Rocky Mountain Day Hikes
  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location >
      • Wild Basin & Longs Peak Area
      • Bear Lake Corridor
      • Northern Park
      • West Side
    • Trails by Distance >
      • Short
      • Moderate
      • Longer
      • Challenge
    • Trails by Destination >
      • Lakes
      • Waterfalls
      • Peaks >
        • Peaks By Elevation
      • Loop Hikes
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • By Color
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
    • Wildflower Guide Curators
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine
https://www.thespicerack.co
The Spice Rack
Support Our Local Partners
Click the Link

<<<     Longs Peak - Keyhole Route     >>>

7.5 miles

Trail Type: Peak Hike
Trailhead: Longs Peak

Beginning Elevation: 9,400'
Destination Elevation: 14,259'

​Total Elevation Gain: ​4,859'
​
Total Roundtrip Miles: ​15

Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak from The Boulderfield
Trail Description
"The Keyhole route is a climb that requires scrambling on exposed narrow ledges, loose rock and steep slabs. Sudden changes in weather may create high winds, lightening, rain, hail, snow, freezing temperatures and ice covered rock at any time. A slip, trip or fall could be fatal. Rescue is difficult and may take hours to days. Self-reliance is essential. Stay on route and be willing to turn around at any point. Safety is your responsibility." ~ NPS
This warning, posted at the Boulderfield, should be heeded by anyone attempting this hike/climb.
Plan to start your hike at about 1-3 am in order to reach the summit and be down below treeline before the afternoon thunderstorms. 
How to Get There
​From Estes Park, travel south on St Hwy 7 for 9.5 miles to the Longs Peak Campground and Trailhead.
See a list of
Rocky Mountain National Park
​Peaks by Elevation
Trail Profile
profile, Longs Peak Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
Weather Information
MWS Weather Link
Trail Map
Longs Peak Trail Photo Gallery
Blog Post
Hiking Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route in
​Rocky Mountain National Park

<< Back to Peak Hikes
Trails by Destination >>

Stay connected to Rocky Mountain National Park year-round.
​​Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter.
Picture
Click Here
We Support
Picture
These Trail Pages made possible with Support from our Local Partners. 
​When in Estes, Shop Locally!!
https://www.shopbrownfields.com
Brownfield's
https://www.imagesofrmnp.com
Images of RMNP
https://backboneadventures.com
Backbone Adventures
https://newrootsrealestate.com
New Roots Real Estate
https://www.poppyspizzaandgrill.com
Poppy's Pizza & Grill
https://www.mamarosesrestaurant.com
Mama Rose's
https://www.visitestespark.com
Visit Estes Park
https://eph.org
Estes Park Health
https://originaltaffyshop.com
The Original Taffy Shop
https://www.thespicerack.co
The Spice Rack
https://www.facebook.com/ravensroast/
Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge
https://macdonaldbookshop.com
MacDonald Book Shop
https://windcliff.com
Windcliff Vacation Rentals
Advertisement
Affinity Massage & Wellness
https://www.mountainhomecafe.com
Mountain Home Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/spurliquorestespark/
Spur Liquor
https://www.estesparkmountainshop.com
Estes Park Mountain Shop
https://shoprma.com/whitewater-rafting/?utm_source=hikerockymag&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=Hike_Rocky_-Magazine_print
Rocky Mountain Adventures
https://www.aspenwinds.com
Aspen Winds
https://thebarrel.beer
The Barrel
https://luxuryestesparkcabins.com
Rams Horn Village Resort
https://backpackinglight.com/membership/?affid=rmdh&sid=craft
Backpacking Light
https://www.plumcreekshoes.com
Plum Creek Shoe Station
© Copyright 2025 Barefoot Publications,  All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location >
      • Wild Basin & Longs Peak Area
      • Bear Lake Corridor
      • Northern Park
      • West Side
    • Trails by Distance >
      • Short
      • Moderate
      • Longer
      • Challenge
    • Trails by Destination >
      • Lakes
      • Waterfalls
      • Peaks >
        • Peaks By Elevation
      • Loop Hikes
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • By Color
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
    • Wildflower Guide Curators
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine