Longs Peak [Keyhole Route] - Rocky Mountain National Park
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Nick Sangetta hikes Longs Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on August 29, 2018. Footage includes a rescue helicopter looking for a missing hiker. Wildlife: pika, marmot
MUSIC:
Dexter Britain - Wonderland Instrumental
Strong Suit - Sebastian
Dexter Britain - In The Electric Fields
Nihilore - B1-66ER
Join me on Patreon to help support the channel! / nicksangetta33
![Longs Peak | Solo Hike & Climb on Cables & Keyhole Routes! [4K UHD Cinematic]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BzSD46nk0w8/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you, Nick for dedicating this video to us! We know you poured your heart and soul into the hike and the video......it was awesome! We love you, too!
Ms. Barb, you are such an inspiration for me and some of the others I've told about you. I always enjoy seeing you in Nick's video. I only wish my mom would get out there like you.
Fantastic Video. Excellent Music. Well paced and impactful. I especially appreciated how you handled the lost hiker (Jay). Very solemn and respectful.
Hello Nick. My name is Maegan. My boyfriend Julian showed me this video back in December of 2020. Ever since I met him he has talked about wanting to go to the Rockies. I have never hiked or climbed anything really let alone mountains. This video was so inspiring to the both of us and encouraged us to give it our best shot. For the next couple of months we cleaned up our diets, starting hiking around where we live, and researched endlessly (your CZcams channel being a great resource). Wanting to hike longs peak motivated me to even give up cigarettes and alcohol as well. Anyway me and Julian just got back from Colorado after having the adventure of a lifetime and I wanted to thank you personally for making this video. Without it we wouldn't have thought it was possible. This video is the reason we believed we could do it. So thank you for that. I also want to mention that we brought a very nice professional camera with us and took some fantastic photos from the top and if you send me your email address we can send you some of the photos! That is all. Happy hiking! ❤️
Wow! That is really awesome that you did it! I never knew my videos would inspire someone like that. I have learned from hiking to never give up on yourself and that you can do amazing things if you just go for it. I used to weigh 80 pounds more than I do now and could barely get up the stairs. But I made some healthy changes and slowly built up to trying Longs. The first time I did it I sat at Keyhole until this one guy came along and I asked if I could follow him because I was too scared. He reluctantly agreed (I could tell), but I stayed right behind him and we made it up. I didnt even look over the edge I dont think. Lol. But you will never know what awesome things you can accomplish unless you try! Im super happy to hear your trip was a success. Nicksangetta@gmail.com
Great video. I've been watching several Longs Peak videos, reliving hikes from decades ago, and this is the most complete one I've seen. My first attempt was in early August 1977. I turned back at the Keyhole, where a cold wind was howling and hikers reported the Trough was icy. When I returned the next year, the weather was good and I reached the summit. I reached the summit on two more trips, the last in 1992. On that trip, I started from the trailhead about 4:30 a.m. and got to the summit about 11. On my way down the Trough, I heard a couple of thunder claps followed by enough rain drops to wet the trail. When I got to a rock that juts out from the ledge (the rock has a protruding steel bar shown at 24:12 in the video), I was really afraid I would slip, but after a minute or so I managed to navigate past it. On all three trips, I butt-scooted (as described in the video) while descending the Homestretch.
According to the news story I found online, the hiker who died took the Clark's Arrow route and apparently fell from a section that joins the Homestretch. The weather on Aug. 27 (apparently the day of the fall) was cold and windy with rain and some sleet.
I'm almost 72, and based on the condition of my legs and knees, my mountain hiking days are long past, but I enjoy thinking back to my experiences on the Longs Peak trail. It's a rather challenging adventure, but, in contrast to trails on some other mountains that are marked by a scattering of sometimes hard to follow rock cairns, the route is clearly defined and the success of other hikers visible further up the trail gives you confidence that you will make it OK.
Thanks for watching! I put everything I had into this video. Longs is such a beautiful mountain. Glad to hear you made it up a few times! Its life changing. But that flat rock with the rod is really sketchy and that's when its dry! I'd be scared to try it on wet rock too. I was standing right there when the helicopter flew over.
🤍 this comment. Planning on hiking Longs this upcoming July. I hope to have enjoyable memories like you had!
@@abigailguziewicz9768 Did you make it to the top of Longs?
