Longs Peak | Climbing the Most Deadly Mountain in Colorado
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 10. 2023
- Solo hiking The Keyhole route on Longs Peak, the only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 feet (4,346m) on September 30, 2023. In this video, I focus on the areas from the Boulder Field to the summit, the areas that are more dangerous to give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to climb this mountain.
This is more than just a regular hike, here is how the Park Service describes it..."The Keyhole Route is NOT a hike! It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces, often with falling rocks, requiring scrambling, where an un-roped fall would likely be fatal. The route has narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep cliffs. The terrain requires good route-finding and scrambling skills. Use caution, as injuries requiring rescue are very dangerous and take many hours, if not days, to evacuate."
The trail from the trailhead (9,400 feet) to the Boulder Field (12,750 feet) is 6 miles and climbs 3,360 feet. The hike to the Boulder Field is similar to other high altitude hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, so I didn't show much of it in this video, it's the area past the Boulder Field and that sets this one apart from many other hikes in the park. If this is going to be your first attempt at Longs, I'd recommend Hallett Peak as a good warmup hike before trying Longs.
Once past the Boulder Field, you make your own way across the large boulders up to The Keyhole rock formation. At The Keyhole it's important to evaluate the weather and your own physical condition. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon and you don't want to be caught in storms past this point. Storms can develop very rapidly as seen in this video. Also make sure that you feel good, if you are suffering any symptoms of altitude sickness it's probably best to just relax at The Keyhole, take in the great view, then head back down at try for the summit another day. Some of the best views of the hike are here, so it's still a good hike without going to the summit. The mountain will always be there.
From The Keyhole you will follow "The Ledges", a series of ledges across to "The Trough". The route isn't too hard to follow if you follow the red & yellow bull's-eyes painted on the rocks. Next you need to scramble up The Trough which climbs up 600 vertical feet of loose rock, this is the most physically demanding part of the climb. At the top of The Trough are some large rocks that are the most technical part of the hike. They don't have very good hand or foot holds. Next comes "The Narrows", these ledges start out very narrow as the name suggests. Be very careful here, it's a long way down and it can be very windy here. The beginning is the most narrow part but it has some good handholds and it gets a bit wider as you get towards the end. "The Homestretch" is the final section of the climb, it's made up of smooth slabs of rock that climb up 200 feet. There are some cracks for your hands and feet. This video shows ideal conditions for The Homestretch. I have been on this when it's wet and when there is some ice, and it's not fun. When you get to the summit, you will notice how large and flat it is, be sure to walk around and enjoy the different views!
Directions to Trailhead:
Park at the Longs Peak Trailhead located south of Estes Park off Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy 7). You can also take the North Longs Peak trail starting at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this will add some distance over the east trail.
Round Trip Distance: 14 miles (22.5km) round trip from trailhead.
Elevation Gain: 4,934 feet (1,504m)
Difficulty: This is a difficult and strenuous hike with Class 3 rock scrambling with areas where falls could be fatal. This hike can be done safely if you use good judgement.
Conditions:
Partly cloudy, starting temperature around 39 degrees but warmed up into the 50s. Storms later in the hike.
Camera equipment used:
GoPro HERO8 Black (4K30 Wide FOV)
I camped in Longs Peak boulder field on early spring while climbing the cable route on the north face and there were winds just tearing down off the mountain peak at night when things started cooling down that had to be close to 100 mph, they knocked me down when trying to pee and totally shredded a 4-pole Sierra Design tent ripping the rain fly in half & bending the poles. I have been through 4 hurricanes and never got knocked off my feet. Spent the rest of the night in a Mylar emergency blanket & trash sack. It was epic, fun to reminisce about now years later but not fun at all going through it back then.
Wow, great story! It’s crazy how the weather can be up there and how fast it changes.
I climbed All Mixed Up on Thatchtop with a friend, many years ago. It was early winter, so the lakes were frozen. Man, the wind was something else that day. There were some amazing photos of the Keyboard taken, that's for sure. The spin drift was blinding at times. On the last pitch of the climb we were sucking in, close as we could to the wall so as not to get blown off. It was pretty wild. I got blown from my feet 3 times crossing Mills Lake on the way out!
We were supposed to be back by the time we finally got to my truck. I called home to a panicked wife who was about to call S&R after seeing reports of 90mph gusts in Estes!
Ah, type II fun...
I'm starting to pay for all of that fun at this point, sadly.
Wow, great story, sounds like a real adventure!
Great video. Brought back fond memories of our ascent in the 1990's. Recommend camping overnight in the Boulder Field. Awesome stars at night. Hiked to get view of the East Face of Long's at sunrise and saw the brief "alpen glow". Incredible experience!
