climb long's peak

I attempted Long’s once but my lil bro couldnt take the altitude once we made it to the base of the boulderfield. Still, it was a pretty good feat for a twelve year old boy!! I have wanted to climb Long’s Peak for about five years now. Hopefully I’ll get back out there with my dad next summer, I won’t be satisfied till I make it to the top!! The views were amazing, and even just making it to the boulderfield was probably the highlight of my life…I love it out there.

It was a long hike to the boulder field and then rest took about as long as the hike. It was pretty icy which made it difficult. If it wasn’t so icy it would have been a much shorter day.

The view from the summit made it all worth it. You are by far the highest thing around. I am glad I can cross this off my list.

I ride to work and back (8 mi each way) every work day. Pretty tiring. I’ve lost 15 pounds, but that still puts me about 60 pounds over everyone else going to Longs Peak on Labor Day with me.

As my wife so plainly puts it, “no one really expects you to make it, do they?”

Fuck ‘em all.

oh the rockie mountains…

It’s tough – tough enough to lose a toenail! I composed this poem after a two month losing battle with LTS (Longs’ toenail syndrome)

Epitaph for a Toenail

Here lies my toenail
Wrapped in tissue.
It held its polish
Tried and true.
Mostly red,
But sometimes blue.
It did its duty
I know it’s true,
And gave its life
Doing what few
Have even tried
To do.
The long, long walk
Up to the view
Of Longs Peak summit.
And tell me who
Would do that again?
I know not you,
Poor, unfettered toenail.

I hiked the peak with my husband and two other guys and even though I was the only woman, I definitely complained the least. Start early as the lightning risk is severe. The Boulderfield is a camping option if you want to climb to the summit before all the weekend throngs. Otherwise the only downside to the hike is the amount of people. The Trough ws the toughest section for me. It seems to go on forever. But, the views from the top are worth every agonizing step. Good luck and climb safe!

my most memorable adventure

I did this when I was 9. It’s been a touchstone for me ever since.

This trail is a little longer than from the Longs Peak trailhead, and has a little more elevation gain…but it sounds like there aren’t many people on this route. Anyone hiked this trail?

I’ll do Longs Peak before Mt. Massive.

I’ve been to Estes Park twice, and the last time was this summer. I saw Longs Peak, and heard people talk about how hard it was to climb. Ever since then, i’ve wanted to do it. Because it’s a challenge. Also, it’s really beautiful in CO. I loved it there. (though the ocean is my preference)