The first time that I climbed Longs Peak I was 9 years old in 1999. What a day that was! I can still remember it clearly! Since then, I have climbed the Keyhole route two other times, summited all three climbs. I aim to do it again soon! 💪
thank you for the epic video of this climb--i've not seen one like it.. I'm 72 with a bad heart and lungs and could never attempt such a thing but your video took me along, so thank you thank you..the views were fantastic to say the least..i was mesmerized..so glad you made it back safe and so sorry to hear about the fella that died..ps i've driven thru the RMNP on the road many yrs ago and i loved it..so glad we have parks like these
I climbed Longs in 2001 to mark my 65th birthday. I wanted to climb it since I was nine years old at camp in Estes Park but was too young. It was the adventure of a lifetime and I recreate it often as I am going to sleep. Turning 85 this year this video is a perfect reconstruction of the climb. Many thanks for the post.
Congrats on summiting! You achieved it. Thats what I love about the mountains.. barring a burned area or two, they dont change. People 100 years from now will be having the same experience when they climb it. Glad you enjoyed the vid :)
Beautiful film Nick! I appreciate what you do so much. Long day and a great accomplishment. You're awesome!
Thank you, Richard!
Longs Peak is such a special hike. I’ve summited it twice and both hikes were incredible. Even the times I didn’t make it I still felt blessed to be on that mountain
I did it Nick! I hiked, climbed and clawed my way to the top of Long's this weekend. I then slid back down and now I'm back home. Success! Your videos definitely helped. I would keep thinking "stay high". It's also kinda funny because I was worried about the Ledges and Narrows, but it was really the Trough and mostly the Homestretch that ended up being the hardest for me. And when I finally got to the top @ 12:30, I had the entire summit to myself. (A ranger told me not to worry about storms and just take my time...he was right.)
I've done Longs, and this is the best video of the climb I've seen.
We watched your video and never expected what would happen on this day you were hiking. So very sad ....You are a great videographer. Stay safe. RIP Jay Yambert
You did a great job documenting the hike, I personally loved the hike up to Keyhole, and after a very short time past that, I realized my vertigo would not let me go on and I turned around. Which ended up being a great move, since by 10 am the thunderstorms were rolling in. Thanks for taking me the rest of the way past keyhole.
Nice video Nick!
Was a great hike that day and it's taken me way too long to stumble upon this after you told us about your channel (was just ahead of you in that group going up the Trough). Glad to be able to relive it in 4k!
Made that epic hike years ago I remember my cousin stuck her heals off the ledge on the narrows and bent over to tie her shoe...one of those omg moments.thanks for taking me along 🦵🏻
It definitely drops straight off into oblivion! As that helicopter was flying over I was standing right on the edge videoing it. Kinda forgot where I was for a moment and when I stopped recording I was like WHOAA! Better back it up.
Great video. You truly showed the challenge, reward, and danger. Our small group did the hike in 1992 in my much younger days. Several made it to the keyhole, only my brother-in-law made it to the summit. He took the same 15 hours round trip. With my altitude headache, jelly legs, and fear of heights, I just couldn't dare try the narrow ledges and steep climbs to get to the top. It was still a great experience.
Getting to the Keyhole is no easy hike! 6.3 miles with over 3,600 foot gain I believe. Its pretty epic though. My mom and I did the Keyhole this summer. AWESOME HIKE!!! Video is coming soon!
Awesome video, Nick! The first time I went up Longs was August 15, 1974 via the Keyhole Route. I have climbed it 3 times since then. It's always a butt kicker, but so rewarding!
I've climbed (summited) Longs Peak three times.
Once in my thirties.
Once in my forties.
Once in my fifties.
It doesn't get any easier.
On my last climb as I was ascending, I passed a man about my age that was descending.
He said, "Nice day for a beating!"
I'll never forget that day.
Nick ... Another great video ... I successfully climbed Longs in August of 1999 ... We started at 1:00 AM with a full moon to show us the way ... We got to the keyhole at 5:00 AM where we waited for the sun to rise ... At 6:00 we got back after it and summited by 8:00 AM ... We made it back to the trailhead at 1:00 PM ... While watching the video the thought "I actually climbed that" kept going through my mind ... I'm sitting here amazed that I did it ... If I had watched your video back then I probably would of talked myself into not doing do to the exposure ... Anyway I'm rambling ... Thanks for sharing ... Craig
Great video. Crux of the climb is at 21:08. The missing 60 year old hiker was found dead on August 31, 2018. He had also gotten lost in the same area in 2014 and had been rescued at that time.