If you are not from CO, I suggest this: Camp at the trailhead. Leave early. Camp at the boulder field. Summit. Descend. Allows acclimatization time and lets it be a fun summit, instead of a grueling push to get up and down before the Pm storms come.
Good plan, that would be a fun way to experience it.
Camping in the boulder field is no joke. Not recommended for those without plenty of prior high elevation camping experience.
I got a ticket for camping right at the trail head. We had to go down the road a bit to find spot.
That was an excellent recap... probably the best I've seen about what to expect. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Hope it inspires you to climb it if you haven't already been up there!
@@AustinsADV most definitely!!
If I was younger I'd want to go do this, but since I can't I'd like to say thank you for taking me on your adventure! So awesome!Stay safe in all you do,
mayGod bless you always.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, happy to take you along on the adventure!
The scariest part of the hike for me was going back down the home stretch. Definitely an adrenaline rush!! great mountain and video!!
Thanks! I completely agree, I went down the home stretch once when there was ice. Probably why I took 10 years off from Longs 😂
Really excellent video of the Keyhole Route, I've watched a lot of these vids and yours is among the best. The way back down from the summit to the keyhole seems scarier than the way up.
Thank you! I’d say the Homestretch is harder on the way down, especially if it’s at all wet. The Narrows and Ledges are about the same in either direction. The hardest part is the Trough, lots of loose rocks. Always keep a close eye on the weather, notice how fast it changed, sunny on the Narrows, and by the time I was at the Boulder Field there was some light snow and even some thunder.
Awesome job. Thank you for posting!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Simply unmatched scenery bud, stunning work here!
Thanks Ervin! Have a great week!
Did this hike back in 87. 5am to 5pm. Great to remember what I used to do
That’s awesome! Thanks for watching!
Super cool. I did that route a few times about 30 years ago. Your video made it feel like yesterday. I remember every move. Cheers
Awesome! It’s a fun one, definitely a mountain with some character! Thanks for watching!
Did this in Aug. 2010. Awesome hike. Despite the warnings of difficulty and danger, I saw lots of kids and families, most likely locals that think nothing of an ordinary afternoon jaunt in the mountains. Poking my head through the keyhole was like stepping through a portal into another world. The weather was sunny and calm on the approach side, then windy on the slope side. The most daunting part for me was looking up the Trough and seeing the tiny people at the top. That is a long-@ss scramble. The Homestretch weeded out a lot of reluctant hikers, but didn't bother me that much. Just go slow and be sure of your footing. Oddly, I don't remember feeling the altitude as I do on Whitney.
That’s awesome, thanks for sharing! Sounds like a great trip. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I first saw the Keyhole. It’s fun taking people hiking up there and seeing their expression the first time they look over the edge. It’s a worthwhile hike in itself.
Great to see the entire route. My brother-in-law and I did this climb in 1978 and the video brings back many memories. Your comment is correct, the camera does not show the real steepness. My rule is to be off the summit by noon. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching and sharing your story! Being off the summit by noon is a good rule.
I’ve lived in estes park for all my life outside of college, so 30 years or so. I’ve never been on longs before. Ever. This video truly inspired me, thank you for sharing!
Thanks, happy you enjoyed it! Longs is a fun one to climb! I love it up in Estes, so beautiful, must be nice living there! We have been in Longmont for 24 years.
Can't believe I made this climb 5 times during my early years in Colorado. Watching this 40 years later it's clear I have "outgrown" the adventure...
That’s cool that you climbed it! About 11 years ago I said never again after dealing with an icy home stretch, then it called me back last fall.
Great hike
Thanks!
Gorgeous video, love the views! And 3360 ft over 6 miles is quite a climb, especially at over 10,000ft-- thanks for posting!
Thanks! It’s a fun climb, has a bit of everything.
I hiked to the keyhole about 30 years ago. Weather turned us around. I've flown a glider (from Boulder) over the summit a few times. Nice views!
That sounds awesome! So cool to see this stuff from the air. Went for a flight with a friend over South Arapahoe Peak which got me into flying.
Thanks for sharing and the brevity of each segment. This walkthrough is useful for the ones planning a trip there, but also for us , people that is just wondering how the terrain is like. A nice feature to have in this video would be an introductory map showing where the mountain/ range is located and a simple map showing the route.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful! I keep thinking about getting a Garmin watch that can record the GPS track, and then do a Google Earth fly through.
Excellent commentary pointing out lakes and names of trail segments!
Thank you! Those lakes in Glacier Gorge are also excellent hikes, beautiful back there.
