Longs Peak Loop
Estes Park, CO
5.0 (15 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Famous CO Summit
- Creeks & Waterfalls
- Amazing Views
- Acclimatization Days
- Beautiful Campsites
- Glaciers & Alpine Lakes
- Adventurous Loop Route
Description
With its summit topping out at an elevation of 14,259 feet, Long’s Peak is among the tallest peaks in the Rocky Mountains and is the single tallest peak in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. You can easily see it for miles in every direction towering above the rest of the Park!
We designed the Longs Peak Loop to allow for acclimatization during the first couple days of the hike, increasing the odds of a successful summit bid. The trip takes us through a series of camps, drawing us closer to striking distance of Longs Peak. On day 3, permitting good weather, we’ll go for the summit. This trip is not for the faint of heart! The summit bid involves steep, exposed scrambling and hiking across boulder fields, possible snow banks, and steep slopes. Such challenging factors make summiting Longs Peak a proud accomplishment. The final day takes us out of the alpine and into the Glacier Gorge area to complete a fantastic point to point hike.
$1580 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Longs Peak (14,259 FT/ 4,346 M) is the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Anticipate hiking on well-maintained trails while carrying backpacks in between campsites. The terrain will change from moderate too steep throughout. Summiting on day 3 necessitates hiking directly next to cliff edges and long drop offs. Portions require scrambling over large boulders and loose rock, making this tour as mentally challenging as it is physically. The group will move camp after summiting. Not recommended for individuals with fear of heights.
Hiking Distances:
4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Extremely Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3500 ft
Heights Exposure:
Extreme
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on extremely rugged terrain
- Hiking through sections of extreme heights exposure
- Hiking at elevations above 14,000 feet
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to trailhead: 20 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (includes 5 mile day hike)
- Elevation Gain: 2700 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1700 feet
This classic Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Estes Park and a short shuttle to our trailhead. Today’s hike is short and sweet, with only 1.5 miles hiking with backpacks until reaching our camp at the edge of a meadow. After setting up camp, we will acclimatize by day hiking to a stunning alpine lake, at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet, that offers breathtaking views of Longs Peak above us. We will finish the day with a delicious, first backcountry meal at camp.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,580 feet
- Optional Day Hike: 2 miles, +/- 600 feet
After an energizing breakfast, we will break camp and head into the alpine for the next two days! A moderately steep trail leads us above the tree line to our camp at the Boulder Field. This is likely one of the most unique campsites in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is void of plant life, surrounded by mountains, and filled with jagged boulders. The landscape has a rugged beauty unlike any other place you have likely seen. From here you will have the option of resting at camp, or taking part in day hike to the nearby summit of Storm Peak at 13,326 feet. Either way, we will head to bed early for a good night’s rest.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
- Elevation Loss: 4,500 feet
Today is our much anticipated summit bid. We will take advantage of an alpine start to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. Our route takes us through the Keyhole, where we will see astonishing views of the Continental Divide. Making our way along the narrow edges until we eventually ascend the trough, the most physically challenging section. We then face the final homestretch until we reach the summit at 14,259 feet. Here we are rewarded with breathtaking 100 mile views of Rocky Mountain and the Front Range. After celebration and photos we will head back the way we ascended. Once at our packs we will break for lunch before hiking 4.5 miles downhill to our next camp below tree line. Please note: this ascent of Long’s Peak is all above an elevation of 13,000 feet and requires hand-and-feet scrambling on steep – and at times exposed – rock slopes. There are inherent objective hazards such as altitude illness, rock fall, items or rocks dropped by other hikers, thunderstorms, heavy winds…etc. There’s also no guarantee of reaching the summit – if your guide feels the conditions are creating an unacceptable level of risk he or she will turn the group around.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1,400 feet
- Shuttle to Estes Park: 20 minutes
After all we have accomplished, todays hike will be a breeze. Dawning our packs one last time, we will head towards the Glacier Gorge area. Prior to reaching the trailhead, we will stop at the magnificent Alberta Falls for our last break. At the exit trailhead, we will reminisce our trip over lunch before heading into town to conclude the tour.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Transportation for the duration of the trip beginning and ending in Estes Park, CO
- Bear cannisters for food storage
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Bear cannisters
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at the Estes Park Mountain Shop (2050 Big Thompson Ave) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins for an orientation meeting. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip to answer any questions you have, provide you with more details about your exact trip, and coordinate the rendezvous.
We recommend guests arrive in Estes Park (or another nearby location that is 7500′ or higher) 1-2 days before your trip starts. This will help you acclimatize to the higher elevation, and make for a more enjoyable experience during your tour. This is especially important if you have never been to higher altitude, or are flying in from sea level.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Estes Park, Colorado
All Rocky Mountain National Park trips begin and end from Estes Park, Colorado. Estes Park does not have an airport. The most convenient airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which is served by most major airlines and is an inexpensive airport to fly into. From DIA one can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Estes Park. It is a 1.5-hour drive from DIA to Estes Park on good roads.
Denver to Estes Park Shuttles
Estes Park Shuttle: 970-586-5151
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
- specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in the Colorado Rockies
Being a high mountain environment, the Rocky Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Colorado’s high country. On trips in June, snow is a slight possibility, and the rest of the summer rain is always a possibility on your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | |||
|
Month
|
High / Low
|
||
|
June
|
71°
|
48°
|
|
|
July
|
79°
|
55°
|
|
|
August
|
78°
|
53°
|
|
|
September
|
69°
|
45°
|
|
Accommodations
BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
AMAZING CAMPSITES
IN THE ACTION
Of course campsites vary tremendously by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your backpacking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Benjamin K
Well Worth It
Corey, was an extremely informative guide. I learned a ton from him and would recommend him to others. The trek was a challenge well worth it.
Christina B
Challenging but so worth it!
I cannot say enough positive comments about this experience. I reserved this trip for myself and my 70 year-old father as a bucket list item for him. I was very nervous for both of us; not just for the summit climb but for hiking with heavy packs gaining/losing significant elevation and the altitude considerations. With our phenomenal guide Corey's support we surmounted all of these challenges. This is one of the most profound moments of our lives. We both cried when we reached the summit. Corey's expertise, kindness, and patience were instrumental to the success of this trip. It is completely accurate in the description that this trip is not for the faint of heart! It was a challenge mentally and physically for us but so worth it. I cannot wait to book my next Wildland adventure!
Todd M.
Couldn't Imagine Doing it Any Other Way!
Couldn't imagine doing Long's Peak any other way. Our guide and the other guys on the trip, made it a truly remarkable experience. Zion, our guide, while always being super kind and considerate, was a wealth of information regarding the Rocky's, the mountains, back country life and the summit experience. Highly recommend Wildland Trekking Company and Zion as a guide! Thank you
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