I'm pretty sure you heard me yelling from Texas to put the dam camera down while you were climbing the ledges an trough hahahaha...GREAT JOB!!!
I was making Aero Press coffee while your video was playing and noticedI started dancing.
Good beats.
Good climb.
Glad you made it back home safely.
PS
Your dedication was epic!
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching :)
What a great video. Felt like I was with you. Could hear the emotion in your voice.great music and memorial for that fallen climber.Peace.
Thank you so much for the tip at 20:07. I turned around at this spot last time (the weather was also getting worse, and it started to hail; so it was a good decision to turn around for that as well). But when I go back, I will follow your tip in that section. Thanks again!
Nick, this is a killer video! We successfully climbed Long's back in 2016 and this is the very best video I have seen on the climb! When I try to describe this to my fellow flatlanders words just don't work, but this video masterpiece really captures the essence of the
climb in every way. Thank you! We're going to hit Chicago Basin this August and try to get all 4 in that group. Bag on!
I was up there the end of July. It was amazing! I love the amount of footage you got! The way down felt like it took forever when I did it . Thank you for sharing this.
Love your enthusiasm! This is wonderfully informative, and entertaining to watch. COVID makes long distance travelling totally impractical, but I can't wait to return to Colorado to do some scrambles!
I really enjoyed your coverage I did it back in July. I drove up from Colorado Springs and got caught in heavy traffic I saw a Harley Davidson completely ripped in half on I 25. It was on my mind during the hike a man had lost his life. I did it in six hours 50 minutes. It was a day like you had by the time I got back to trailhead it was 90 degrees. I drank two liters of water due to missing the extreme heat and had a peanut butter sandwich on top. I wasn't crazy about using the outhouse with the missing door!
Under 7 hours? Damn, you crushed it! That's flying! But yeah, hard to shake off a gruesome sight like that and forget you saw it. Last year I was hiking The Needles and a guy fell and died on the next peak over. On the walk out I had to go by all the rescue vehicles.. it was pretty sad.
That part with the (pronounced dead) 60 year old was very emotional. His smile was so young and he just seemed so happy. He died a mountain man, though.
From what I heard, he had already been "rescued" from Longs Peak once before. He got lost and the rangers came up to get him, however, after he got some water and directions he insisted on hiking out himself. I guess he came back a second time to try to get it again.
My boyfriend is climbing Long's Peak at this very moment and I decided to watch this to see what he was up against. Idk if that was a good idea or not. Great video. The ironic thing is I know the brother of Jay who passed away. Very sad. How ironic is it that I have a connection to Jay? I'm praying right now for the safe return of my bf and his group!!
I didnt see this until now. That was a terrible tragedy and crazy that you have a connection to Jay. I hope everything went well with hike!
Did this hike with my family yesterday. Took us more than 15hrs too. It’s exhausting and rewarding. Hiking up at night wasn’t too bad as stars were out and it’s a surreal experience. Coming back though seemed so long and took everything we got.Thank you Nick for this video. It gave me lots of useful info to get prepared
Congrats on the summit! Longs is on another level! Yes, sometimes the hike back is the hardest. We went out 7.2 miles today and it took over 4 hours to get back! Felt like forever
People do Longs car to car in under 2 hours
What a great video! The footage is crystal clear, and you documented the climb really nicely. Thank you for sharing your journey to the top of Colorado’s most incredible mountain!
You’ve outdone yourself!!
I don’t even know what to say! Your parents must be so Crazy Proud!!!!!!!
Realized what was going on when the helicopter showed up!! 😓
I’m just happy you are an analytical thinker and approach this with the caution and respect it deserves!
I don’t know how the H*** you do that while filming!!
I will be rewatching a few times.
For now ,
“Thank you” and “Peace”☮️✌🏻
This hike is on my list for next year late spring. I've watched so many videos to prepare. Thanks for the amazing footage and sharing your journey. The one thing I am worried about is going back down on the homestrech. Thanks for sharing.
Hey man, this was a great video! I did my first and only 14er (Elbert) in the summer of 2022, but I want to do more! I know Longs is one of the big accomplishments - and now after watching your video, I want to do it someday!
