I summited on my one and only climb there in 1994, not as well prepared as many hikers are today. It was a fantastic accomplishment. It snowed graupel on us at the top, so the first stage back down was on slick rocks. I've never clung to a rock trail harder! Scary descent but great day.
Brought back some great memories for me. I'm a flatlander from Chicago. They say you get to to the peak on all fours and you descend on all fives. May not be tough for real climbers but totally awesome for me. I'll never forget it. Definitely one of the highlights of my life but no one understands when I tell the story. Thanks for the video. I'll never be able to do it again.....but I did it....and it was awesome. Videos are great but one really has to do it to appreciate it.
Some of us understand perfectly. Did it September '84. I've heard of Alzheimer's patients that couldn't recall anything except their climb up Long's. Utterly unforgettable.
I summited Long’s last month as my first 14’er and I have to say your video was 100% accurate!!! Great video and great job on your adventure! I chose to camp in Boulder Field then start the next morning at 0600. You truly captured the terrain of the Ledges/Trough/Narrows/Homestretch. I didn’t take a GoPro with me and had my phone out of reach so I would only focus on where I was stepping. Because of that, I’m left with memories of the climb. Thank you so much for sharing this. From the view looking through the Keyhole, to the rebar on the Ledges, to the descent, you captured in video what I remember. Well done!!!
Yeah, I remember how happy and excited the people were we saw with big smiles on their faces going up to camp at the Boulder-field as we got near the parking lot finishing our climb that started at 2am. They didn’t realize what a miserable night lay ahead of them.
I was just at the Rockies and contemplated hiking this summit but after watching you two I physically and mentally cannot. I commend you two!!! Amazing! And you both are very fit
We think about this hike often. It was our toughest adventure but very rewarding. If you go back to RMNP I would suggest the hike up to Sky Pond. It's fantastic and so beautiful.
Great video. Well done. I think the lens that they used perfectly adds to what is racing in your mind and heart at that moment. It may be an exaggerated technique, but I climbed Longs back in the 80's and this captures what I was feeling at that time. Thanks for uploading!
Great video you guys and congrats on making up and down. I did it last year in August of 2022 and I felt just like you about it being a one and done. I was so happy to have done it but gosh darn it was difficult. The way back was grueling, all I could think was one foot in front of the other. The longest part was those 6 miles back. Thanks for making this video, it brought back memories for me. Appreciate you guys.
I've done Longs several times, but only up to 13,600 ft or so due to icy conditions. Started at 2:30 AM in the days without LEDs. Walked ten-twenty feet in the dark and then turned on my old school flashlight. Was worried about bears in the darkness. Coming back down is really tough because it's anti-climatic and you're so exhausted. We have a saying: "It takes 90% of the effort to do 90% of the hike, and the other 90% of the effort to do the last 10% of the hike." Next do the North Rim of the Grand Canyon - 28 miles down and back, and you're walking the last few miles up when you're the most tired. Once I had to sleep in the tunnel somewhere near the top because I couldn't get back up before night and I didn't want to roll off the trail into the canyon in my sleep! Thanks for posting!
I just did the south rim, from south kaibab to phantom and then over to bright angel. I whole heartedly agree, the last three miles were incredibly challenging and kicked my ass.
@@ninemilliondollars Yeah I literally cried tears of joy when I was able to start hearing the chatter from all the tourists in the village 😂😂😂 The relief, joy, and sense of accomplishment hit me all at once and made all the pain worth it!!!
Thanks for this excellent video of the climb up Longs. Man, you left/summitted early! I was at about the Chasm Lake split at sunrise, so got to enjoy the East Face bathed in the red morning light. We summitted around noon. That was quite a few years ago. I’m curious as to how the transition from the Trough to the Narrows is these days. Back then, it was a flat well-polished sheet of granite about 10’ tall and was a heck of a challenge to ascend for a person with no technical gear.
great job, whats the music you used right before going through the key hole and all the way through to the end. Again great job. I failed to summit in 2017 there was as pot on the ledges, around the second set of rebarb and i had to crawl on a rcok and there was no place to really get to the next ledge without stepping over oblivion and i wondererd to myself if i slightly got off track. Always bugged me since and i plan on going back.
This is amazing guys. I tried this in 1992 when I was 22 and no experience and couldn't complete. I'm 50 now and will be going back next summer to complete it. I have a totally random question... which shoes or boots would you recommend?