Longs Peak is a fairly benign peak in dry weather. It becomes more treacherous in shoulder seasons when people underestimate the conditions and are unprepared when weather moves in.
I climbed Long's years ago when I was 50 years old. Round trip took about 9 hours. The most difficult area for me was getting around and over the boulders at the top of the trough. Peak can be dangerous due to the large number of people on the hike, including lot's of people attempting the first fourteener, I saw a guy wearing sandals and another wearing Chuck Tayor All Stars. Takes all kinds.
Very cool! That big boulder at the top of the Trough can be challenging, not much to hold on to. Not many people on the day I made this video, much more crowded on a summer weekend. Thanks for watching!
Great video, excellent views and description of the route from Keyhole. I thought Capitol Peak was the deadliest till I double checked and you're right. Thanks.
Thanks! I’d say Capital is more dangerous with the Knife Edge and exposure on both sides. Longs is more deadly because so many people attempt to climb it and many are not well prepared.
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing. I got dizzy a few times. 😁
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
Hiked this a few times, full moon hikes. I'd put it up there in the top must-do hikes.
Nice! This is an awesome hike during the full moon!
We watched this the other day and forgot to comment! Greta hike Austin. Some of those rocky bits were a little sketchy ! Glad you made it mostly down before the storm
Thanks Mike & Chelsea! Those ledges can be sketchy if you get caught in a storm.
I live in Colorado but have never seen this part of the park. Beautiful, austere, scary. Thanks for showing this. Awesome climb!
Thanks for watching! Happy you got to see another part of the park!
@@AustinsADV You seem so skilled and calm at moving through a tough climb and some scary heights and ledges. But this was beautiful to see. I’m impressed as 14,000 feet has to leave you breathless (in more ways than one)! Beautiful camera work. I was worried about you getting down before storm moved in.
Thanks, I’ve been up this a bunch of times before so I’m kind of used to it now, even though iI don’t really like heights. People often ask me what it’s like or if it’s scary, so here’s a video I can point them to. I’m usually pretty good at reading the weather, but the storm that developed so quickly at the end kind of surprised me, hope people pay attention to that part. It’s no place to be when there is lightning.
THANK YOU for this video. It possibly saved a life! Well over 30 years ago my brother and I attempted to take the route you showed in this video. We had NO idea what we were doing, in retrospect! Made it to the boulder field campground the first day since we started later in the day than we should have. Our backpacks, tent and supplies in general were what you'd expect for novices! It's too embarrassing to detail here. The toilet at the boulder field was operational and memorable. I was happy you showed it in the video! A storm moved in that night, complete with thunder and lightening. We prayed to make it through. The morning brought a complete white-out! After watching your video, it was God's providence we had such a storm and decided to turn back! I still remember hearing the wind before it hit us. Everyone bent over and braced for the wind, then started hiking when it let up until we were finally below the tree line. Such a remarkable trip. I had tinkered with the idea of finishing that hike sometime in the next couple years. But, I'm 70 now and thanks to your enlightenment, I think I'll just be satisfied with the memories of our first trip! LOL!
Wow, what an interesting story! Thanks so much for sharing! Weather can change everything, I had pretty optimal conditions in this video. Imagine being on the Narrows when a storm moves in.
@@AustinsADV That would be life-threatening for sure! I showed your video to my wife. She asked if we knew what we were climbing! Of course we didn’t. This was pre-Internet days. I took a mini tape recorder along. The two tapes I recorded are priceless now. Hilarious memories.
@NoBite2 That’s awesome that you were able to document it, it’s fun looking back at that stuff. I have a lot of fun memories of Longs, taking friends up it over the years, sometimes successful other times not. It’s usually the entry to the Narrows that scares them, turned back due to weather before too half way up the Trough. Wish I had videos back then, at least I have some pictures.
I see the keyhole route from my house and did it 3 times. Beautiful mountain 😊
That’s awesome, such a fun hike!
Are you from FOCO?
Did this back in 2016 and had a permit to camp in the boulder field which was awesome. Incredibly windy which sometimes you don’t feel until you peak through the keyhole which was like walking into a wind tunnel the day we hiked it. Most challenging part was getting from the trough to the narrows as it snowed a few inches early that season (sept) and the rocks were incredibly slick from snowmelt. Had to find a less appealing and more dangerous route as we kept slipping where you normally wedge yourself through that part which would’ve been simple had it not been for the slick rocks. All in all, super fun hike and just need to be incredibly present and should be just fine. The narrows can be terrifying for those scared of heights but I found it easy to comfortably grab the rocks facing the other direction and the path is wider than it looks if you just check out pictures. However, that derailed my friend due to his fears and I had to finish the narrows and homestretch solo which was incredibly peaceful as I was the only one on the summit that day. Summit is about the size of a football field made out of boulders, ha. Then comes the realization that you have to go back down 😂
Great story, thanks so much for sharing! The narrows can be pretty intimidating for those afraid of heights. I’ve hiking this with friends before that have stopped there.
