A Long Day on Longs Peak: The 13-Hour Adventure
August 31, 2024 - #11/58
Class 3
Some hikes just demand an extra level of preparation, and Longs Peak is definitely one of them. With its towering 14,259-foot summit and reputation for being a true test of my endurance, I knew this would be no ordinary hike. The night before, I decided to stay at my parents' house, which cut down on drive time in the morning. It also gave me the chance to spend some quality time with my mom and dad—a nice bonus before setting off on such a big adventure.
We had a great dinner, chatted about life, and laughed a lot. But as much as I tried to relax, sleep didn’t come easy. Maybe it was the anticipation of the hike, or the fact that my alarm was set for a brutal 12:15am. Barely getting any shut-eye, I rolled out of bed in the middle of the night, threw on my gear, and headed for the trailhead. I arrived around 2am to a full parking lot, joining a line of headlights from other hikers with the same idea: beat the afternoon thunderstorms.
The Ascent: From Darkness to Daylight
Starting out in the dead of night was eerie but exhilarating. The only sounds were the rhythmic crunch of boots on the trail and the soft whispers of wind through the trees. My headlamp illuminated just enough of the trail to keep me on course, but it felt like I was walking through a dream. It’s always strange hiking in darkness, knowing that you’re surrounded by incredible views you can’t yet see. But I was focused, one foot in front of the other, waiting for the first light of dawn.
By the time the sun started to rise, I had already made decent progress. As the landscape slowly revealed itself, I was reminded of just how majestic Longs Peak is. The towering rock faces and boulder field was bathed in soft morning light, making it all worth the early start.
The Keyhole: The Real Challenge Begins
As I approached the famous Keyhole, the wind was very calm to my surprise, and the trail became noticeably tougher. The Keyhole route is notorious for its narrow ledges, steep rock scrambles, and unpredictable weather. I knew the real challenge was just beginning, already after hiking many miles. From here, the trail demands your full attention—one wrong step could mean a dangerous fall. It’s mentally exhausting, but the adrenaline kept me sharp.
Each section after the Keyhole—The Ledges, The Trough, The Narrows, and the Homestretch—pushed me to my limits. But the reward at the top was everything I had hoped for. At 14,259 feet, standing on the summit of Longs Peak felt like standing on top of the world. The panoramic views were jaw-dropping, stretching across the Rockies and beyond. After snapping some summit photos and taking a few minutes to catch my breath, I began the long trek back down—which was much more exhausting than the trek up, this is where mistakes are more likely to occur.
New Friends for the Descent
The way down was just as challenging—maybe even more so since my legs were starting to feel like jelly. That’s when I met two awesome guys who were also making their way back to the trailhead. We started chatting, and it wasn’t long before we were cracking jokes and sharing stories. There’s something about the shared struggle of a tough hike that brings people together, and having their company on the way down made the descent a lot more enjoyable. We were joking about the pika along the trail and how cute they were to keep our minds off the aches and exhaustion. Sometimes the journey is more fun than the destination.
13 Hours Later: A Long but Rewarding Day
After 13 hours of hiking, I finally made it back to the trailhead. Exhausted? Absolutely. But the sense of accomplishment after summiting one of the toughest 14ers in Colorado I have hiked so far made every step worth it. Longs Peak isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s one of the most rewarding hikes you’ll ever do. Just be prepared for an early start, some sore legs, and, hopefully, a couple of new hiking buddies to share the journey with. And one final thing.. Bring LOTS of water and snacks!
Until the next peak—happy hiking!