Thanks for watching! This was our first 14er and it was definitely a challenge. On this hike, Nathan wore Brooks trail runners and Amber wore VivoBarefoot shoes. Both of us now only wear barefoot shoes and think they are the best for everything. Trail runners are also still great if barefoot shoes are not for you. With all of the rock scrambles, I think smaller lightweight shoes with good grip is your best bet on Longs. Good luck with your hike and have fun!
Loved this. Reminded me of some good--and some bad--memories from my one successful ascent of Longs. Tried it once before and was turned around at the Keyhole by sleet, snow and fog. Sat in the Vaille shelter with a bunch of people eating Cliff bars while it sleeted and steeling ourselves for the descent. Man, what a fantastic hike. LOL I kind of hate the Boulder Field, tho...daggum thing seems to go on forever... It's also harder than you might think to do the little climb at the foot of the Keyhole.
You should have spread the trip over two days. That way you would not have to hike at night. At least you did not make the usual error on the boulder field. If you don't stay on top at the boulder field and hop from boulder to boulder, you exhaust yourself.
I’ve never hiked Longs Peak. But I’ve done some California 14ers like Shasta and Whitney. And I can tell you that doing this sort of hike as a backpack does NOT make it easier! Climbing steep trails loaded down with an overnight pack is just HARD, even if you are not taking it all the way to the summit. Plus, there is the additional concern of such things as quality of sleep, dealing with food, and overall planning. Climbing in one day is MUCH easier. In fact, I would only recommend doing a hike like this as a backpack if you just want the experience. Otherwise, you’re just making life hard for yourself.
Haha! We totally went to Safeway for donuts and chocolate milk and they were.... ok. After 16 miles I think even the box would have tasted just fine. We definitely need to scope out our after hike delights and find something better than Safeway! We will chekc out Soopers next time. Thanks for watching!
I'm looking to accompany someone via the Keyhole route in Summer of 2023. I started and didn't finish age 20, now I'm going back age 50. I've done plenty of hiking in NC with some Class 3 scrambles along the way. If you know anyone, please let me know. Also, can you recommend a good pair of boots/shoes for this hike/climb? I really just would like the have a partner for this. Thanks in advance.
Having a partner is important, though if you go on a summer day with good weather, you’ll likely be far from alone. I did the ascent wearing old-school sewn leather hiking boots that went up over my ankles. As you can see from this video, the going is rough and I’m of the opinion that the stability and protection offered by high leather boots pays off. Good luck and be safe!
As an experienced hiker I will tell you Longs Peak should NOT be your first 14er. Try Greys and Torreys, or Democrat and Bross. I've done 7, 14ers, longs peak was the first one that made my butt pucker...
I’m an avid hiker who’s done a 9k elevation. In the Cascades/pnw. And wanna do their first 14’r at longs peaks. Because I want the right of passage. And say that I’ve done it! Any pointers would be great.
I summited on my one and only climb there in 1994, not as well prepared as many hikers are today. It was a fantastic accomplishment. It snowed graupel on us at the top, so the first stage back down was on slick rocks. I've never clung to a rock trail harder! Scary descent but great day.
Brought back some great memories for me. I'm a flatlander from Chicago. They say you get to to the peak on all fours and you descend on all fives. May not be tough for real climbers but totally awesome for me. I'll never forget it. Definitely one of the highlights of my life but no one understands when I tell the story. Thanks for the video. I'll never be able to do it again.....but I did it....and it was awesome. Videos are great but one really has to do it to appreciate it.
I understand you I was there 5 days ago.
Some of us understand perfectly. Did it September '84. I've heard of Alzheimer's patients that couldn't recall anything except their climb up Long's. Utterly unforgettable.
❤@@drumhaver223
" you know you're closer to the parking lot by how happier the people going up are" 💀💀 soo true
Love that you showed the down. It's always more "fun" getting up, but getting down takes so long... especially with a long scramble. Well done video.
I summited Long’s last month as my first 14’er and I have to say your video was 100% accurate!!! Great video and great job on your adventure! I chose to camp in Boulder Field then start the next morning at 0600. You truly captured the terrain of the Ledges/Trough/Narrows/Homestretch. I didn’t take a GoPro with me and had my phone out of reach so I would only focus on where I was stepping. Because of that, I’m left with memories of the climb. Thank you so much for sharing this. From the view looking through the Keyhole, to the rebar on the Ledges, to the descent, you captured in video what I remember. Well done!!!