Climbed and led Cheley Camps groups up this in 1978.. Bunch of teenagers with me on the summit, with us having the summit nearly to ourselves. We would up race the home stretch to race to the top back then.
So cool! Sounds like an awesome experience!
Good Lord that is some scary stuff!
Can’t beat the view though!
Got caught in a lightning storm once in the boulder field... scariest time of my life. Lightning literally striking the ground all around us and nowhere to hide.
That’s scary stuff!
6:00 that's crazy, no wonder it is the most deadly mountain in Colorado. There's certainly no shortage of scenic hikes in the Rockies!
Yeah, the problem with this one is that so many people go up there unprepared. This one can be done safely if you are careful and use good judgment.
Really enjoyed this. I went to college in Colorado and climbed Long’s in June of 1983. The keyhole to the trough and the trough were still snow covered. The narrows ahhmazing. And that last 100 yards…the home stretch…yikes. Lift foot, kick into snow, set ice axe, repeat.
Thanks, happy you enjoyed it! Sounds like much more challenging conditions when you climbed it. I was lucky that it was dry and not crowded.
@@AustinsADV I laughed out loud when you said it wasn’t crowded. I saw one other person those two days. Hiked in the afternoon before and camped. Summited and descended the next day. How things have changed. Heck I did Sunshine and Redcloud in August of 1989 and saw only a handful of folks.
@stevefoster1511 That’s funny, I’ve done Longs before where there were so many people that it looked like I-25 traffic with all the headlamps. If you like low crowds, winter hiking is the way to go.
I don't think I'm ready for this yet lol, I need to do some more scrambling before. That's really gnarly up there
You could try something like South Arapaho Peak first to get some practice. Most of the scrambling isn’t that hard.
Really cool video! I’ve never seen this perspective, but I am blessed enough to look west every day and see this beautiful mountain in the distance living here in Longmont. I think I’ll skip this hike it’s pretty sketchy up at the top. My only 14er summit was Mount Bierstadt . Thanks for the content.
Thanks for the kind words, I’m in Longmont too, always looking up at the mountains looking forward to some fun on the weekend. I recommend giving Grays and Torreys a try sometime. Beautiful hike.
Been a few years since I have climbed a peak like that. Looks similar to those found in the Sierras. Some of the different sections scared me, especially those narrows. 😆
Some of the sections can definitely be a bit scary if you don’t like heights.
Great vid Austin! The views are incredible and the trail looks a bit sketchy in places. Also, what kind of rock is it up there? Would approach shoes be advisable?
Thanks! Most of that rock is granite, it’s generally pretty grippy with the exception of a few places. I just wear a low top hiker, Merrell Moab 3 for this hike. I also have some Hoka Speed Goat 5’s that I really like. No need for an actual climbing shoe for the Keyhole route.
Hiked it in 1983. We took our time and camped at tree line so we could hike up to the lake the first day
then summit the next.
Awesome! Sounds like a fun way to climb it.
I just did chasm lake today it was gorgeous and awesome. Not ready to summit longs until my cardio is a bit better. Were you even winded!? lol 😂 however I’m in Midwest at sea level so I should take some time to acclimate too. Awesome vid though super simple to the point and helpful
Thanks! Chasm Lake is a great hike, how was the snowfield crossing? That can be kind of sketchy sometimes. The first time I climbed Longs I lived in the Midwest, saved it for the end of the trip so there was more time to acclimate.
What weather forecasting tools do you rely on? Great vid thanks. Stay safe.
Thanks! My go to app/website for weather forecasts is Windy. Originally found it for aviation planning. It’s free, has multiple weather models, and many layers. I typically use the ECMWF (Euro) model. The clouds and rain/snow that I saw on the hike were almost spot on with the models from the night before, other than the storm development starting about an hour later than forecast. I highly recommend checking it out.
I've passed by the trailhead 1000x over the years and seen the signs for Mills and the other lakes you've pointed out since I can remember. That is 100% not my kind of hike so I appreciate you pointing out the other lakes and shooting some great scenery. I always wondered what those lakes were like.
Thank you! If you are ever looking for a more moderate hike, Mills Lake is a good one, great views of Longs there. About 5 miles round trip and not too much elevation gain.
