Hike Review: Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route

Longs Peak from the North

2:30 AM

 Longs Peak Sunrise Glow

5.9 Miles and a 3,500 foot climb: The Boulderfield

Above the Boulderfield:  The Keyhole

After the Keyhole: The Ledges

The Keyhole Hut

Looking up at the Trough

Looking down the Trough

The Trough is a half mile climb up a steep chute of stone, boulders, and loose rock.  First impression  is sheer awe.  Everything that everyone had told me and all the pictures that I had seen of the trough did not do it justice.  Go see for yourself.

At the top of the Trough

After the Trough: The Narrows

After the trough, the daunting narrows of Longs Peak. 

After the Narrows: The Homestretch

From the Top

Looking West from Longs Peak

Chasm Lake with Longs Peak in Background

Completed: 3 PM

RMNP Over Night: North Inlet to Bear Lake

Longs Peak from Flattop Peak

I was dropped off at North Inlet Trail-head (near Lake Granby) at 13:00 and hiked 1,000 feet and 7.5 miles to North Inlet Junction Camp, where I spent the night.









En route to camp, I spotted a moose in the brush lying down chewing his cud.  Despite their size, a moose is a master of disguise.



The North Inlet Trail follows the North Inlet River for 8 miles before heading up into the high country. Along the river, there were a lot of very cool features, pools, waterfalls, and rock formations.  This is Cascade Falls:

After breaking camp and climbing above the North Inlet River looking down.













After leaving the North Inlet River, the trail climbs, 3,000 feet out of the tree line and over the Continental Divide.

Once up the Continental Divide, I hiked down the eastern side with my final destination to be Bear Lake, 10.1 miles from camp. On the way down there was an overlook of Emerald Lake with Longs Peak in the background.

Longs Peak Prep: Current Condition

I found a recent post on twitter with a picture of Jacob on top of Long's Peak:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

Enjoying the view from Longs Peak Summit. Elevation 14,259 ft. http://twitpic.com/a7w01u

So I asked him:
fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf sweet. much snow? crampons? what time u start? finish?

And he answered:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

@hopbros no snow on the path.. started at 4:30 and driving away at 3... helluva day :) 

fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf thanks, that is what i wanted to hear, glad it went well

I informed him that I used his picture:
fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf i am gearin up to climb longs with a group of guys, hope u dont mind but i used ur photo in my blog: http://hikes-n-books.blogspot.com/2012/07/longs- …

He left me with this warning:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

@hopbros it was a really nice hike... a bit more than I bargained for after the key hole, but a lot of fun. Glad you can use the photo

For the most current Longs Peak weather condition, CLICK HERE.

 

Longs Peak Prep: Altitude Sickness

On July 22, 2011, a 26 year old man from Wichita, KA experienced life threatening high altitude sickness while attempting to climb Longs Peak.  The man fell ill on July 21 and descended from his summit attempt to the Boulderfield where he spent the night.  On the morning of the 22nd, when it was apparent his symptoms of an altered consciousness were not lessening, an emergency call was made which resulted in a helicopter rescue.  It was speculated that without the emergency rescue, the man may have died.

What is altitude sickness?

At an increased elevation, the air pressure decreases resulting in less oxygen per breath.  A lack of oxygen to the muscles and brain can cause altitude sickness.    Symptoms can be felt as low as 6,500', but usually minor effects will be experienced at 10,000' when climbing rapidy without acclimating; more serious symptoms at 12,000'.  Altitude sickness if severe enough and not treated can result in death.  Some common symptoms:

• headaches
• fatigue
• stomach ache
• dizziness
• nosebleed
• swelling of hands/feet   

How to acclimate?

• ascend slowly
• spend time at high altitudes
• aspirin to thin the blood
• water
• caffeine (mountain dew)

How to react?

If a climber begins to experience some of the symptoms and is below 15,000', it is best to stop and rest, drink water and assess the symptoms.  Is it persistent?  Is it getting worse?  If so, it is be best to get to a lower elevation.  In many cases, assessing your own symptoms is not recommended.  Altitude sickness can weaken good judgement and analysis of reality.  In my own experience, thinking and senses become foggy. 

Good preparation and good judgement will greatly decrease someone in the climbing party from suffereing altitude sickness.

Longs Peak Prep - Gear List

From the Top of Longs Peak

Here is a list of recommended gear to include on your person for the hike.  If there is anything that I missed let me know.

Gear List:

Sustenance

Longs Peak Narrows from Near

• lots of water - 4 liters to be safe, no flowing water on the trail, its good to have a little extra, we might be able to stash water on the trail for the way down
• food - at least 4,000 calories worth, its good to have a little extra; food that stores well: energy bars, candy, sandwhich, etc.

Clothing/Body Protection

• jacket/extra clothing - wear layers as the temp changes drastically and the wind most likely will be chilling (recommend three layers: jacket long sleeve shirt, t-shirt)
• extra pair of socks (or two) the snow melt will mean that the trail could be muddy (having dry socks is a huge bonus)
• gloves
• hat 
• sunglasses
• rain gear

Longs Peak Narrows from Far

Accessories

• backpack to carry extra water, food, clothing, accessories
• sunscreen
• headlamp or flashlight, i have three head lamps, I can loan out two
• TP - very important, i will have enough for everybody
• basic first aid kit
• crampons are recommended to have in your pack, I will call Ranger Station prior to hiking to see if this is necessary
• map (i will have)
• whistle
• phone (there is service at the top)
• camera
• hiking sticks (takes weight off your knees and ankles)
• aspirin
• can of Mountain Dew
  
  

  
  

  
  

Longs Peak Preparation

From our cabin to Longs Peak Trail-head is a 30 minute drive.  The lot fills up very early.  What day should we hike?  I like Tuesday.  The hike up is 7.5 miles.  We need to be back below the tree line before afternoon storms meaning we should be at the peak by noon or turn back.  If we wake at 2:00 AM and get to the trail-head by 3:00 AM (after a big breakfast) we will be good.  That gives us nine hours, but I am sure that we can make it to the peak within 7 hours at the least.  I recently hiked a longer, steeper hike with several people who were not optimally conditioned and we peaked in five hours.  The big difference being oxygen, but if we bag a few hours on an acclimatizing hike between 12,000 and 13,000 feet plus several days at our cabin we will be better for it.  For information about Longs Peak call (970-586-1206).  Weather information.  Web cam of current conditions.  At the time I am writing this (13:45), I am seeing some pretty rough looking clouds up there.

If you have anything to add please comment or send an email.  I can incorporate into this post.  If you need to find this blog, search: "review hikes books" in Google and this blog will be first on the list. 

Also see:

Beware: Altitude Sickness
Prep: Gear List