Let’s open with an early sunrise picture, and then progress to Longs a little later in the morning. I have observed that even after 49 years of seeing Longs Peak and the front range/divide, it never looks the same. The light changes. The clouds change. The mountains uplift (although that does not change much day-to-day), and in short, if you look, if you notice, the view is NEVER the same. With Longs Peak such a dominant feature in our Boulder Mountain Backdrop it is our perpetual Mother Mountain.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Colorado is a beacon for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts, with Longs Peak as its crown jewel. Towering at 14,259 feet, it’s one of the most sought-after summits in the park, attracting thousands of climbers every year. Longs Peak is renowned for its distinctive, sheer east face, often referred to as the “Diamond,” due to its shape and the challenge it presents to climbers. The Keyhole Route, the most popular path, offers a non-technical climb, yet it demands physical fitness, acclimatization to high altitude, and cautious navigation through its various segments like the Boulder Field and the Trough. The trek to Longs Peak is not just a physical challenge but a journey through diverse ecosystems. Climbers experience the transition from mountain environments to the alpine tundra, each zone hosting unique flora and fauna. The awe-inspiring vistas from the summit encompass the entire park, making the arduous journey a rewarding experience. Longs Peak symbolizes RMNP’s wild beauty, offering an adventure that combines physical endurance, natural wonder, and a sense of profound accomplishment.

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • 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
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
See More Articles From Leonard Frieling