@@AustinsADV I think that I've hike virtually all of the easy to medium hikes in the park over the years. Probably the hardest one I did was Loch Vale. That's probably far too easy for you! haha
The Loch is a great hike, went up there to watch the eclipse with my kid a few months ago
@@AustinsADV Of all of the places that you could have watched the eclipse from, why did you decide on Loch Vale? Just curious. It's been about 38 years since I did that hike with my mom. I remember being extremely nervous in a section where there was a significant drop off. Nothing like what you did on the keyhole hike, but it was enough that I never wanted to do the hike again.
@etainafuzz really no reason other than it’s beautiful there
Excellent video; great editing. I climbed it twice back in the ‘60s, when the Park Service had the cables. When and why were the cables removed?
Thank you! That’s so cool, sounds like fun. I’ve always wanted to climb that route. I think the cables were removed in the 1970’s because of the Wilderness Act or something like that.
I was attempting it but I didn't acclimate myself properly before getting there and was sadly getting a bit of altitude sickness.. (I came from 338 asl in Texas direct to Denver and got my drive on - stupid).. I've done Elbert and a few other 14'rs, but Longs is by far more sketchy than anything I have climbed up on... Recognize a good bit of this in your video.. However, I do appreciate your commentary and seeing some things I definitely didn't see in person, and I don't recall on other videos I watched prior to my attempt.. (Still feel stupid to have not acclimated virtually at all - "That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!"). Going to sub out of respect and appreciation!
That’s too bad about the altitude sickness. Good decision turning back, maybe you can attempt it another time. I had altitude sickness before and I live here, it’s not fun. Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
Ha. Funny how this popped up in my youtube feed. I must have passed you because I also hiked Longs on September 30, 2023! Got down below tree line right as that little unexpected t-cell moved in around 3pm.
Ha! I see myself on the summit! Right after you said "Twin Sisters" Too funny.
Nice! That’s funny! It sure was a great day for the hike, not as crowded as usual. That t-cell sure developed fast, wasn’t expecting that when I was on the summit. Wonder how the experience was for those on still going up the trough as we were going down…
That’s awesome!
Great video! Going to attempt this early August '24. What time do you recommend starting at the trailhead?
Thanks! I would recommend being at the Boulder Field (6 miles) at around sunrise so depending on how fast you hike that’s probably a 3am departure from the trailhead. It’s all about avoiding the afternoon thunderstorms especially on the ledges past the Keyhole. Good luck with the climb, it’s so much fun!
@@AustinsADV awesome, thanks! Appreciate your help 💪
I started at 4am, and emerged from treeline (10,500 ft) just in time to catch the orange rays of sunrise against the mountain top. I finished the hike around 6:30 or 7 pm. , while taking breaks for lunch, rest, and time on top.
Beautiful hike!!! How come I don't remember ANY of those 'bullseye' markers when I climbed Longs Peak in the early 1980's!!??
Thanks! Interesting, I wonder when they added those. I know they were around in the late 1990’s the first time I climbed it.
I did Long back in the late eighty's with my father and both flat lander's. It looks just like it did when we did it. Nice video, what camera did you use. Cristal clear.
Thanks! Very cool! I was a flat lander the first time I climbed it too. Used a GoPro Hero 8 in 4k mode.
I hike up above black lake just short of green lake. Looked up at longs from there. I dont think i have it in me to ever do it. Plenty of other hikes to do. Also have been to chasm lake. Someday i would like to see the keyhole and the boulder field. But if not, thats ok. I camp at hermit park every year in july, to escape the heat and humidity of Missouri.
Those lakes are great hikes. You should definitely hike to the Keyhole, it’s worth it even if you don’t go to the top. I used to live in Missouri and would do the same thing in the summer. I might do a Missouri trip this summer to bike the Katy Trail.
Nice job! Hey what kind of sunglasses are you wearing?
Hey, thanks! The glasses are Oakley Radar EV Path with the Road lenses. Love them, use them for hiking, cycling , riding the motorcycle, they offer great protection and that lens color works well in changing light conditions.
The only reason it’s the ‘most dangerous’ it’s because Longs in located in RMNP which attracts large amounts of tourists who don’t understand what they’re getting in to and/or severely overestimate their ability.
Yes, very true!
I hope to summit Longs this season. This video is super informative, thanks for posting! Didn’t realize how technical this peak is. Would you recommend this as a first class 3 or is there a better one to start with? Or maybe a good non 14er hike that I can practice some class 3 hiking?
