National Park Rocky Mountain Colorado National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Longs Peak An ascent of Longs Peak provides an exhilarating alpine experience for visitors in good physical condition. Safety precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb to the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park. OBJECTIVE HAZARDS Objective hazards, such as the Rockslides weather, rockslides, and avalanches, cannot be Steep slopes and rock walls are controlled. During your climb of dangerously unstable on Longs Longs Peak, be aware of Peak. Do not take shortcuts -- potential dangers such as: stay on established trails and routes. Sudden Changes in the Avalanches Weather During the winter, spring and Changes in the weather can early summer months occur within a matter of minutes. avalanches are common in the Storms can be severe any month Longs Peak area. Some trails of the year with lightning, rain, cross avalanche paths and snow, or hail often associated runouts. Be alert for signs of an with strong winds. At the first unstable snowpack such as sign of a storm, turn back to the settling or "whomping" sounds. safety of lower elevations. It is Climbers should carry proper better to return when conditions avalanche equipment during are safe than to continue winter and spring seasons and climbing in poor or dangerous consult with park rangers about conditions. current avalanche conditions. SUBJECTIVE HAZARDS Subjective hazards, like wearing Include water and high energy improper clothing and foods in your pack. equipment, exceeding physical abilities, or ascending too Mountain Sickness rapidly, can be controlled. Before climbing, you should be Mountain sickness results from properly equipped and know rapidly ascending to high your limitations. elevations. Breathing difficulties, nausea, headache, and lethargy Hypothermia are symptoms of mountain sickness. This serious condition Hypothermia is a condition in is caused by lack of oxygen at which a person's entire body higher elevations. The proper temperature is lowered. It can remedy is to immediately render a person helpless in descend to lower elevations. minutes, but can be avoided by wearing appropriate clothing and Before climbing Longs Peak, you being prepared for sudden should acclimate to higher changes in the weather. elevations. During the ascent, hike at a steady pace with Dress in layers of wool or frequent rests. Be alert for the synthetic material that retains symptoms of mountain sickness. warmth when wet. Wear sturdy Individuals with heart conditions footwear. Carry wind jacket and should consult a physician pants, mittens, and a hat. before climbing Longs Peak. J^\ Printed with Soyoil Ink ^f on Recycled Paper LONGS PEAK AREA TRAILS TO THE TOP Approach technical conditions on all Permits may obtained starting routes. In mid-July, August, and March 1st by calling 970/586- The Longs Peak Ranger Station most of September, the Keyhole 1242. No phone reservations is situated one mile off Highway Route is generally free of snow are accepted between June and 7, eleven miles south of Estes and can be negotiated without September. Sites are limited. Park, and is open daily during technical climbing equipment. the summer. Hints for Success Equipment Keyhole Route Begin your climb before 3:00 Be prepared for sudden, drastic a.m. in order to be off the summit The only nontechnical climb up weather changes. The following before noon. Afternoon lightning Longs Peak (14,255 ft., 4347 m) items, at a minimum, should be storms are common and can be is the Keyhole Route. The taken on a one-day ascent of fatal. If lightning occurs, get off summit is 7.5 miles (12.1 km) Longs Peak: ridges and summits. from the ranger station with an Conditioning hikes are advised. elevation gain of 4,850 feet. The Sturdy hiking boots, extra wool A slow, steady pace is an six miles to the Boulderfield, sweaters or synthetic pile important key to success. where the route begins, are a jackets, long pants, wind and moderate hiking trail. From the water resistant jacket and pants, Regulations Boulderfield, ascend west to the flashlight, mittens, hat, spare "Keyhole" where you traverse socks, lunch, and water. south across a steep ledge Rangers strictly enforce park regulations. You may view a system on the west face. Camping Ascend the "Trough", then complete list of regulations at any ranger station. Please note traverse another ledge system Longs Peak Campground is called the "Narrows." The these commonly abused located near the trailhead and is regulations: "Homestretch" is the final on a first-come, first-served scramble to the summit. The basis. The 26-site campground route from the "Keyhole" to the is for TENTS ONLY with a Pets are prohibited on trails. summit is marked with yellow maximum stay of three nights. Backcountry campers must and red bulls-eyes painted on have a valid Backcountry the rock. Time for the round trip Backcountry Use Permit Use Permit is about 12-15 hours. Wood fires are prohibited in A permit is required for overnight the Longs Peak backcountry. Seasons trips into the backcountry. Feeding wildlife is Permits are available from prohibited. From about October until July, ranger stations in summer or the Longs Peak is under winter and backcountry office year round. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE SOMEONE NOTIFY THE PARK IF YOU ARE OVERDUE. .