Wow, man I really enjoyed this video!!! Everything was on point. A perfect day to be Alive...
Thanks man!
A cautionary tale:
I hiked the ledges with a friend
who summited. We had a post daybreak start our 2nd hike to the keyhole (very late.) I was a 10k runner, and had done many day hikes so I had very good fitness. I returned to the keyhole alone, and weather blew in bringing
white- out conditions. It was JUST
past august. My fear of heights hit me when I was alone. Most of the targets disappeared in the snow.
A Very loud voice in my head said STOP...GO BACK...CLIMB! God seemed to be speaking so I obeyed. It likely saved me along with a man who later helped me down through the rebar section.
He put his hand out and stopped me from falling. Thankyou to that fellow hiker! Be careful all along this hike, and many say that rubberized gloves are vital for gripping in the trough and beyond.
I was 34 years old AND a local. I
was getting mountain sick on the way down. I cried long when I made the keyhole coming back.
Very emotional and worried about my friend, too. Be wise out there.
Idk why but I liked the music in the video !! The whole video is nerve wrecking 🥾
I hiked Long Peak 3 times about 20 years ago. I love the view from the keyhole to the trough. I always hated the narrows and didn't like going either direction. When I was up top I always wanted to stay, mostly because I didn't want to do the descent. Going down was always worse than going up. I love the view from chasm lake looking up to the east face. Great video, scary how close you were to the edges and looking over sometimes. Yikes
That’s crazy you were there the day that man went missing. I’m glad you made it off safely.
It's sad what happened. There are 2 missing hikers on Longs right now. It's a dangerous mountain.
@@nicksangetta8874 I know Ryan Alberts dad. His father is my therapist 😔..This looks insane. Now I fully understand how dangerous this can be.
Awesome video with intense music. I agree with others that I was yelling at you to put the camera down! I've been reliving my times hiking the Park through yours and others videos, but Long's is an epic climb and the views are phenomenal. I made it up to the keyhole, but I had no motivation to go beyond that. Thank you so much for all your videos.
Good early start!
Very impressive ...
I’m afraid to do this alone but I’m always underestimating myself when it comes to hikes! I was really nervous about angels landing in Zion but that was a piece of cake
Your videos are some of the best on the internet. I love how real and raw they are. The view of your face shows how dire the situation you are in. You can tell when you know that next step could be your last. Your commentary is the best. One recommendation on the video: the music is a drawback. Just let the realness and natural sound play itself out. Keep up the outstanding work. You're courageous.
Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback!
@@nicksangetta8874 I wish all who endeavor to climb Longs, and certainly trying to do so in the winter, would watch your videos. They would see what even an experienced climber like yourself goes through, mentally and physically, and that is in good weather conditions. The furthest I've gone is Chasm Lake and as simple as that sounds, it can leave a person weary just getting there and that's the easy portion. I'm saddened by those who are missing and who have lost their lives on the mountain. I can't imagine going up there when expected wind chills are nearly 30 below. That not possible to survive in if anything were to go wrong.
@@shawnstewart1868 Yes, it's an incredibly dangerous mountain and surrounding area. I honestly get scared the days before I go because I know what can happen. There are still 2 missing guys on Longs that they wont find until July after the snow melts. And I feel bad for those who try and are illequipped because I'm sure they dont know what they are getting into.
Great video!! Epic summit views..
I cant wait til I climb this one someday!! Still got to get use to exposure..thanks for sharing..and awesome to dedicate it to your parents ❤🥾⛰✨
Took a bus 3 days to hike this in 2001. I need to go back because it was Magnificent.
Another great video man! Living in the Fort Collins area I look and admire Longs every day. Hoping one day it feels right to attempt a summit. The narrows and ledges have me nervous. Want to train a bit and get better with exposure before goin. Man it looks sketch on film. Have a huge amount of respect for that mountain.
It should not be underestimated that's for sure. Currently there are two missing hikers up there and let's be honest they wont be found until July when the snow melts. I think the ledges look worse on video than they really are. As long as you focus on where your stepping you can do it. The trick is blasting out the 6 miles to get to keyhole. If you can get to the keyhole and still have energy.. you got it.
@@nicksangetta8874 Thanks for the encouragement brother. Are there any hikes you know of or recommend that's gonna have some exposure but nothing to crazy. Again to kind of train or adapt.
