My favorite hikes have involved 3000 vertical feet. All of them almost to the foot, 915 meters. NOT LONGS! Longs is an imposing 5000 vertical feet of walking, 1525 meters. 14 miles, 22,500 meters round trip walk from the parking lot. Whether you are someone who jogs to the top in a bit over three hours, or someone like me who left the car before dawn, and returned after sunset, it is an arduous journey! Getting off the peak and headed down before noon is not just a good idea; it can be life and death. Storms with blinding clouds, lightening to have your hair stand on end, snow, hail, and more are all just typical afternoons at the top of the Park. And it is worth every tortured step! I could not go up a normal step for a week after my summit success.

The Top Of Longs Peak is a One Quarter Acre Flat area of rocks. No Bed Ever Looked As Soft After Reaching the Summit!

Longs Peak is often properly referred to as  The Crown Jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Nestled within the vast expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak stands as a towering testament to nature’s grandeur and the spirit of adventure that defines Colorado. Rising to an elevation of 14,259 feet, it is not only one of the most prominent peaks in the park but also a beacon for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from around the globe. It sits, watching down over Boulder, an always changing visual of truly epic proportions.

A Peak Steeped in History

Longs Peak is named after Major Stephen H. Long, who led an expedition in the 1820s that sighted the peak, although he never climbed it. The first recorded ascent was made by John Wesley Powell in 1868. Since then, Longs Peak has captivated many with its challenging climbs and breathtaking views, becoming a symbol of achievement and exploration.

The Ascent: A Challenge Like No Other

The journey to the summit of Longs Peak is renowned for its difficulty, offering several routes with varying levels of challenge. The most popular, the Keyhole Route, is a 15-mile round trip trek that is not for the faint of heart. It requires physical stamina, mountaineering skills, and a keen awareness of the weather, which can change swiftly and drastically.

As adventurers ascend, they traverse different ecosystems, starting from montane environments where elk and black bears roam, through subalpine zones marked by dense forests, and finally to the alpine tundra that blankets the peak. The views from the Keyhole offer a panorama of the park’s other majestic peaks and valleys, a rewarding sight that many say is worth the arduous climb.

The Diamond: A Climber’s Playground

For those seeking a technical challenge, The Diamond offers an exhilarating vertical rock face that is among the most famous big-wall climbs in North America. With its nearly 1,000-foot drop, The Diamond attracts expert climbers who come to test their skills against its sheer granite walls and unpredictable weather.

Fauna and Flora: Life at High Altitude

The ecological tapestry of Longs Peak is both diverse and fragile. Alpine flowers, such as the Colorado blue columbine and alpine sunflower, brave the harsh conditions, blooming vibrantly during the short summer months. Wildlife, including marmots, pika, and the occasional bighorn sheep, are often spotted by hikers, adding a delightful element to the trek.

Preservation Efforts and Visitor Impact

As the popularity of Longs Peak continues to grow, so does the impact on its natural habitats. The National Park Service works tirelessly to balance conservation efforts with the increasing foot traffic, striving to preserve the beauty and natural integrity of Longs Peak for future generations. This includes trail maintenance, educating visitors on leave-no-trace principles, and monitoring the environmental impact of tourism.

A Symbol of Colorado’s Wild Heart

Longs Peak is more than just a mountain; it is a symbol of the wild, untamed heart of Colorado. It represents the boundless beauty of the natural world and the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of adventure. Whether viewed from afar or conquered underfoot, Longs Peak continues to inspire awe and respect among all who behold or brave its heights.

For anyone planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is a must-see landmark. Whether you choose to hike to its summit or admire it from a distance, the experience is unforgettable, deeply enriching the connection between man and nature.

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com