Thanks for the compliments on the video! The most technical part of the Keyhole route would be the big boulder at the top of the Trough and there’s no fall risk there. The ledges and the narrows have areas where you wouldn’t want to fall, but there is stuff to hold on to and they really aren’t that difficult. Some people just walk up the homestretch, others use their hands. Coming down is harder, some scoot down on their butts but I wouldn’t say it’s necessary if you have good balance. If you are coming from low altitude then allow time to acclimate. Some good hikes before Longs might be Bear Peak in Boulder, South Arapaho Peak near Nederland, Hallett Peak in RMNP. When you get to the Keyhole you’ll have a good idea of how you are feeling, and it’s a good place to assess the weather. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.
@@AustinsADV appreciate the response! I live in Denver and I’ve done Bear Peak and Mt. Morrison a handful of times so if the scramble isn’t any worse than that I should be fine. All my 14er experience is class 1/2 so just want to make sure I’m prepared.
@jonathanf3604 I think you should be in good shape then, Longs is harder than those due the distance and there is more scrambling but none of it is super technical. Just keep an eye on the weather and try to go during the week when it’s not so busy. Good luck!
@@AustinsADV thanks so much!
I attempted this hike back in 2007. I had to turn around due to elevation sickness about halfway. Have not been back to RMNP since, overdue for a return.
Sorry it didn’t work out that time, you should give it another try!
@@AustinsADV elevations are tough for me I was born at sea level in keflavik Iceland and I live only 800 ft above sea level in Minneapolis also I just turned 60 but that's no excuse!
@esherm63 definitely tougher coming from near sea level unless you have time to acclimate
Capitol peak is actually the most dangerous 14er. I walked long's after staying up all night drinking 12 plus beers.
More dangerous for sure. Imagine if as many people attempted Capitol as Longs…
I have always liked Merrell and Columbia hiking boots. My only criticism is hiking Long's Peak in a pair of NEW BOOTS! I always broke mine in over the space of a few weeks, wearing around the house for a few hours, then longer, finally on increasingly long easier hikes. Blister can turn a climb or a trek into a much less enjoyable experience. Otherwise a good film!
Thanks! Hiking in new boots isn’t something I’d normally do. I’ve actually been a big fan of the Hoka Speed Goats lately but the ones I had at the time were pretty worm, so I grabbed the new Merrells that I had. Been using Moab’s as long as I can remember but for some reason this pair just feels different.
No joke
Completed summit twice, 1971 with my dad at 16 yo then with my son when he was 15 yo, left ranger station at 230 am
That’s awesome, so cool you got to climb with it with your dad and son! I’m trying to talk my 12 year old into climbing it with me.
@@AustinsADV 1971 had the old cable route on the North face, you skipped the keyhole route until descending
That sounds like a fun way to do it!
How long did it take from Keyhole- Keyhole? I stopped at NArrows was looking dangerous, esp being alone last on the mountain
I think it took around 4 hours from Keyhole to the summit and back. That first part of the Narrows is the most dangerous looking, then it gets a bit wider. I have taken friends up there and that is where some stop. You can always give it another try, it’s actually quite crowded mid summer.
thank you!@@AustinsADV I'll try next year in August, hopefully
That will be a good time of year for it, good luck!
Gosh. I can't believe there were so few people there.
It was nice! It can be so crowded on a weekend in the summer.
Most casual hikers stop at the Keyhole, which is like a popular hangout. The challenging part of the hike begins on the other side of the Keyhole. It is like 2 different worlds.
Yep, the Keyhole is where the fun starts!
I used to guide groups of Outward Bound students up it.
That’s so awesome! Bet that was an amazing experience!
@@AustinsADV It really was. I did a few years in the San Juans and then moved to the Park. Amazing experiences with some great kids.
So once you get to the "Homestretch" you can just teleport up and down? That's good.. because that part seems really dangerous.
LOL, that would be nice. When it’s dry it’s not as bad as it looks, if it’s icy, watch out!
I know this is stupid but I got wrapped around the axle when I heard he is hiking a brand new pair of hikers on a hike like Long's Peak. Dude. Gotta break those puppies in and NOT on one of the most dangerous hikes in CO! 😂
It’s a miracle that I survived 😂 Seriously though, I’ve had many pairs of Moab’s over the years and have had no issues right out of the box. This is the first time I’ve had a problem.
@AustinsADV I'm glad you survived and looking forward to your next video.
If Long's Peak is the most deadly, it is only because far, far more people climb it than climb much more difficult 14ers (I've climbed them all). Longs gets much more traffic just because of its proximity to the front range. On a dry summer day, with no remaining ice or snow, climbing the keyhole route on Longs is very straightforward. You will just be following the clearly marked route along with all the other climbers doing the same thing. The rock is all solid. There are no difficult moves. Many deaths on Longs occur during less than optimal conditions and also involve climbers climbing far riskier routes on Longs than the keyhole route (there are numerous other routes up Longs). I'm not saying there isn't a risk involved on the keyhole route - but the risk, in my humble opinion, is much lower than the risk on the standard routes of many other 14ers - like Mt. Wilson, Little Bear, Maroon Peak, Pyramid, Capitol, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, etc.
