About This Route
Longs Peak's Keyhole Route is a 14-mile expert thru-hike from Longs Peak Trailhead to 14,259 feet summit in RMNP. Features boulder fields, narrows ledge, and class 3 chimney sections. Bivy required for pre-dawn start; 10-15 hours total. Lottery permit via Recreation.gov.
Safety Considerations
High fatality rate from falls in Trough/Narrows; route-finding critical with headlamp. Acclimatize 2-3 days prior. Summer snow/ice mandates axe/crampons. Lightning kills; summit before noon. Water scarce; melt snow or carry 4L. Marmots chew gear; use repellents.
Essential Gear
Double boots (La Sportiva), ice axe, helmet, gloves for granite holds. Bivy sack. Comprehensive first aid.
Emergency Tips
Injured in Trough? Stabilize, signal heli. No cell; PLB mandatory.
Expert prep per AAC and NPS ensures survival on this bucket-list peak.