Trail Guides

Rocky Mountain National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Area Trail Guide Whether you stroll to an old mine or tackle a strenous trip to a mountain summit, trails in the Longs Peak area offer many rewarding hours of hiking. Hike Descriptions Alpine Tundra (2.3 miles, 1445 feet gain) Hiking 2.3 miles brings you above treeline and onto the tundra. In summer, miniature plants create a spectacular display of flowers. Help preserve this fragile life by staying on trails at all times and not shortcutting switchbacks. If you must leave the trail, step carefully from rock to rock. Chasm Lake (4.3 miles, 2456 feet gain) Allow 2–4 hours to reach Chasm Meadow. From the meadow, follow a trail that heads west, and scramble up a break in the rocks to reach the lake. When snow lingers, ascend and descend carefully—do not slide. Until mid-July, a steep snowfield also covers the trail before the meadow. Use extreme caution when crossing. In early summer, blue columbine graces the rocky ledges near Columbine Falls, which spill over the cliffs below Chasm Meadows. From there, the stream flows into Peacock Pool, visible below the trail. Estes Cone (3.2 miles, 1790 feet gain) Enjoy spectacular views in all directions from this rocky prominence. Allow 2 hours to reach Storm Pass. From there, follow rock cairns 0.6 miles up steep, loose rock to the summit. Pay close attention: this section of trail is easy to lose on the way down. Scan the flanks of Battle Mountain to the west for a glimpse of elk. For Your Safety Bring the Right Gear 33Bring waterproof outer layers and extra layers for warmth. 33Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sunlight can damage your eyes and skin, even on cloudy days. 33Pack extra water and snacks. Don’t drink from streams or lakes without treating the water. 33Carry a map and compass or GPS. Know how to use them. 33Wear sturdy footwear with good ankle support and a treaded sole. 33Don’t rely on cell phones. Many areas have no service. Eugenia Mine (1.4 miles, 540 feet gain) An easy 1-hour hike to this abandoned mine offers a change of pace from other area trails. Remains of a cabin, rusted boiler, and hillside tailings attest to the persistence of early miners. Jims Grove This former camping area is now closed for restoration. Use the trail toward Chasm Lake and across the bottom of Mount Lady Washington to climb to the summit. Longs Peak Do not use this map and guide if attempting the Keyhole Route or other routes up Longs Peak. Speak with a ranger at the Longs Peak Ranger Station and obtain a detailed route description. The Keyhole Route is not a hike. It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces—often with falling rocks— and requires scrambling where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. The route has narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep cliffs. Other Destinations Ask a ranger for inormation on cross-country trips, including hikes to the summits of Mount Meeker, Mount Lady Washington, and Pagoda Mountain. Treat Your Water Water from streams and snowfields is available (except for Longs Peak summit). Always purify your water—no surface water is ever safe for drinking. Stay Safe and Practice Good Etiquette • Pets are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadow areas. There are pet-friendly hikes outside the park, and nearby communities have boarding facilities and veterinary clinics. To learn more, visit go.nps.gov/RockyPets. • Wilderness campers must have a valid Wilderness Camping Permit. • Fires are prohibited in the Longs Peak backcountry. • Do not feed marmots or other wildlife. LPA 05-2017 Longs Peak Area Trails To Bear Lake To Glacier Basin 0.6mi 1.0km Storm Pass 10250ft 3124m To Lily Lake 3.1mi 5.0km Estes Cone To Estes Park To Twin Sisters Peaks 11006ft 3355m To Glacier Basin Boulder Brook Moore Park 3.3mi 5.3km er uld Bo Eugenia Mine 7 1.2mi 1.9km 9908ft 3020m Br oo k ta in Inn M o u n 0.9mi 1.4km Brook B a tt le Pi ne Ri dg Longs Peak Campground e Granite Pass 12080ft 3682m Do not use this map and guide if attempting the Keyhole Route or other routes up Longs Peak. Speak with a ranger at the Longs Peak Ranger Station and obtain a detailed route description. Battle Mountain The Keyhole Route is not a hike. It is a climb that crosses enormous sheer vertical rock faces—often with falling rocks—and requires scrambling where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. r F ield Jims Grove Bo Mount Lady Washington 13281ft 4048m Goblins Forest Brook Longs Peak Ranger Station ora ls M ine Chasm Junction 11540ft 3517m 0.9mi 1.4km Fork g Roarin Boulderfield 12760ft 3889m The Keyhole 2.9mi 4.7km 9406ft / 2867m Mil ul 13326ft 4062m 0.5mi 0.8km Al p in e 1.1mi 1.8km 1.4mi 2.3km de Storm Peak Alpine Bridge Columbine Falls 13160ft 4011m Chasm Lake Peacock Pool 7 11760ft 3493m Th e Tr Longs Peak ou gh Pagoda Mountain 13497ft 4114m of Ke th y b 14259ft 4346m North The last 0.2 miles before Chasm Lake require rock scrambling and route finding Mills Glacier 1 Kilometers 0 0 d s ar ind o W e Mount Meeker 13911ft 4240m DESTINATION DISTANCE mi km Alpine Tundra Chasm Lake Estes Cone Eugenia Mine Longs Peak 2.3 3.7 4.3 6.9 3.2 5.1 1.4 2.3 7.3 11.7 1 Miles ELEVATION GAIN ft m Trail (horse/hiker) Information 440 749 546 165 1554 Trail (hiker only) Campground Climbing route Wilderness campsite Trail distances Restrooms 1445 2456 1790 540 5100 0.7mi 1.1km To Allenspark, Lyons and Nederland