Day 6

Long's Peak At Last

(Click on the small images to get the full sized picture.)

Thurday morning began with the sound of the alarm clock at 1:30AM. We stumbled out of bed, threw our packs in the car, met Betsie and Jason at the McDonald's parking lot, and drove to the Long's Peak Trailhead. After sorting out our gear, we signed the registration book at the ranger station and were on our way up the mountain at 2:40. We walked in darkness as the full moon had already set. The site of flashlights and headlamps snaking up the trail ahead and behind us was the only way we could tell we weren't alone on the mountain.

Betsie had made the summit a few years ago, but the rest of us had no idea what to expect. We had read "The Longs Peak Experience" by Mike Donahue so we had some idea of what was ahead, but beyond the Trough we found that the book lied.

We were a happy bunch starting off, joking and singing as we walked through the predawn darkness. As we moved up the trail, we ran into several groups who were turning back because of the weather. It seemed far too early to be heading back so we decided to hike above treeline and get a look at things when the sun came up. We're glad we did.

As we climbed through the trees the lights of Denver and Longmont appeared in the distance.

As it got lighter, we could see we had made the right decision to continue. We were greeted by a beautiful sunrise as we headed towards Granite Pass.

The climb from the Chasm Lake Trail to Granite Pass is long, but easy. After the pass, the trail climbs through a series of switch backs, at the top of which you get your first look at the Keyhole in the distance.

Beyond the Keyhole is where the climb really begins. Up to that point, you've gained 3,750' in 6.25 miles. You gain another 1,105' in the next 1.25.

Leaving the Keyhole, you descend a bit as you cross the Ledges heading to the Trough. The first look at the 800' Trough is almost enough to make you turn around. You need to break it down into small sections, just concentrate on getting to the next bullseye.

One of the Long's Peak hiking books says "It is like the Trough is Long's Peak's last main effort to do it's best to keep you from reaching the summit. Once above the Trough, Long's Peak says 'Okay, come on up'". Don't believe it.

At the top of the Trough is a tough verticle slab. Luckily Jason is a rock climber and was able to point out the best way up. Even more importantly, he was able to guide us down when we were trying to hurry on our descent. We took a break at the top of the Trough, where Heidi decided she'd had enough.

As your reward for reaching the top of the Trough, you get to do the Narrows. Once again, the first look is enough to make you want to turn around. You start off by hanging your butt over a tremendous drop off as you work your way around an overhanging rock. After that, it widens out a bit and leads you to the Home Stretch.

Leaving the Narrows, you're greeted with a view of the 400' granite slabs of the Homestretch. This is fingers in rock cracks, hands and knees climbing. If you weren't so close to the top it would be easy to give up here. Concentrate on the next section of rock, and try to ignore how far you still have to go.

As each of us reached the summit, we turned to cheer on the next climber. The feeling of reaching the summit is hard to describe.

As we got to the summit, thunder started to rumble and we had to head down much sooner than we wanted. We only had time for a few pictures, and then headed back down from the summit, sliding down the Homestretch, recrossing the Narrows, descending the Trough and crossing the Ledges back to the Keyhole. As we neared the Keyhole, lighting struck near by, and the crack of thunder got us moving faster than we thought possible in our tired condition.

Altogether, it was a 15 hour round trip. Nine up, six down. It was the hardest thing most of us have ever done, both physically and mentally. On the way down, we all agreed we'd never do it again, but by the next day as the exhaustion wore off, and the impact of what we'd done started to sink in, we started talking about what we'd do differently the next time. Who knows, we just might try it again some day.

Reaching the summit as a family made the climb even more rewarding. Sharing the thrill of making a dream come true was the high point of the trip. We have to thank Jason and Betsie. Without their encouragement and enthusiasm, we might have listened to the voices telling us to turn back. You two are awesome. Thanks.

Having reached the summit, you'll never look at the mountain the same way again. Only one of a thousand people who enter the park reach the summit of Long's. Knowing you're one of them sets you apart from everyone else. As you walk the streets of Estes, you wonder how many of those around you have ever stood on top of the mountain that dominates the park. As you drive through the park, your eyes are constantly drawn to the peak. People stop their cars and take pictures. It's as close as most of them will ever get. We've been to the top, and it feels great.

Thanks to Jason for the great family pictures on the summit.