ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Keyhole Route, Longs Peak
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
From $525
Private TripS
2027 Dates Live
EXPLORE ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING IN RMNP
DISCOVER
| OVERVIEW |
The crown jewel of Rocky Mountain NP, Longs Peak, is one of the most coveted summits in the West. At 14,259 feet above sea level and over 7 miles from the trailhead, this summit will make you earn your views, but they are beautiful and rewarding!
The Keyhole route on Longs Peak is one of the hardest summit routes of a colorado 14er. It requires solid scrambling skills, PERSEVERANCE, and a good partner.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Guides and guests connect via Google Meet to discuss gear selection for the course, meet our new teammates, discuss the climb, and, answer any lingering questions the team has.
The climb
Hit the Longs Peak Trailhead around 2 am and hike up to Chasm Junction. We’ll take a hard right around Mt. Lady Washington near sunrise, to the Boulderfield and ultimately making our way to the Keyhole.
At the Keyhole we head onto the backside of Longs Peak, veer left and tackle sections on technical trail, exposure, and some scrambling.
The climbing is fun, fast, and challenging, and rewards the team with one of the most beautiful and coveted views in Colorado.
End of day debrief
At the cars, we focus our attention on the day; sharing the Rose, the Bud, and the Thorn to ruminate more deeply on the experience. It is often customary ( but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate the great days spent in the mountains!
Technical Experience
No technical climbing experience is required.
Fitness
Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike and climb for many hours while carrying a pack. Training for Advanced Alpine Climbing is a great fitness program to develop a strong alpine climbing base. 50% intensity is a good marker of alpine fitness for this weekend.
Altitude
No prior experience at altitude is required.
HIKING TO THE KEYHOLE ROUTE
60YRS CLIMBING LONGS PEAK
| WHATS INCLUDED |
- Small compressible multi-pitch backpack
- Climbing helmet and harness
- Certified guides
- National Park Pass, must have on your person
- Personal hiking gear such as trekking poles
- Snacks while on route
- Transportation to the venue
- Tips for guides
TRAIL JUNCTION
CLIMBING THE HOMESTRETCH
| PRICING DETAILS |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
keyhole route, longs peak
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
Single: $525
Partners: $350 Per Person
Triples: $300 Per Person
Private TripS
Summer 2027 Live!
| QUESTIONS |
The Keyhole Route.
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Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet/exceed the professional standards of mountain guiding. The Keyhole Route is guided at a 3:1 ratio, with up to six guests and two guides.
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Probably, Yes! The Keyhole Route is a fantastic entry level alpine route in Rocky but is considered a hard Colorado Fourteener. Excellent general fitness is expected to have success with the long hikes and larger climbing days.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge. A helmet, harness, and a small multi-pitch backpack. Please note- we may be able to supplement other gear needs so please make your reservations early and email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List. These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions! -
ESTES PARK, COLORADO: GETTING THERE
Estes Park, Colorado is located in the Northeastern part of Colorado and is approximately 45 minutes from Boulder. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SMG trip. Estes Park serves as the launching point for all of our climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.
*If you plan to combine additional days of climbing in Eldorado Canyon or The Flatirons then Boulder, CO is also a logical place to base your lodging for your trip.
The best option for flying to the area is through Denver, CO.
You will likely need to organize a rental car to drive to Estes Park from Denver. Typically in the summer months, you can choose any type of vehicle. Below are some approximate driving times to get to Estes Park, CO.
Denver, CO: 1.5 hours
Boulder, CO: 45 minutes
Colorado Springs, CO: 2.5 hours
Estes Park has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Call our office at 410-982-8282 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Boulder, CO also has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area.
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program or any other Rocky Mountain National Park alpine climbing programs.