Longs Peak (4,346m/14,259ft): Two (2) day camp and hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, from Estes Park.
First night in the Moraine Camp Ground (Jeep camp) and a second night after descent with a wild camp below the tree line on return. The Longs Peak ascent started from the trail head for the "Key Hole Route" at 9,000ft. Start was at 4:00am as Park Ranger guidance indicates that it is best to start before dawn so that you can get off the summit by 1:00pm because it is common for thunderstorms to kick off around 2:00pm for an hour. Best to be below the tree line before they kick off.
At the end of the hike, and after the second night's wild camp, observed Rocky Mountain mountain goats near Estes park. When camped in the Moraine Camp ground, woke to ice on the tent, and a heard of elk wandering through my camp.
Route Planning was conducted using USGS map and Rocky Mountain National Park guidance. Weather forecast was checked at WeatherChannel.com, and at the Ranger post at the 9,000ft Ranger Station.
I made this trek 3 times while I lived in Boulder, Colorado