And i agree fully. I hate to sound grim but felt the most recent missing hiker probably didnt servive the night given the conditions and what he was reported to have/be wearing. I tend to watch several videos(yours are becoming ones I consistently use) pour over trip reports, topo maps, and week of constantly watch the weather before setting out. And that's even for trips like Black lake. I appreciate people like you who have such a great passion for this and take is absolutely seriously in the areas that's needed.
@@rippen1982 Thanks bro. I do love being out in it! Already drooling over all the ones I'm gonna do next summer. I'd say a good one to do to get used to altitude and exposure would be the Loft Couloir route up to Meeker. It's got a few short sections of exposure. A good warm up to Longs. Also it's a good test of stamina. If you can do the loft couloir then Longs is just a little harder. And personally, the loft couloir was one of the most fun hikes ever. Really fun going up it. Then ledges at the top.
@@rippen1982 The Couloir route up Meeker is also awesome because you get the west summit, the true summit. Going up meeker ridge or through iron gates gets you on the east summit. The only way to cross over is the knife edge at the top. Nope, nope, nope! Talk about exposure! I'll never even consider trying to cross it. The loft couloir route is where it's at.
In aviation we have an expression known as the "pucker factor" when a flying situation gets really scary. The Keyhole Route up Longs Peak has an off the charts pucker factor IMHO. Awe inspiring scenery though. But for this flatlander, if I want to see that kind of scenery, I'll have to do it from an airplane 'cause I couldn't do it any other way. Not enough money in the world for that kind of exposure. But awesome respect for those of you who can do it. I remember that tragic accident too. Your camera work made me dizzy sitting in my chair. Thanks for the panoramic views from the top!! Like #265
I swear watching someone cross the ledges on video is worse than doing it in person. Before I attempted it the videos I watched made me nauseated. But then when I got up there it wasnt so bad. I kinda forgot where I was though when that helicopter flew over and I was literally standing on the edge. After 5 minutes of focusing on the helicopter I go to stop and looked down and was like YIKES! Forgot I was standing there. I think Alan Arnette refered to it as s "sphincter moment" when he went across the ledges in snow. His vid is insane! Called "Tour de Longs".
Good advice....stay high to the left after the keyhole when going towards the summit... I think if there was a place most likely to cartwheel o'death due to underestimation itd be the ledges if one goes too far into the valley. Great vid.
Summited this friday, far and away the hardest hike I've done, but totally worth it!, great vid!
Great video Nick, I only noticed fear in your eyes a few times, but that s a good thing.
AMAZING VIDEO!!!!
Thanks for the detail and labeling! Was able to determine that the place where we had to turn around almost 15 years ago when I climbed Longs at 9 years old with my dad and my sister was the top of the troughs. Beautiful weather you had, just incredible :0
Thanks for watching! That crux section is a kinda difficult. Especially for a 9 year old I would imagine. You still got up pretty far though!
i started following you a few months ago. you make really good videos. thanks for posting. keep up the good work
Great hike NIck, if you do Meeker I would recommend the iron gates route shown 12:27 and you can see it come up from the chute, either side is guarded by ramparts, it's like lord of the rings. Then you hike along an insane edge to your right, the knife ridge to the top is no problem.
I got a video of the Iron Gates route, but I did not take it across the knife edge to the true summit. I only went to the east peak. Its really cool up there in the Iron Gates section. Savage looking rocks.
I appreciate the video, I just came from Colorado from vacation. Just be careful, climbing without anyone with you is VERY dangerous. Especially since this is one of the most rigorous and dangerous slopes in the park.
wow that was really courageous of you to dedicate the hike to your parent's
The helicopter was looking for someone who had fallen. He had been missing a few days at that point and it sounds like they recovered him on September 2nd. It is very sad to think that someone died, and proves who dangerous this mountain can be.
I was just there last year and didn't feel any slippery rocks other than ones that were covered by ice. Was a very easy climb folks. But not for a first timer.
What a great video! I did this hike in 1978 when I was 24 years old and it was great fun. I had a SLR with Kodachrome slides and could only take so many pictures, even though I went up the summit on two separate occasions. Good to see all those sights I couldn't record, on a giant OLED TV!!!
