Longs Peak Trip Report 05/27/2026

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Longs Peak - 14,259 feet
Date Posted	05/27/2026
Date Climbed	05/16/2026
Author	sunnyqin

Longs Peak Keyhole summit attempt
We started at 4:30 am to balance between avoiding afternoon showers and getting some sleep. We were informed that there was 2ft of snow recently (<2 weeks ago?) in the region. We only brought microspikes with us, which turned out to be a bad gear decision. There is snow on the trail starting as early as mile 2 and was pretty consistent most of the way (and there was fresh snow again on 05/18). Up until keyhole, it was fairly easy to walk through the snow without microspikes and the trail was fairly stomped on. We made it to keyhole at ~10am. The final approach to keyhole was very steep, but not technical or exposed. However, after keyhole on “the ledges”, the rock scramble was class 3, which we thought was easy (especially if you are used to scrambling or rock climbing). Follow the bulls eyes closely - they are very well marked. However, we decided to turn around 0.5 miles into the ledges because after a rock scramble section, the ledge traverse part was fully covered in snow with faint tracks. Without an ice axe, it was hard to traverse the ledge without significant risk of big falls (~500ft). We suspected that the “narrows” would have been in the same condition but even steeper. Two parties that made to the summit on the same day confirmed that ice axe was absolutely necessary past the keyhole. One party also said crampons were necessary while the other might have used ice axe + microspikes. The return was long but overall very smooth. The approach to keyhole is relatively easy. It was hard to avoid postholing on our way back due to warmer afternoon weather conditions. Be prepared for rapid changing of weather conditions We were aware of the risk of afternoon thunderstorms and we got snowed on twice (both briefly) between 10am - 3pm. Luckily, for us the weather turned nice within 10-20min of storm. The party that made it to the summit used a small window to attempt the summit from keyhole and they moved very fast. All in all, totally recommend Long’s though! Even if you can only make it to the keyhole its gorgeous. There’s great views of the surrounding 14ers, The Diamond (one of the faces of Longs) and the Keyhole. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Longs Peak Keyhole summit attempt

We started at 4:30 am to balance between avoiding afternoon showers and getting some sleep. We were informed that there was 2ft of snow recently (<2 weeks ago?) in the region. We only brought microspikes with us, which turned out to be a bad gear decision.
There is snow on the trail starting as early as mile 2 and was pretty consistent most of the way (and there was fresh snow again on 05/18).
Up until keyhole, it was fairly easy to walk through the snow without microspikes and the trail was fairly stomped on.

We made it to keyhole at ~10am. The final approach to keyhole was very steep, but not technical or exposed.
However, after keyhole on “the ledges”, the rock scramble was class 3, which we thought was easy (especially if you are used to scrambling or rock climbing). Follow the bulls eyes closely - they are very well marked. However, we decided to turn around 0.5 miles into the ledges because after a rock scramble section, the ledge traverse part was fully covered in snow with faint tracks. Without an ice axe, it was hard to traverse the ledge without significant risk of big falls (~500ft). We suspected that the “narrows” would have been in the same condition but even steeper. Two parties that made to the summit on the same day confirmed that ice axe was absolutely necessary past the keyhole. One party also said crampons were necessary while the other might have used ice axe + microspikes.

The return was long but overall very smooth. The approach to keyhole is relatively easy. It was hard to avoid postholing on our way back due to warmer afternoon weather conditions.

Be prepared for rapid changing of weather conditions We were aware of the risk of afternoon thunderstorms and we got snowed on twice (both briefly) between 10am - 3pm. Luckily, for us the weather turned nice within 10-20min of storm. The party that made it to the summit used a small window to attempt the summit from keyhole and they moved very fast.
All in all, totally recommend Long’s though! Even if you can only make it to the keyhole its gorgeous. There’s great views of the surrounding 14ers, The Diamond (one of the faces of Longs) and the Keyhole.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

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