Longs Peak Loop
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 Days, 3 Nights 24MI / 38KM
Trip Highlights
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.
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Famous CO Summit
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Creeks & Waterfalls
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Amazing Views
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Acclimatization Days
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Beautiful Campsites
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Glaciers & Alpine Lakes
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Adventurous Loop Route
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-8 mi -
Group Size
1-4 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
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.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
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.
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.
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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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.
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Transportation for the duration of the trip beginning and ending in Estes Park, CO
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Bear cannisters for food storage
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
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
Campsites vary 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 trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
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.
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
Reviews
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Benjamin K
3 years agoWell 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
4 years agoChallenging 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.
6 years agoCouldn'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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