Some things that have changed, 1. there was an elevation marker at the top of the trough that said 13,749 ft that I heard is gone, 2. The cairn at top of homestretch was pointed and very clearly visible going up. Now instead, there is a wooden board on it saying "do not roll rocks" WTF, people must be crazy today!!! 3. The elevation marker at the top of the peak used to say 14,255 ft, now its 14,259 ft; I guess someone added 4 ft to keep it ahead of Mt. Wilson or something, ha ha? 4. The rocks weren't as polished and I was actually able to run up the home stretch without using hands. Coming down was much more difficult. You had to be down before 3:00 PM to avoid lightning storms, I recall! 5. The "Dove" snowfield at the top of the boulder field next to the Agnes Vaille shelter lost a wing! Must be time of year for the snow.
Back then if you slipped and fell, there were no helicopters for rescue, you died, so you died, OK?! Just kidding! (rescues were very time consuming)
Thanks for sharing that! Yeah there is no longer a sign in the Trough. And this may be wrong, but I heard they added that sign at the top so people would know where to descend. Supposedly a group of military guys got stuck up there and forgot they way they came up. Not sure if thats true but thats what I heard! Thanks for watching!
@@nicksangetta8874 Thanks Nick, still loving the video!!
Must have been nice to have had a nice day. We got hit with a storm minutes after we summited at 11am. Snuck up on us from the West side of the mountain. Thunder and lightning all the way back to tree line.
Great video thanks.
Thank you for your videos, not many show the “downwards”. I have seen you on the trails in the park. Kind of wish I had your knees. I only did about 250 miles this past year “2020” in the park due to the restrictions. The fire had us evacuated and scared for our house in Estes. Stay safe.
McDuff
My knees arent that great! Its a constant struggle to keep them going. But yeah, 2020 was rough and trails to hike were limited. Im glad your house survived. We almost moved to a house on Old Ranger Road and I dont know if my nerves could have taken that.. if there would have been just one more dry windy day I fear what might have happened. Hopefully 2021 will be better.. next time you see me on the trails say hi! 😀
Been there. Done that. Well done video!
Yeah this actually made me crazy anxious…oh but the views!
love your video!! great music
just did it today, great climb
Nice, really great video, thank you. 2 things I would have done differently = when ya summit a 14er and you find a Pika, it's traditional to catch it and bite its head off. And I would probably went 'cliffing' for the descent, that's when ya just Hurl your body down the steepest parts, saves a lot of time.
Fantastic vid. Longs looks like something I'd wanna try, but would chicken out as soon as I got to the Narrows. You sure had great conditions that day. Amazing quality too. You should see what this looks like on my 128" projector. Vertigo inducing.
Thanks for watching! For some reason watching on video is worse than real life.. I get queasy editing them sometimes. Glad the 4k is coming through! I finally got a 56 4k TV and finally got to watch a video in top quality. I was like, dang! I can't imagine 128 inch.
You are a brave man
This makes me have anxiety
For the less adventurous, so can DRIVE to top of Mt Evans (west of Denver), or to top of Pikes Peak (west of Colorado Springs). Also, I wonder when, and how, they set the benchmarks at the top of these things.
Some of the music was kinda eerie, especially watching this at midnight before headibg out. Good commentary and shots though!
WoW, Just WoW!
Very impressive!
You picked good music for this! I did the North Face in probably 1987.
I thought going up looked shady, but going down looks like a nightmare
Hi Nick, my husband and I are climbing this I'm a few weeks and I am wondering what brand of gloves are you showing us in the video? I want to buy a pair! Great video, thanks!!
Kim K I just bought a pair for my upcoming trip in Sept. But Id like to know from experienced hikers what they use👍🏼
Damn my friend was telling me about this hike. Just did Kelso ridge. Scared the living shit out of me. This one with the narrow ledges i about had a heart attack from flash backs. Really sucks that dude died up there. Anytime jm hiking or climbing im just like shoot i hope this isnt my fate today
I'd like to do that hike. The only part that gives me pause are the videos I've seen of the Narrows. I've hiked and backpacked in Colorado, but I'm just not sure if I have the stomach to do that brief part of the climb to the summit. The rest of it I think I could mentally handle.
I felt the same way before I attempted it. Some of these videos make it seem worse than it actually is. However, both times Ive done Longs the ledge section never bothered me once I was actually up there. Its bad, but not as bad as it seems. You have to really not be paying attention to fall off in my opinion.
