Longs Peak Trip Report 07/06/2026

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Longs Peak - 14,259 feet
Date Posted	07/06/2026
Date Climbed	07/05/2026
Author	mdehenau

Longs Peak Keyhole Route
This was my 14er Finisher and my first trip report. This site has helped me immensely through the journey, and I feel like it's important to acknowledge that and give back to the forum when you can (I should have done this more). Started the climb at 1:30 AM based on previous trip reports which recommended a very early start time to avoid crowds and congestion on the climb. Parking lot was half full at 12:45 AM when I started. Made good time up to the Chasm lake trail junction and reached it at 3:15 AM (2 hours from truck) when I took a wrong turn and headed towards Chasm lake. This is easy to do in the dark, so recommend being mindful at this junction to avoid the inevitable turnaround. This junction is marked well, but in the dark without the obvious landmarks, it's easy to follow the great trail down the wrong way. After righting course at the Chasm lake trail junction ascended towards the Boulder Field. The trails are outstanding through the whole climb, some of the best I've experienced. Reached the Boulder field about 4:45 AM (1.5 hours after Chasm Lake trail junction). The Boulder field has well marked trails up to the Keyhole and past the obvious camp sights even in low/no light. Reached the Keyhole right at sunrise at 5:30 AM and was surprised to be the only climber within sight. I had expected a small crowd at that time After the Keyhole, the real climbing starts! Moved across the ledges efficiently. Climbing was straightforward, and as long as your mindful to keep the red/yellow marking in sight, it is relatively easy to navigate. After descending the ledges, reached "The Trough" at about 6:15 AM (roughly 30 minutes from keyhole moving relatively quickly). The trough is well-marked and was relatively easy to ascend carefully. Reached some snow/ice toward the top, which can be avoided, but recommend micro-spikes to avoid "freestyling" this section. A little bit of traction made this easy climbing) At the top of the Trough, there is one move I would consider the crux of the route. Some climbers went left of this move without too much issue, but recommend being very mindful on this move as the rock is a little slippery and it requires some reach. After entering the notch at the top of the Trough, entered the narrows. Although the pictures make this part look intense, I found it easy to navigate without "feeling" exposed (although it certainly is). Reached the homestretch at about 7AM (5.5 hours from the truck). I found the homestrech easy to navigate, but some of the rock is smooth and it's important to be mindful on this section. Reached the summit about 7:30AM and was the only climber up there! Some smoke on the horizon that cleared out as the sun came up. I was joined by a number of other climbers shortly after summiting (about 6-7). The descent was straightforward, with the inevitable slog back down a little delirious from lack of sleep and a big day. Saw a heard of about 60 elk in the meadows below Lady Washington. Beautiful day, great mounting, highly recommend. I would say worth bringing micro-spikes for at least the next few weeks although not a must in my opinion. A helmet also wouldn't hurt past the keyhole especially with other climbers later in the morning and day, especially in the Trough. Thank you to the team that manages this resource for us! It has been invaluable through the years and always improving. Proud to be part of this community and climbing resource Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Longs Peak Keyhole Route

This was my 14er Finisher and my first trip report. This site has helped me immensely through the journey, and I feel like it's important to acknowledge that and give back to the forum when you can (I should have done this more).

Started the climb at 1:30 AM based on previous trip reports which recommended a very early start time to avoid crowds and congestion on the climb. Parking lot was half full at 12:45 AM when I started. Made good time up to the Chasm lake trail junction and reached it at 3:15 AM (2 hours from truck) when I took a wrong turn and headed towards Chasm lake. This is easy to do in the dark, so recommend being mindful at this junction to avoid the inevitable turnaround. This junction is marked well, but in the dark without the obvious landmarks, it's easy to follow the great trail down the wrong way.

After righting course at the Chasm lake trail junction ascended towards the Boulder Field. The trails are outstanding through the whole climb, some of the best I've experienced. Reached the Boulder field about 4:45 AM (1.5 hours after Chasm Lake trail junction). The Boulder field has well marked trails up to the Keyhole and past the obvious camp sights even in low/no light.

Reached the Keyhole right at sunrise at 5:30 AM and was surprised to be the only climber within sight. I had expected a small crowd at that time

After the Keyhole, the real climbing starts! Moved across the ledges efficiently. Climbing was straightforward, and as long as your mindful to keep the red/yellow marking in sight, it is relatively easy to navigate.

After descending the ledges, reached "The Trough" at about 6:15 AM (roughly 30 minutes from keyhole moving relatively quickly). The trough is well-marked and was relatively easy to ascend carefully. Reached some snow/ice toward the top, which can be avoided, but recommend micro-spikes to avoid "freestyling" this section. A little bit of traction made this easy climbing)

At the top of the Trough, there is one move I would consider the crux of the route. Some climbers went left of this move without too much issue, but recommend being very mindful on this move as the rock is a little slippery and it requires some reach.

After entering the notch at the top of the Trough, entered the narrows. Although the pictures make this part look intense, I found it easy to navigate without "feeling" exposed (although it certainly is). Reached the homestretch at about 7AM (5.5 hours from the truck). I found the homestrech easy to navigate, but some of the rock is smooth and it's important to be mindful on this section.

Reached the summit about 7:30AM and was the only climber up there! Some smoke on the horizon that cleared out as the sun came up. I was joined by a number of other climbers shortly after summiting (about 6-7). The descent was straightforward, with the inevitable slog back down a little delirious from lack of sleep and a big day. Saw a heard of about 60 elk in the meadows below Lady Washington. Beautiful day, great mounting, highly recommend. I would say worth bringing micro-spikes for at least the next few weeks although not a must in my opinion. A helmet also wouldn't hurt past the keyhole especially with other climbers later in the morning and day, especially in the Trough.

Thank you to the team that manages this resource for us! It has been invaluable through the years and always improving. Proud to be part of this community and climbing resource

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

cgolkie

Trailhead
7/6/2026 12:40pm

Thanks for the report. I almost went today but bailed.

Were there many people camping in their cars? The early departure time required makes this tricky. I'm a relatively fast hiker but if the lot fills up by 2am, seems impossible to get any sleep for this one.

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.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App