Absolutely true, lots of people go up there unprepared.
There are so many loose rocks I can see it being dubbed dangerous.
Generally the places where a fall would be dangerous have pretty solid rock. The Tough has lots of loose rock though.
I went up around Christmas 87 and all I remember is it was an exceptional clear cold day. Started at the trail head in the very dark and returned close to sunset.
Awsome! It can be a long hike
A poor young man is missing tht went hiking there.
It’s a very sad situation, they found his body yesterday at the top of Mills Glacier on the east side 😢
On the other side of the keyhole, how much room is there to let other hikers pass? I am a slow, fat hiker
Most areas have enough room for passing but there are some small sections where you need to be single file, but they have enough room where you can wait for traffic to clear. There is one section that I can think of like this on the ledges shown at around 2:40 in the video, there's a metal rod for a foot hold and another for your hand. It's probably one of the more scary parts of the climb if you don't like heights. The other part would be the beginning of the Narrows, no room for passing there, but it gets wider as you continue. Let me know if you have any other questions, and good luck if you decide to climb it, I think even going to the Keyhole is worth it, amazing views!
Would this be safe to do solo in May?
Probably too much snow, I think this one is best in late summer unless you want a more technical climb.
that is what I thought. A young man was found two weeks ago after coming down from the summit.
Capitol Peak is the most dangerous peak in Colorado, my dude. Longs is a walk in the park in contrast.
Never said Longs was more dangerous, just that it has more deaths. If as many people attempted Capitol as Longs it would have more deaths for sure.
I have hiked some really scary hikes, like angels landing, but there is no way I would hike this longs peak esp after watching the video. One kid died last week on it. One slip and your a gonnet
Nice! Angles landing looks scary to me with the drops on both sides.
How many thousands do this every year , there a large number that run it multiple times a year .
Not sure but it’s very popular since it’s in RMNP and isn’t far from Boulder and Denver. It’s best climbed during the week or after the tourist season.
the bells are the most deadly mountain in colorado
From what I’ve seen the Bells are #2
Messner would never attempt such a deadly Mountain.😅😅😅
Nope 😂
You guys our incredibly crazy! The "risk reward" trade off is far out of balance. But its your life.
It’s all about risk management, bring proper gear, be aware of the weather and how you are feeling. If something isn’t right be willing to turn back, the mountain will always be there.
👍👍👍🙏💪💪🏔
ALOT HAVE died on that mountain, but not that hard to get to top by keyhole, now take the Diamond route, different story
I was doing the Keyhole route once and they were recovering a guy that got struck by lightning on the Diamond
It's only the most deadly mountain in Colorado because it is the most climbed mountain in Colorado.
Look up the difficulty of the keyhole route it's serious and it has a lot of exposure but it certainly isn't the most difficult walk-up mountain in Colorado. Research the direct route of the diamond I think it's a 10-6 crux? But most of it's like scrambling.
Truly this mountain is really the most dangerous in Colorado because it is most climbed by people who don't get how serious it is to do a 14er or a 13 or any mountain of the saltitude. Come on people that you get yourself.
Walk up 14 or should only be done if you can get to the summit before noon. Then you avoid the leading cause of death of mountaineering in Colorado lightning strikes.
Be fit be used to it know that this will take the better part of a 24-hour day just to get to the top. If you're not used to the altitude spend days acclimating to get used to it. Realize that when you're that high even in the height of Summer the temperature go down into the 20s with high wind and water or snow and you can be hypothermic in minutes. Any one of these things and more could kill you in a few minutes.
Longs peak is only the most deadly mountain in Colorado because people are stupid and it's the most climbed mountain in Colorado.
Yes, all true and good advice!
Hiking a mtn
nope!
Unless you're being foolish or tend to fall while walking Long's is not dangerous.
Yeah, I agree. Also people not being respectful of the weather. I was up there once when they were using a helicopter to retrieve the body of someone that was struck by lightning.
I really enjoyed your video btw.@@AustinsADV
@philiphill6697 Thanks!
I feel like it’s people going off trail or the weather like Austin mentioned
However it is known as one of the most dangerous 14ers
It's not hard. Just don't fall. Best to pick a time when the route is dry. Please don't ask me how I know - I'm still in therapy.
Yep, pretty good conditions in this video. I was on the home stretch once when it was wet and icy, not fun 😂
What is interesting is although this is much higher (5000 feet elevation vs 3500 feet of elevation) the high peak views in the Adirondacks are far better and in some cases spectacular compared to this.