Yeah, I remember how happy and excited the people were we saw with big smiles on their faces going up to camp at the Boulder-field as we got near the parking lot finishing our climb that started at 2am. They didn’t realize what a miserable night lay ahead of them.
I was just at the Rockies and contemplated hiking this summit but after watching you two I physically and mentally cannot. I commend you two!!! Amazing! And you both are very fit
We think about this hike often. It was our toughest adventure but very rewarding. If you go back to RMNP I would suggest the hike up to Sky Pond. It's fantastic and so beautiful.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE Sky pond is spectacular. Great suggestion.
No lack of guts and gumption in these two! Great job. Stay safe!
Thanks for this kids! Brought back a lot of great memories. Living the keyhole, narrows, home stretch was so much fun! Blessings!
Couple. Its hard to find couples who share the same passion!!
Great video. Well done. I think the lens that they used perfectly adds to what is racing in your mind and heart at that moment. It may be an exaggerated technique, but I climbed Longs back in the 80's and this captures what I was feeling at that time. Thanks for uploading!
Did Longs on Monday, August, 8, 1988; or 8/8/88. Wasn't my most memorable 14er climb, but it ranks up there.
Great video you guys and congrats on making up and down. I did it last year in August of 2022 and I felt just like you about it being a one and done. I was so happy to have done it but gosh darn it was difficult. The way back was grueling, all I could think was one foot in front of the other. The longest part was those 6 miles back. Thanks for making this video, it brought back memories for me. Appreciate you guys.
I've done Longs several times, but only up to 13,600 ft or so due to icy conditions. Started at 2:30 AM in the days without LEDs. Walked ten-twenty feet in the dark and then turned on my old school flashlight. Was worried about bears in the darkness. Coming back down is really tough because it's anti-climatic and you're so exhausted. We have a saying: "It takes 90% of the effort to do 90% of the hike, and the other 90% of the effort to do the last 10% of the hike." Next do the North Rim of the Grand Canyon - 28 miles down and back, and you're walking the last few miles up when you're the most tired. Once I had to sleep in the tunnel somewhere near the top because I couldn't get back up before night and I didn't want to roll off the trail into the canyon in my sleep! Thanks for posting!
I just did the south rim, from south kaibab to phantom and then over to bright angel. I whole heartedly agree, the last three miles were incredibly challenging and kicked my ass.
@@scbl46 Awesome! It's something you never forget, and will eventually do again!
@@ninemilliondollars Yeah I literally cried tears of joy when I was able to start hearing the chatter from all the tourists in the village 😂😂😂 The relief, joy, and sense of accomplishment hit me all at once and made all the pain worth it!!!
I’m proud of you guys! That’s a huge accomplishment!
Thank you! I would say go for it when you think you are ready. It is definitely worth it.
14:43 donuts and chocolate milk... you had your parking lot meal planned well.
Great Video!!! I lived in Estes Park in the 80s. Climbed Longs 9 and 1/2 times. You did it!!! CONGRATS!!!*
Can see my house from the top LOL! You guys had perfect weather. Great job. Also thanks for addressing the TP situation.
Thanks for this excellent video of the climb up Longs. Man, you left/summitted early! I was at about the Chasm Lake split at sunrise, so got to enjoy the East Face bathed in the red morning light. We summitted around noon. That was quite a few years ago. I’m curious as to how the transition from the Trough to the Narrows is these days. Back then, it was a flat well-polished sheet of granite about 10’ tall and was a heck of a challenge to ascend for a person with no technical gear.
Amazing guys. Trying to get my courage up to hike it soon🎉
Great video! Thank you for this! Beautiful and I love the music and your guys' vibes. Very great stuff. I can relate to a lot of what you said.
CONGRATS!!
Thanks for the heads-up on no TP in the wilderness bathroom... I know what I'll pack when I try to climb it...
I am in awe.
Fantastic guys! I did that hike just a few weeks before you guys.
That was awesome guys! I just got back from RMNP but I didn’t do anything like that. That’s the best Longs Peak video I’ve seen.👏👏
Thank you!
Awesome !!!
Preparing for my own ascent ty for covering the decent also helps give better perspective
The decent is wild! Have so much fun!
great job, whats the music you used right before going through the key hole and all the way through to the end. Again great job. I failed to summit in 2017 there was as pot on the ledges, around the second set of rebarb and i had to crawl on a rcok and there was no place to really get to the next ledge without stepping over oblivion and i wondererd to myself if i slightly got off track. Always bugged me since and i plan on going back.