I'm looking to accompany someone via the Keyhole route in Summer of 2023. I started and didn't finish age 20, now I'm going back age 50. I've done plenty of hiking in NC with some Class 3 scrambles along the way. If you know anyone, please let me know. Also, can you recommend a good pair of boots/shoes for this hike/climb? I really just would like the have a partner for this. Thanks in advance.
The best Longs Peak video out there!! Have never actually climbed a 14er before and was looking at doing this one come Saturday. Have done plenty of hikes with about the same distance and 3000+ elevation gain. People have said that the conditions are fairly good right now, wondering if you have heard anything on it?
Thank you! Its all about the snow and Im not sure what the conditions are. If there is still snow on the Ledges or Narrows I wouldnt try it. Its a long way down if you slip! If you want to watch a crazy Longs Peak winter video check out Alan Arnette's "Tour de Longs". One of the craziest videos Ive seen!
What a nice video! I wish I was there! You had an amazing day for the views. Do you know if it's often a weather like this?
Thanks! I literally sat at home for 4 days waiting for the perfect weather. Normally it's nice, but that day was extra nice.
Nick, I noticed during the narrows (quite harrowing area) you were holding onto something in your right hand, a rope? Did you have a guide with you at the point? Was the narrows the most scariest part? Also, what training did you do to prepare?
No rope, no guide and yes VERY NARROW! One little slip or trip could be deadly. I have done the route once before with someone who knew what they were doing so he showed me the way and gave me some tips. The narrows are the scariest part, however the chockstone at the top if the Trough is probably the hardest move. I did a lot of hikes to build myself up over the summer. After doing some hard ones you get more confidence to try ones like Longs. But I basically planned my entire summer around it.
@@nicksangetta8874 Thanks Nick. I'll look up the chockstone at the top of the trough. In training around Estes Park, climbing different mountains to prepare, moved here from Texas. I plan to climb Greys/Torreys in June - and will start working my way up to Key Hole with training hikes as well. Narrows looked harrowing....
Doug
@@nicksangetta8874 What hikes did you do over the summer to build up for this hike?
@@daveknauff582 I did Mt Meeker before this as a confidence builder. I think it is almost just as hard.. but scarier because no one else is on Meeker. Its not cool enough because its only 13,911 feet high.
Excellent video! I would absolutely love to do this hike/climb. Not sure if my broken down body would allow it. Think I'll start with Flattop/Hallett first.
Definitely start with Flattop and Hallett! Those are both pretty awesome. I remember back when I never thought I would be able to do Hallett because it was 5 miles out! I didnt think I could hike that far. But then I did it and I just kept trying harder and harder hikes until I got the confidence to do Longs. You can do it!
The homestretch looks so not doable😩 how vertical is it for real? And difficulty descending on it?
I don’t like that climb! I’m glad you are off that mountain. Please be careful. KC Don 😉
Great video. Really scary in some spots. What is the difference between the keyhole approach to Longs Peak and the loft/couloir route? Do they both reach the same summit?
Sorry didnt see this until now. The Loft Route is more involved because of the giant notch. From the Loft you have to drop it down and take it around the north side below the notch until you wrap around to homestretch and take it up there. Ive heard about a lot of accidents on that far side of Longs so Ive never tried it.
what song is playing at the end? Incredible video, can't wait to see more!
Hey great vid. About to do this with a friend in 2 weeks. What did you use to take the POV video parts?
I used a Nikon B700 for 95% of video and had my phone (Samsung S5) on the selfie stick. Hiking Longs is an adventure. Good luck!
9:58 does the video make that look steeper than it looks or is it that steep?
It's pretty steep but not as bad as it looks. It's at an angle that you can basically walk up.
Nick
Agnes Vaille, quite a woman mountaineer, tragic story but too many risks taken climbing in December and in 1920s weather forecasts were not like today nor the winter clothing. This is part 1 of story, see link to Part 2 at bottom
www.eptrail.com/2019/12/14/averys-lost-trails-a-woman-and-a-death-on-longs-peak-january-16-1925/
How did they get the piano up there?
Is it safe to hike there alone in the dark before sun rises? I am asking since there may be bears and mountain lions and am planning to do a solo hike up mid August. Thank you for the video! It is awesome.
