Special Evening Programs For The Labor Day Weekend Highlight Longs Peak

Longs Peak in background with beautiful fall colors.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park.

News Release Date: August 29, 2016

Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

Friday, September 2 - Longs Peak: Experience the Keyhole Route

Do you aspire to reach the summit of Longs Peak? Are you inspired by the lofty rock faces and pinnacles of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest mountain? Join climbing rangers Everett Phillips and Mitch Musci, on a photographic journey to the top, and back down safely. This free program will be held Friday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.  Mitch and Everett will present aspiring mountaineers with a realistic picture of the challenges encountered on Longs' most popular adventure; the Keyhole Route. Topics covered will include a detailed description of the route, an understanding of proper preparation, and strategies for a safe ascent. 

Everett Phillips has been involved in mountain rescue work for over a decade.  As a ranger on Longs Peak his interest in rescue has expanded to include risk management and accident prevention. He is inspired by the challenge of maintaining his sense of adventure while also becoming more responsible in his mountain excursions. 

Mitch Musci grew up in Austin, Texas, and quickly gained an appreciation for the mountains through his family's annual summer trips to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. His many years of experience climbing mountains helped steer Mitch into his current position as a Longs Peak Climbing Ranger.  

Saturday, September 3 - Perspectives of Longs Peak 

Longs Peak, the tallest of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 feet, has beckoned visitors for many decades. To climb it has been the goal of many.  The magnificent view from the summit offers a unique perspective on preserving our wilderness here at Rocky Mountain National Park.  When it was first seen from a distance by Stephen Long, it was thought to be so difficult to climb that no one would achieve it.  It was truly the wilderness then as it continues to be today.  

In this program given by Paige Lambert, explore how this most iconic peak in Rocky has inspired wilderness preservation for over 100 years.  Hear the history of some of the first ascents of Longs Peak and what is being done to make sure the experience is preserved for generations to come.  This program will be given at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m.  

Paige is a ranger who has previously worked in the Environmental Education branch of Interpretation.She has guided young visitors to understand and appreciate the importance of preserving the wilderness in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

These programs are free and open to the public.For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park's Information Office at [phone].