Longs Peak, CO

I'm not really sure, but what is all the fuss about? Why is it that some Colorado 14er's have risen above the rest for being the most well known peak? Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park has become one of the most well known and coveted 14ers for peak baggers from far and wide.

Is it the beauty of the mountain? Is it because of the ease of location? Is it because people everywhere have heard of Longs Peak? Is it just because it's there? What is the reason that Longs Peak in Colorado draws so much attention to itself?

I'm not really sure, are you? Let's talk all about Longs Peak today; let's see if finding out everything we can about this great prize of 14er peak bagging will help us understand why Longs has managed to claw its way to the proverbial top of Colorado's adventure destinations.

Longs Peak is located in Colorado, just outside of Estes Park, in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is probably one clue to the reason for its' popularity. It has a great central location and is easy to get to. Compare it to say Capitol Peak, which takes some effort to drive to, and then a lot of leg work. Maybe Longs Peak notoriety among 14ers is based somewhat in the access its location provides any would be mountaineer.

But, there must be more to it then that.

Photo by tehchad25

Could it be the beauty? For many years flocks of people have swarmed to Rocky Mountain National Park like lemmings, to view the majestic views and vistas of this great land. This is another possibility in the rise of Longs Peak to the top of the pack of 14ers.

Sure, most of Colorado is beautiful and it's hard to go to any 14er and not love the nature that surrounds you, but one must admit the area in and around Longs Peak holds some of the greatest and most picturesque scenes a person can obtain in the lower 48. It is a destination spot.

The beauty of the landscape around Longs Peak might hold another clue as to why so many brave souls want to make this peak off in the their Colorado 14er's Passport Book!

Because others have been there before?

For many people heading out on one of their first Colorado 14ers attempts, or just starting on their peak bagging adventures, the comfort of the crowd does have some sway.

With the many people always attacking Longs Peak during the climbing season, there is no lack of information or company and your way up to the top. this does play a factor. People who want to be part of a community, meet people, and feel more at rest when climbing could be drawn to Longs Peak with the knowledge that they will most likely not be climbing alone.

Finding an adventure and mountain climbing location that already has a wealth of information available about the routes, in detail, is going to be chosen for the easy of it. And a quick Google search of Longs Peak, CO routes will show you this is the case.

Because of the danger?

Do you think it is possible that Longs Peak has become a climbing mecca because it does pose some risk and danger, while at the same time not being totally out of reach?

The Ledges on Longs Peak have because infamous, as well as the Keyhole and Black Diamond. These routes up to the peak of this famous 14er do pose and require a little more skill then your easy walk up peak. This could be some of the draw to Longs Peak.

There are always people looking for some real adventure, while at the same time just testing the waters before plunging head deep into a climb like Capitol Peak.

Well, there you have it. There are three possible reasons why Longs Peak in Colorado has become so popular. Beauty, the company, and the slight danger and risk. Sounds like a recipe for a true adventure of some sort does it not?

Have you climbed Longs Peak? Why did you climb? Would you go back? Any advice for someone thinking about it?