Longs Peak

Watch a video on the Keyhole Route HERE



Learn more about climbing the Longs Peak Keyhole Route, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Check the weather forecast for Long's Peak

 
East Face
Avalanche on Upper Kieners

NPS

Longs Peak Conditions Report
10/29/23

Winter Weather Advisory


Winter conditions have taken over on Longs Peak and will likely persist well into June of 2024. Any venture beyond the trailhead will require proper winter equipment, routefinding skills, and knowledge of winter travel. Travelers should expect to encounter snow and ice, extremely cold temperatures, avalanche hazards, and high winds.

Extra warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, personal first aid kit, and a cell phone are all strongly recommended. Also consider traction devices such as Microspikes or crampons and an ice axe for any travel in the alpine. If you are traveling alone, please tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation. As always, please be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

A current weather forecast for the Longs Peak high country can be found HERE

 

Keyhole Route Conditions


The Keyhole is no longer a summer scramble and should be treated as a winter mountaineering route. Expect winter conditions with extremely cold temperatures, drifting snow, and widespread ice formation. Avalanche hazards will persist along the Keyhole Route for the remainder of the winter and spring. Thin layers of snow on the surface can hide thicker layers of ice underneath, creating an enormous potential for slips and falls. Crampons and an ice axe are highly recommended, but are no substitute for proper training and experience in negotiating winter alpine conditions.
Remember your safety is in your own hands.
 
Ledges
The Ledges

NPS

 
Trough
The Trough

NPS

 
Narrows
The Narrows

NPS

 
The Homestretch
The Homestretch

NPS

 

Chasm Crossing

The trail between Chasm Junction and Chasm Meadow can be found in a wide variety of conditions throughout the winter, ranging from windblown talus to bullet ice to deep snow. Icy conditions may require the use of crampons and an ice axe to cross safely, while deep snow may present a considerable avalanche hazard. Please exercise caution on this challenging terrain feature.

 
Chasm Crossing
Chasm Crossing

NPS

Last updated: October 29, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

Contact Us