Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 14ers
  5. Longs Peak

14,259 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Longs Peak

Longs Peak is a 14,259 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Keyhole Route: 13 mi, 4,934 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 14ers
Longs Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Longs Peak at a glance

  • Elevation14,259 ft4,346 m
  • RouteKeyhole RouteClass 3
  • Distance13 mi4,934 ft gain
  • Time10 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Keyhole Route

From Estes Park, Colorado, take Highway 7 south to the Longs Peak Ranger Station and trailhead. The Keyhole Route is the standard route, involving Class 3 scrambling with significant exposure through the Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch sections. Start by 3am to beat afternoon thunderstorms which develop almost daily in summer. Snow and ice can linger into late July, making sections treacherous. Extremely popular with crowds on summer weekends. A wilderness camping permit is available at the ranger station for overnight trips. One of Colorado's most iconic and demanding 14ers. Proper conditioning essential.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking Boots
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Sun Hat
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • Helmet
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • High altitude
  • Altitude sickness
  • Rockfall
  • Route-finding difficulty

Longs Peak on Yak

Climbers have shared 67 climbs of Longs Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

App StoreGoogle Play

Quests with Longs Peak

Peaks near Longs Peak

  1. Mount Meeker

    Mount Meeker

    13,916 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Pagoda Mtn

    Pagoda Mtn

    13,488 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. Chiefs Head Peak

    Chiefs Head Peak

    13,577 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. McHenrys Peak

    McHenrys Peak

    13,330 ft · 2.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Longs Peak?

Longs Peak is 14,259 feet (4,346 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Longs Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?

At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the 15th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to climb Longs Peak?

The Keyhole Route is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,934 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Longs Peak?

Most people take 10 – 15 hours round trip on the Keyhole Route, covering 13 miles with 4,934 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Do you need a permit to climb Longs Peak?

Not for a day climb. Camping along the way needs a Rocky Mountain National Park wilderness permit, and the park may require a timed entry reservation to drive in during summer. Check current rules with Rocky Mountain National Park before you go.

Is Longs Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Longs Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Keyhole Route, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Longs Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Longs Peak reaches 14,259 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start climbing Longs Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Longs Peak?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Longs Peak?

The Keyhole Route starts at about 9,400 feet, roughly 4,859 feet below the summit.

Climb Longs Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

App StoreGoogle Play