Its scary, but I have done it a few times in the dark. Its such a highly trafficked trail that you shouldn't have to worry about the animals too much. I would suggest doing it on a full moon if you can. Its so bright you dont even need a headlamp.
Looks terrifying to me, could never do this. I've climbed some 14ers in colorado with some steep scrambling, but idk that's too close to cliffs for my liking. I do have a pretty bad fear of heights tho, how objectively dangerous would you say it is?
It looks way worse on video for some reason. But once you are up there it's not so bad. And I dont do good with heights and exposure.. but both times I have been up there I have never felt nervous or scared. Maybe just a little on those flat rocks with the iron pull up bar added. But i feel as though you would really have to not be paying attention to fall off the ledges or narrows (in dry conditions). Those are actually the fun parts. The trough is the part that kills ya.
Nick - what kind of gloves were you using? I'm headed to Jax this week and wanted to pick up a pair. Thanks!
They were a gift so I'm not sure where they came from but they were super inexpensive. I think they were like $6 maybe.. I cant remember. You basically just want something that will protect your palm and give you good grip. You can probably find something much nicer at Jax. Mine just had a rubber palm and a cotton back.
Nick Sangetta thank you! Our small group is headed for Long's on Saturday!
@@tabletotrail3368 Please be real careful up there. I was just up at Chasm Lake on July 11 and Longs was still out of reach (for the regular hiker). Heck, we had to walk over a tiny ledge of snow for quite a while over Columbine Falls at around 11,500. It was insane! I talked to a guy who went up to Keyhole and I believe he said only 2 of the rangers summited. I think there is still a lot of snow on the side with the ledges and maybe some still in the Boulder Field. The conditions are changing rapidly though and I hope it clears for you guys!! But please be careful, a person just fell like 75 feet in the Trough the other day.
Nick Yes safety is #1. I love my life way too much to risk it. Thank you so much for the awesome tips!
Is going down more challenging? And how long does the entire hike take ?
Going down is easier than going up, but its still difficult and slow moving. Id allow at least 12-13 hours if you have never tried it.
@nicksangetta what was your sleep pattern like up to the day you summited?
Pretty messed up! Woke up at 1:30 and was on trail by 3:45.
Great video for an aspiring climber to watch! I’m 15 and hoping to climb Longs Peak next year when I’m 16. Any helpful tips for someone who lives at about 750 feet above sea level? (Training, gear, etc.) I have hiked up to Chasm Lake, so I know what part of the trail is like.
Thanks for watching! I'd say train your cardio and legs because although the ledges look bad on videos, I never find myself nervous on them. If its dry you have to really mess up to fall off. Like not be paying attention at all.. I think the hardest thing overall is just having the energy and strength. Ideally you want to be at the keyhole at sunrise which is like 6.3 miles with a 3,760 foot gain. That's a hard day hike for anyone, let alone doing it in the dark as a warm up. Because the hike really does start at the keyhole, you gotta be able to crank the first part out and be relatively fresh starting from the keyhole. From that point on you are still looking at 9 more total miles. So just be physically fit and maybe go with someone who has done it. If you can get acclimated to the elevation in the days before it will help too.
Nick Sangetta, thank you for the advice! I’ll make sure to train as much as I can for the climb. If I remember, I might be back next year to comment on how the climb went. Longs Peak is a climb I’ve been wanting to do for years as I’ve been going to the National Park for the previous 5 years, hiking and climbing as much as I can. I will not have climbed any 14ers, but I think I have enough experience with climbing and hiking to give Longs Peak everything I’ve got!
@@austinkreps1435 If you have that kind of determination then I am confident you will do it. Just try to plan for good weather and the early start. Please comment back and let me know how it went! Good luck with it man!
Narrated by Bill Paxton
Watching you do this with the camera in one hand is making me dizzy lol
Nice video. What camera were you using?
Hey where you the guy i talked to about altitude sickness?
I honestly dont remember. I did talk to a few people at the top.
Great video! My roommate and I are finally going to hike Longs Peak this summer...it's the only hike on the eastern side of RMNP over 10 miles that we haven't done. Would it be overkill to wear climbing shoes past the keyhole?
Good luck with the hike! I dont think you need climbing shoes if you are staying on the Keyhole Route but they couldnt hurt on the Homestretch section. That part is steep and the rocks are slick so you definitely want something with good grip.