs Peak Trailhead is located 10 miles south of Estes Park off of Highway 7, between Estes Park and Allenspark. Southwest Winds 10 to 15 Mph with Gusts to around 35 Mph. Below, each is shown. It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces, often with falling rocks, requiring scrambling, where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. Weather and Climate of Longs Peak. This hike is attempted an estimated 20,000 times per year by hikers with a less than 50% completion rate. On weekdays the lot is typically less hectic, but an early arrival time is still recommended. From Estes Park, travel 9.1 miles south on Highway 7 to the Longs Peak Trailhead turnoff on the west side of the road. The lot was full so we parked near the campground. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/the-keyhole-and-longs-peak-trail Longs in winter is a true test of fortitude and perserverance, but with a little luck with the weather it can be a very rewarding climb. It fills a deep cirque carved from the base of Mt Meeker (13,911'), Longs Peak (14,259') and Mount Lady Washington (13,281'). From the Longs Peak Trailhead to the summit of Longs Peak along the Keyhole Route is 7.5 miles. Northwest Winds 10 to 15 Mph with Gusts to around 25 Mph. The last 1.5 miles is by far the most difficult, exposed and hazardous portion of the route. Lows 6 to 16. The hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. No snow all … Not unlike many other mountain hikes, the best months for hiking Longs Peak are July, August and September. Changing weather reflects Longs Peak's many moods. Directions to Trailhead. We went looking for a quiet, less populated hike and found it with North Longs Peak trail. Many visitors want to hike … This trip is not for the faint of heart! The webcam takes three pictures each day. Since both locations are just east of the Continental Divide, they often share similar weather characteristics. Highs 25 to 35. I left my snowshoes on all the way back to the trailhead, arriving at 3:55pm. Hourly precipitation, lightning potential, temperature, wind speed, and trail conditions. Chasm Lake - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip Chasm Lake is located 4.2 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow. Longs Peak is 4,346 m high with super tough terrain, scorching uncovered areas, unpredictable weather events and areas that require more scrambling than actual, ‘hiking’. Longs Peak's iconic 'Diamond' rises 2456' above this striking alpine lake. Unlike other access points in RMNP, no entrance fees are required to access this area. The flat-topped monarch is seen from almost anywhere in the park. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. Day: February 2, 2020. I set up camp in calm, warm conditions and began the arduous process of melting two liters of snow and cooking dinner. Learn about the unique challenges of climbing Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route. Fees: None Parking: The parking lot for Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route can fit about 30-40 cars, but will 100% fill up on weekends from July – early October.Expect to arrive to the trailhead by 2-3AM to have the best chance to secure a spot. Info: Zero snow at trailhead. Changing weather reflects Longs Peak's many moods. Daylight. Longs Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Longs Peak is: A dusting of new snowExtremely cold (max -11°C on Thu afternoon, min -23°C on Mon night)Winds increasing (light winds from the WSW on Mon night, gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). Thursday morning I began the exhausting approach up to the Boulderfield and had the hike to myself all day. In general, the most snow-free and ice-free time of year to climb Longs Peak is mid-July through mid-September. Most hikers typically begin before dawn, since afternoon thunderstorms usually roll in around 12 or 1 pm and can be life threatening above tree line. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 6. In the summertime, when conditions allow, thousands climb to Longs' summit via the Keyhole Route. For most of the year, climbing Longs Peak is in winter conditions, which requires winter mountaineering experience and the knowledge and use of specialized equipment. By that point the wind was barreling through the Keyhole. Patchy blowing snow. There are two main “hiking” trails to Longs peak that feature Class 1 and 2 hiking up until the Keyhole, where the hike is considered class 3. This peak has a reputation, so I have to admit, I've been nervous to try it. Gusts up to 40 Mph. Wind chill values as low as -12. There are currently no weather stations on Longs Peak. Summer conditions have arrived on Longs Peak. Directions to Trailhead. Directions to Longs Peak Trailhead: To reach the Longs Peak trailhead, you need to start from the Estes Park and travel 10 miles on CO 7, towards the south. For those who are prepared, the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak, one of the most popular routes in Colorado, is an extraordinary climbing experience. Storm Pass and Longs Peak Trail is a 21.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. At times the view may be obscured by snow or frost and the temperature reading is inaccurate. Longs Peak Loveland Pass Manitou Springs Scott Gomer/Abyss Lk. We started from the trailhead at 2:40am. Once above treeline, the approach toward Longs Peak continues for several more miles, seemingly getting steeper by the step. Southwest Winds 10 to 20 Mph with Gusts to around 35 Mph. Download the Longs Peak-Keyhole Route brochure (8 1/2 x 14-PDF 589kb) and Keyhole Route: Frequently Asked Questions (8 1/2 x 11-PDF 162kb). I met up with three girls from the Colorado 14er Ladies Facebook group at the trailhead at 2:30am. This peak has a reputation, so I have to admit, I've been nervous to try it. Partly cloudy. Longs Peak Winter Ascent. No snow all … Snow likely and Areas of blowing snow in the Morning, then a chance of snow and patchy blowing snow in the afternoon. The actual Keyhole Route begins after the Boulder Field. Longs Peak Area Trail Guide Whether you stroll to an old mine or tackle a strenous trip to a mountain sum-mit, trails in the Longs Peak area offer many rewarding hours of hiking. The route has narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep cliffs. Careful descent is the best treatment. Lows 11 to 19. Peak ranger station and Trailhead a less than 50 % completion rate from Longs: Directions to Trailhead virtual up..., brother-in-law, and trail conditions time, requiring greater skill and judgment Peak above. Will not be repaired until the end turn left to reach the for. 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