Overnight at Longs Peak Boulderfield

The turnoff for the Longs Peak trail is well marked off of Highway 7. Follow signs to the Longs Peak Ranger station. The lot at the ranger station is fairly small and fills quickly. Your best chances of getting a spot are either very early in the morning or mid afternoon, after many day hikers have completed their journeys.

Your approach to the Boulderfield will be an uphill battle the entire 6 miles. Pace yourself and be sure to drink plenty of water along the way. After 2.8 miles, the trail become very exposed. It is important to check weather reports and watch for pop up thunderstorms. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent on Longs Peak and it's important to not be caught in the open when one comes through.

Begin your hike at the Longs Peak Ranger Station (9405') The trail starts its climb from the very beginning, rising quickly through a forest. After .5 miles, you'll reach a signed junction. The right hand trail will lead you off towards Glacier Basin. Stay left to remain on the East Longs Peak Trail. Continue up the forest and pass Goblins Forest (10,120'), a wooded campsite located on the left hand side of the trail.

After passing Goblins Forest, the trail will enter into a series of switchbacks and will steadily rise to a log bridge that crosses over Alpine Brook. After crossing the bridge, you will leave the forest and leave the tree line at roughly 11,000 feet, entering into the alpine tundra region (approx. 2.5 miles from the trailhead) Be sure to stay on the trail and avoid damaging the fragile environment.

Once you clear the tree line, you'll get your first uninterrupted view of Longs Peak, as well as Mt. Lady Washington. Continue hiking southwest along Mills Moraine, passing the spur to the Battle Mountain Group Site. to the Chasm Lake Trail junction at 11,550 feet. There is a privy located near the junction if needed. Stay right at the junction to continue your ascent towards the Boulderfield.

Hike along the northeast slope of Mt. Lady Washington, continuing to climb towards Granite Pass. Stay left on the East Longs Peak Trail. Another series of switchbacks leads you through a high alpine field. In spring and early summer, the field is beautifully covered with wildflowers. Continue climbing towards the north end of the Boulderfield (12,400').

Here, the route disappears as you are left to follow a sparse trail through the field. Make your way towards the base of Longs Peak. A privy will be visible on the right hand side of the field. Beyond the privy, nine established camp rings provide a place in which to pitch your tent.

If available, try to get Campsite #1, the southernmost tent ring. It is the closest to the base of Longs Peak, and also provides ample protection from the wind. A small creek runs underneath the rocks and there is a small opening in the boulders near the tent site, allowing for easy water retrieval.

Campsite #1 sits at approximately 12,700 feet. Set up your tent, and enjoy the view. To the south, directly in front of you, sits the rock face of Longs Peak. Between Longs Peak and Storm Peak, you will be able to see the Keyhole, an opening in the rock wall through which climbers pursue the summit. To the north, you will be able to see a wide panoramic view of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Be sure to continuously watch for impending clouds and storms. It is important to have your tent and rain fly set up before a storm hits. They can come at a moments notice, and your tent will provide you with the only shelter available in the Boulderfield.

Rise early the next morning to climb towards the Keyhole (approx. 13,300'). The route to the Keyhole requires some route finding and scrambling. Be sure to carry proper shoes that provide a strong grip on the rocks. At the Keyhole, take a moment to read the plaque affixed to the Agnes Vaille Shelter. The shelter was built by the National Park Service in 1927 in memory of Agnes Vaille, who died on her descent from the summit in 1925.

Snow persists on the backside (Trough area) of Longs Peak late into the summer. If you're not prepared, do not attempt to summit Longs Peak. Crampons, ice axes or trekking poles are necessary if snow is still present. The views from the Keyhole are worth the trip alone.

Enjoy the sunrise from the Keyhole and then make your way back down to the Boulderfield. Pack your gear and start your much easier descent back down to the Longs Peak Trailhead. Enjoy the sweeping views as your descend, as the entire Rocky Mountain National Park plays out before you.