Hiking in Longs Peak, Colorado

Historical Conditions Overview

42
Avg Epic Score

19.2°F

Avg Temperature

11.2 mph

Avg Wind Speed

0.6"

Avg Precipitation

Sep

Best Month

58

Jan

25

Feb

25

Mar

58

Apr

25

May

58

Jun

25

Jul

27

Aug

59

Sep

58

Oct

25

Nov

58

Dec

↑ Best months: September, January, April

About This Destination

Hiking in Longs Peak

Longs Peak stands at 14,259 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park and represents one of Colorado's most challenging fourteener hikes. The mountain features multiple route options, with the Keyhole Route being the most common at approximately 15 miles roundtrip. The peak sits above treeline for much of the ascent, exposing hikers to significant weather variability and altitude effects that characterize the high alpine environment.

Pro Tips

Insider Knowledge for Longs Peak

1

Start before dawn to descend before afternoon thunderstorms, which form predictably in summer months; even September and April require early departure given the mountain's afternoon weather patterns.
2

Bring layers for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between base and summit; the peak data shows 37.9°F average during optimal months, but conditions deteriorate rapidly with elevation changes.
3

Navigate the Keyhole Route markers carefully in poor visibility; the final boulder field section requires class 3 scrambling with exposure, and cairns become difficult to follow in clouds or snow.
4

Acclimatize to altitude before attempting; Longs Peak's elevation gain combined with the short timeframe creates significant physiological demands even for experienced mountaineers.
5

Check the park's real-time climbing conditions report and weather forecasts the morning of your hike; wind patterns shift quickly at elevation, and snow persists into late spring on north-facing sections.

Experience Level Guide

Who Should Visit?

🌱

Beginner

NOT RECOMMENDED

This peak is not suitable for beginners; the route demands sustained elevation gain, boulder scrambling, and altitude acclimatization that exceed beginner capabilities.

⭐

Intermediate

NOT RECOMMENDED

Intermediate hikers will find this extremely challenging; while some complete the Keyhole Route, the altitude, exposure, and technical sections present significant risk without advanced mountaineering skills.

🔥

Advanced

Advanced hikers encounter a serious alpine climb requiring fitness, navigation ability in variable conditions, and comfort with exposure on the Boulder Field and Narrows sections; success depends heavily on timing and weather cooperation.

💎

Expert

Experts manage the technical scrambling and altitude efficiently, but still contend with the mountain's unpredictable weather, route-finding complexity in poor visibility, and the physiological demands of sustained high-altitude effort.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time to Visit

Month	Epic Score	Avg Temp	Avg Wind	Precip	Rating
January	58	0.2°F	12.3 mph	0.41"	⚠️
February	25	3.8°F	15.0 mph	0.77"	❌
March	25	6.1°F	13.8 mph	0.55"	❌
April	58	10.5°F	12.9 mph	0.44"	⚠️
May	25	19.2°F	10.5 mph	0.7"	❌
June	58	30.9°F	8.3 mph	0.4"	⚠️
July	25	38.1°F	8.5 mph	0.77"	❌
August	27	40.4°F	9.1 mph	0.82"	❌
September ★ Best	59	37.9°F	8.5 mph	0.41"	⚠️
October	58	26.2°F	10.8 mph	0.37"	⚠️
November	25	14.1°F	12.4 mph	0.62"	❌
December	58	2.7°F	12.3 mph	0.45"	⚠️

Based on 10-year historical averages. Scores calculated for intermediate level.

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