Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Long's is an unusual hike. It was odd driving through Boulder at 1:30am and seeing folks still out at the bars, while I am going off to hike. I was second to last to get a legal parking space, pulling in about 2:15am. The trail up to the boulder field is AWESOME. For me, the 14 or so miles felt like about 8 - 10 based on my knees and feet. The trail is mostly smooth dirt or well placed steps; I didn't feel much need to put on the brakes. The trail is crowded (only surprising due to the weather) and the queues were out in force.
Quick Report
I had been thwarted by Long's for the past 3 years. I have always chickened out due to weather. This year, starting this weekend, I would be there every Saturday until I was successful.
I began walking at about 2:30 am, the headlamp was plenty to light the way. As mentioned, the trail is great all the way to the boulder field. I was surprised how quickly you reach tree line, how long it was from tree line to Granite Pass, and how long above the pass until reaching the boulder field.
I lost my way in the boulder field several times. Sometimes I just got lost, others I was trying to avoid water and ended up beside the trail. I shut off my headlamp right about at the campsites and made my way up the Keyhole. It was cold and windy
After packing my poles and donning the helmet, I crossed through the Keyhole to look. The west side of Longs was mostly socked in by fog.
Looking back at the Keyhole, showing sun on the east and fog on the west.
I could see 1-2 bulls eyes ahead and behind me, so I worked my way across the Ledges. There were several parties ahead of me, giving me a bit of confidence. Because of the excitement, the traverse to the Ledges seemed quick (would later get me off trail on the way back).
The fog hadn't lifted by the time I arrived at the Trough
The hike up the Trough was shorter than I thought (maybe because of the fog, I couldn't see how far I had to go), a bit looser than I expected. Reaching the choke stone, I went left with not much trouble.
I thought the Narrows were almost easier than the Ledges, the path was more defined, there were good holds, and it seemed the rock was either flat or sloping in. Soon I reached the Homestretch.
With a bad case of summit fever, as I was about half way up the Homestretch, it started spitting snow. I hustled up, spent about 5 minutes, and came back down. I would say the rock was damp, not dry but not wet (yet).
Just reaching the summit
Coming back down, looking back up the Homestretch, showing the upward line on the left and the down line on the right. Note the lack of snow.
And once I exited the Homestretch, looking back. This is around the corner from the exit, but you can see the upper part and the last part of the Narrows, now with a dusting of snow.
I was glad to be back on the Narrows, the rock was slick, but manageable. Still many people heading up. Odd that once you got around the next corner, the dusting was gone, just a bit damp.
There was a big jam at the choke stone, as the right (center) and the ledge on the right were too slick for most people. I spent about 5 minutes giving people a hand up, then grabbed on to the left and dropped down.
Still many folks heading up the Trough, it looked like the snow didn't get down this far
Mostly dry on the Ledges. I made the mistake of going for what I thought was the keyhole too early, and had to backtrack and drop down to the trail. I went for the notch at top center, should have gone for the one left of center, dropping down around that tower
Back through the Keyhole; many turn arounds here, but still some heading up
Looking down the boulder field showing the cloud cover
Coming down, two looks back up showing the clouds
The walk down was uneventful, and quick (for me). I felt lucky that I was so near the summit when it started snowing, and was able to reach the summit on my first try.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Just finished up your trip report. I am really happy for you. Now you can move to Houston with an eye towards joining us next summer! Awesome job, man.
MC, that was a fantastic report. I enjoyed reliving my hike all over again, but with much more drama given the weather you encountered yesterday. Photos of the crowds were truly amazing. Very thoughtful that you noted the possible mistake that others should be aware of when coming back to the keyhole. Thanks for the great read this morning.
I believe last year or the year before last there was a woman who mistook the false keyhole for the keyhole and fell, although she wasn‘t killed she was seriously injured. Nice work on recognizing the false keyhole.
JA_son27, I thought about that once I realized my mistake. It looked like I could have dropped straight down, but thinking of that woman, I backtracked along my path until I saw the bullseyes again. Cost me about 10 minutes, but the route was good. Once underneath the false keyhole, I didn‘t even think to look up and see if I could have dropped straight down.
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
