US-08 Rocky Mountain Pop
Overview
Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route is Colorado’s most iconic single‑day summit — a dramatic, exposed, all‑day journey through natural architecture that feels carved for myth. The route begins in the dark forests below treeline before rising toward the jagged Keyhole, a stone gateway into the mountain’s true character. Beyond it, the Ledges, Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch deliver sustained exposure, big air, and unforgettable movement across granite. This is a pilgrimage through the high wild heart of Rocky Mountain National Park — demanding, cinematic, and absolutely legendary. This one is not for the faint-hearted.
Quick Stats
• Base Camp: Estes Park, Colorado
• Distance: 15 miles
• Elevation Gain: 5,100 ft
• Estimated Time: 10–15 hours
• Route Type: Out-and-Back
When to Hike
The best time to climb Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route is July through September, when the route is typically free of snow and the high‑country weather is most stable. Early summer still holds lingering ice in the Trough, and afternoon storms are a daily reality all season — making an ultra‑early start essential. By late September, cold nights and early snow can return quickly. For a safe, clear, and truly spectacular ascent, mid‑summer to early fall is the prime window.