Legit accomplishment 🤙🏼 Do Pikes next! You’ll get to drive back down 😂
Thank you, Mal! That sounds great! I'll be adding it to the list.
It's a life changing stunning climb. Not without danger though
Just reached the summit today. Cool place
Big accomplishment! Check it off the hiking bucket list!
Doing this in November, looks pretty fun!
Do it! The hike might be a different beast in November. Prep well and you will do fine.
This is amazing guys. I tried this in 1992 when I was 22 and no experience and couldn't complete. I'm 50 now and will be going back next summer to complete it. I have a totally random question... which shoes or boots would you recommend?
Thanks for watching! This was our first 14er and it was definitely a challenge. On this hike, Nathan wore Brooks trail runners and Amber wore VivoBarefoot shoes. Both of us now only wear barefoot shoes and think they are the best for everything. Trail runners are also still great if barefoot shoes are not for you. With all of the rock scrambles, I think smaller lightweight shoes with good grip is your best bet on Longs. Good luck with your hike and have fun!
Loved this. Reminded me of some good--and some bad--memories from my one successful ascent of Longs. Tried it once before and was turned around at the Keyhole by sleet, snow and fog. Sat in the Vaille shelter with a bunch of people eating Cliff bars while it sleeted and steeling ourselves for the descent. Man, what a fantastic hike. LOL I kind of hate the Boulder Field, tho...daggum thing seems to go on forever... It's also harder than you might think to do the little climb at the foot of the Keyhole.
What time of year was this? Also, while I didn’t do this hike/climb, I did do Sky Pond bc of your video!
This was mid August. Sky Pond is one of our favorite hikes out of all of the parks.
What month did you do the hike. Thanks!
We hiked Longs Peak in mid August. Thanks for watching!
You should have spread the trip over two days. That way you would not have to hike at night. At least you did not make the usual error on the boulder field. If you don't stay on top at the boulder field and hop from boulder to boulder, you exhaust yourself.
I’ve never hiked Longs Peak. But I’ve done some California 14ers like Shasta and Whitney. And I can tell you that doing this sort of hike as a backpack does NOT make it easier! Climbing steep trails loaded down with an overnight pack is just HARD, even if you are not taking it all the way to the summit. Plus, there is the additional concern of such things as quality of sleep, dealing with food, and overall planning. Climbing in one day is MUCH easier. In fact, I would only recommend doing a hike like this as a backpack if you just want the experience. Otherwise, you’re just making life hard for yourself.
Hey dope vid, but just a heads up, King Soopers donuts are WAY better than Safeway Donuts, I've compared, night and day difference lol
Haha! We totally went to Safeway for donuts and chocolate milk and they were.... ok. After 16 miles I think even the box would have tasted just fine. We definitely need to scope out our after hike delights and find something better than Safeway! We will chekc out Soopers next time. Thanks for watching!
@@SOSASATSUNRISE haha cool awesome!
I'm looking to accompany someone via the Keyhole route in Summer of 2023. I started and didn't finish age 20, now I'm going back age 50. I've done plenty of hiking in NC with some Class 3 scrambles along the way. If you know anyone, please let me know. Also, can you recommend a good pair of boots/shoes for this hike/climb? I really just would like the have a partner for this. Thanks in advance.
Having a partner is important, though if you go on a summer day with good weather, you’ll likely be far from alone. I did the ascent wearing old-school sewn leather hiking boots that went up over my ankles. As you can see from this video, the going is rough and I’m of the opinion that the stability and protection offered by high leather boots pays off. Good luck and be safe!
Did you make it? I know the YMCA has hikes to Longs Peak with groups. They make you do a shorter hike first though to make sure you are competent.
Hiked it in '86 and '88...
People are so impatient. It's a terrible idea to scramble in the dark. Take your time and have fun, and don't get hurt.
As an experienced hiker I will tell you Longs Peak should NOT be your first 14er. Try Greys and Torreys, or Democrat and Bross. I've done 7, 14ers, longs peak was the first one that made my butt pucker...
Quandry is great choice for a first timer. Not difficult but still some scrambling to get you ready for the harder ones.
I’m an avid hiker who’s done a 9k elevation. In the Cascades/pnw. And wanna do their first 14’r at longs peaks. Because I want the right of passage. And say that I’ve done it! Any pointers would be great.