Special Evening Program Longs Peak Experience the Keyhole Route

Signage near Chasm Junction in the Longs Peak area.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park

News Release Date: August 10, 2016

Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

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 Thursday, August 18, and Friday, August 26, 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. He has performed rescues with the park service at Denali, Mount Rainier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park.  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.  At the age of 12 he signed up for summer camp in Estes Park, and spent the next 6 summers hiking and backpacking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. These experiences inspired Mitch to study Outdoor Leadership at Western State College, and after graduation he began his career as an outdoor educator and climbing guide. Years of extensive climbing experience helped steer Mitch into his current position as a Longs Peak Climbing Ranger.  

This program is 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].