Who would win the battle over claiming the title of Colorado's most popular and well known 14er? Would it be Pikes Peak, Quandary Peak or Longs Peak? I suppose you could rate all the 14ers by different categories and would come out with different answers. Most hiked, easiest, hardest, most well known, local favorite, most assessable. In the end who knows which one is the best, but for sure they are well known, especially the famous Longs Peak, all 14,256 feet of the mountain.

Photo By richardmasoner

Longs Peak is located in the one and only Rocky Mountain National Park, not far off of the well known Estes Park in Colorado. If you're looking to escape the crowds of mid-summer, then if you know anything about the Estes Park area, this is probably not the place to go. But, you cannot deny the raw beauty of even the most crowed weekend in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The mighty and majestic peaks and woods cry to any adventurers heart to come explore and climb forever, never to return to that cubicle. Ahh......mmm... back on topic.

What: Longs Peak, CO

Where: Located off CO 7, from the Estes Park area go south on CO 7, from the South drive from the Boulder area north. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The approximation of Longs Peak to Estes Park and Boulder makes it easy to launch your attack from civilization.

When: Mid-July through August seems to be the consensus of the best time to hike Longs Peak. There is a possibility of snow and ice on the most popular route before this time, which would take it from amateur to you better know what you are doing really quick.

Why: What would you want to bag Longs Peak and mark it off your Colorado 14ers Passport? Well because everything you talk to around a campfire is going to say.."ohh, you've climbed Longs Peak uh. Tell us more."

What Am I In For: What can I expect if I attempt Longs Peak? Just like anything else in Colorado when you are out in the wilds. You should be competent and in shape, well prepared and ready to rumble. Getting to the top is half way, you have to come back in one piece for it to count.

The famous Keyhole route is rated a class 3 scramble. What is a class 3 scramble? Well, if you google it you will find a few things, so in general here is what I found that summed it up well.
Class 3:
- hands on climbing
- very large easy holds - often multiple viable routes
- possible "free" fall exposure but not of extreme height, maybe 3m-10m maximum
- possible traverses on side slopes or ridge tops with extreme drops but with reasonably (minimum ~ 3 feet) wide trails and/or big easy handholds and footholds (those with above-average vertigo problems and/or some clumsiness beware)

What is my route of Choice: There are a few different routes you may choose from in an assault on the might Longs Peak. Really it depends what kind of climber and hiker you are, there are routes for the faint of heart and the lion hearted souls. The standard is Keyhole Route.

Photo By davidwilson1949

1. Keyhole Route By far probably the most famous and popular route on Longs Peak. This little trek is a little on the long side at 16 miles round trip or there abouts. Basically from the trail head you will hike, until you get a large boulder field that will take you all the way to the "keyhole." After the keyhole comes the infamous Ledges section of the climb that will make sure you are paying attention and don't mind heights too much. Up the trough and onto the top.

Overall taking a crack at Longs Peak probably isn't out of the question for anyone in reasonable shape with some steady nerves. You should also be prepared for the worse and do your research before hand on the route so you know exactly where you are going, your turn around times and the like. You will not be disappointed with the beautiful scenery and the call of this great peak will probably be etched into your mind forever. Have you climbed Longs Peak? What is your advice for someone doing it the first time? Any good stories to share?

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