I will say Long's peak from the road through the park at 12,000 feet is incredibly imposing.
I won’t get into a comparison with the mountains out east since I’ve never hiked there and I’ve only been as far north as Lake George. I have friends that make hiking videos out east and the mountains look beautiful, look forward to hiking them sometime. If you haven’t climbed Longs Peak, I highly recommend it, I think the views in person will surprise you. It is 9,000 feet higher than the plains 20 miles to the east. Thanks for watching!
@@AustinsADV Yes but it's elevation gain (hiking) off the plateau is only 5,000. The elevation gain in the high peaks is 3000-4000. I will never climb Long's peak, too old and I could not take the altitude. I've seen Long's peak from 12,000 on the highway, it was incredibly impressive, and I climbed to above 11,000 in the Arapaho national forest and saw the landscape from 12, 400 atop Aspen highlands.
The Rockies are mesmerizing but the Adirondacks with all the trees and the closeness of many of the highest are very special. Much more spectacular than the Catskills and anything around Lake George. Google view from Algonquin.
Thanks for the video.
That Algonquin area looks beautiful, love all the trees and green. I grew up in Wisconsin and one thing I miss is all the green and water, Colorado is pretty dry.
@@AustinsADV The state of NY decades ago declared the Adirondack park "forever wild". There is no development. I first went there at 10 in 1958. 65 years later it still is very much the same. There is more unbroken forest in the Adirondacks (no logging) than in any place in America.
I was reading comparisons between the Whites in NH and the "Dacks". One common refrain, the High Peak NY area is extremely rugged because it is so remote. Round trip on many hikes is 15-20 miles. Algonquin (second highest) is rare as to how accessible it is. (8 miles round trip).
I agree Colorado is dry and fairly barren but I did peyote in the Arapaho national forest and that was mind blowing, and places like Aspen are gorgeous, but the trees and texture of the mountains in the High Peaks is exquisite. You have to go there.
@kenkaplan3654 Thanks for sharing, that’s great that they have kept it wild. It’s easy to find on the satellite imagery because of all the dark green. I have no doubt it’s a great place for hiking and camping. I just need more time to travel.
Hey would you like to do a video with me one of these days
Are you located in Colorado?
Yeah, no thanks. I'll stick to the cog rail train or scenic drive up Pike's Peak. I'd panic in that narrow section and leave a 2000-foot trail of blood and gear.
LOL… That’s what my brother tells me, find a mountain you can drive up. I’ve hiked this one with a few friends before that have quit at the start of the Narrows. It definitely gets your attention if you don’t like heights.
Climbing the face was easier.
A short cut, lol
It's a hike, isn't it? A climb would require pulling yourself up by your arms.
From the park service website… “The Keyhole Route is not a hike. 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”
clickbaity. It's a class 3 scramble with mild exposure. People will see the title and think Longs is the hardest and most dangerous mountain in colorado, which is blatantly untrue
Nowhere do I claim that it’s the most difficult mountain in Colorado, certainly not the Keyhole route. It simply shows what the Keyhole route is like and people can make their own judgement if it’s something they want to attempt.
OMG I climbed it when I was 7. Clickbait title.
Wow, that’s awesome
I love the picture of the Victorian Era women hiking it in full dresses and hats an those sure weren't hiking boots... So, quit bitching to anyone (not the videographer) who does so when going up.
No it's not. Capitol Peak is.
The Colorado 14ers Initiative lists the 3 most deadly as Longs, Maroon Bells, and Capitol coming in 3rd.
It's not a difficult hike if you climb mountains. Trying not to tell this person what I think of them
What do you mean?
You don’t have to be an ass. Give some constructive criticism or take a hike lol
3rd class and no biggee, weather permitting :).
Yep, weather permitting… I think that’s where people run into trouble…
thumbs down😢 CAPITOL PEAK IS THE DEADLIEST COLORADO MT
Capitol Peak is more dangerous for sure, but from every stat I've seen Longs is the most deadly, due to the number of people that climb it.
Deadliest is very different than most dangerous. Longs is most deadliest simply because more people have died there than any other 14ers. Only 9 people have died on Capitol in the past 25 years, where as Longs averages 1 or 2 deaths per year, 2010 had 3 deaths. Longs is certainly not the hardest, but the guy in this video never claimed it was the hardest.
I watched a guy do the knife edge standing from start to finish. Years later I helped carry his gear down from Snowmass Peak. Killed from an upper avalanche of snow and rock.
The Narrows looked like a place for people with a death wish. Just saying. 🙂
It’s starts out quite narrow but the good news is there are plenty of good hand holds.