Rocky Mountain National Park's East Longs Peak Trail

East Longs Peak Trail

Description:
The East Longs Peak Trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at an elevation of 9,390 feet and climbs to 12,700 feet at the Boulder Field. The majority of the trail travels over alpine tundra. It provides access for climbing Longs Peak and therefore is very popular.

The trail is wide and smooth at the beginning and makes a moderate climb through lodgepole pine to its intersection with the Eugenia Mine Trail (.53 miles). It continues to climb through the forest, making several switchbacks, and passes picturesque Alpine Brook in spots. It crosses Alpine Brook just before climbing through the krummholz zone (zone of stunted trees) to the tundra. There are signs warning of the fragility of the tundra (stay on the trail) and the exposure to lightning. Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, and Mount Lady Washington come into view as you enter the world of alpine tundra. You'll soon reach the intersection with the Jim's Grove Trail (2 miles from the Eugenia Mine Trail). The Jim's Grove Trail crosses the stream to the right and continues west, eventually intersecting the East Longs Peak Trail again. Turn left to continue on toward the Chasm Lake Trail.

The trail continues to make a steady, moderate climb over some rock steps to its intersection with the Chasm Lake Trail (about .8 miles). There is a horse hitch rack and a toilet at this intersection. From here the trail climbs for about a mile to Granite Pass, passing the unmarked Jim's Grove Trail intersection. It gets quite rocky as you climb higher. It intersects the North Longs Peak Trail in Granite Pass. From the pass, the trail makes several long rocky switchbacks up the ridge to the south before reaching the bench on which the Boulder Field lies. From here the path is level but somewhat faint. It generally follows some tiny streams to the Boulder Field campsites. There are two toilets and a hitch rack at the Boulder Field. From here it is a two mile climb to the summit of Longs Peak.

The route to the summit climbs through the Boulder Field to The Keyhole. There is a stone hut just to the left of The Keyhole, before passing through it, that was erected in memory of Agnes Vaille, a climber who died of exposure on Longs Peak in January 1925. Upon passing through The Keyhole you get a spectacular view of Glacier Gorge and peaks to the west. From here, the trail travels downhill for about .3 miles and then enters The Trough. Here you climb over granite rocks at a fairly steep angle. You enter The Narrows after climbing about a half-mile. The Narrows traverses a narrow rocky ledge (3 to 4 feet) for several hundred feet. The Narrows ends at the base of The Home Stretch. It is a scramble of about 450 feet to the summit.

The summit is fairly flat, about the size of a football field. The views are spectacular in all directions. You should plan to be off of the summit by noon to avoid most afternoon thunderstorms.

Features:

Length:	5.77 miles (9.28 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,391' -12,700'
Elevation change:	3,309 feet
Season:	Jul 1 - Oct 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Longs Peak
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The East Longs Peak Trail begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 8.8 miles to the Longs Peak Area turnoff. Turn right and travel about a mile to the trailhead. The trailhead is near the ranger station and has space for about 60 to 70 vehicles. There is additional parking along the entrance road. This is a very popular area and fills quickly during the summer. Horses are permitted but there is very little room for horse trailers. Your best bet is along the right side of the road coming from the Longs Peak Campground.

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