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LONGS PEAK CONDITIONS
GENERAL WEATHER WARNING – Winter has returned to the high country! Cold temperatures and gusty winds should be expected, as well as lots of snow. Shorter days should be considered. Thunder storms are less likely as high pressures tend to be typical this time of year – however, remain aware of the weather. Thunder storms can still form quickly when least expected. Know when to turn around, and remember that it is more difficult to make fast progress, even downhill.
CLIMBING CONDITIONS
KEYHOLE ROUTE – The Keyhole route is rated as TECHNICAL. Significant snow/ice remain on the Keyhole route and will likely remain in areas until spring. Climbers should expect patchy snow and ice from the Boulderfield to the summit with continuous snowy, icy conditions from the Keyhole to the top of the trough. Conditions on Longs Peak can change at anytime! Be Prepared.
NORTH FACE/CABLES ROUTE –Expect snow and ice, causing for slippery conditions. Considered to be in M3 condition.
MT. MEEKER/THE LOFT – Lots of snow and ice. Currently the waterfall is sporting a fair amount of ice. Climbers unfamiliar with the descent get cliffed out by taking the fall line which puts them over the waterfall. The easiest way of descent is south of the waterfall (look for a large cairn) and it then follows the traverse ledges. Consult your guidebook.
CLARKS ARROW – Snow and ice.
DREAM WEAVER (MT. MEEKER) – Expect snow atop of loose rock with ice.
LAMB’S SLIDE –Lambs slide has transformed into its winter state. Snow is consolidating on top of the glacial snow. Early morning conditions will have hard snow and ice. Rock fall is a serious hazard in this area when temperatures warm up.
KIENER’S ROUTE - Snow is unavoidable on Broadway now. Chimney's are icy and snowy, and you will find snow on the traverses. Finding the exit (aka "Diamond Step") is tricky for those unfamiliar with the route, and has resulted in numerous benightments and some deaths in the past. Please consult your guidebook.
NOTCH COULOIR – Snow and ice, with some loose rock.
THE DIAMOND- The North Chimney now is in early winter conditions with snow/ice with some wet sections. The Diamond has snow on all ledges with ice in many of the notorious crack systems. Expect winter conditions: shorter days, cold temperatures, ice and some slippery conditions.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
LONGS PEAK TRAIL (to CHASM LAKE or the BOULDER FIELD)- Patches of snow/ice will remain in some areas above tree line and may remain for the duration until spring.
CAMPING
Longs Peak Campground is in winter conditions and open. The water has been turned off for the winter season. However, water can be obtained at the Alpen Brook, about 50’ from the south end of the Longs Peak parking lot. Please remember to treat this water. The collection of natural wood (dead or alive) is prohibited. The rate for these campsites is now $14.
OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY USE!
We are now in the fall/winter backcountry permit season. You must obtain a backcountry permit at Backcountry Office (970/586-1242, open every day from 8 AM - 4:30 PM on Highway 36 next to RMNP Headquarters. It is your responsibility to get the backcountry permit and abide by all rules! Failure to get the permit and/or abide by rules may result in citations.
FIRES
All fires are prohibited in the backcountry. You may use a camp stove in the backcountry (no “twig stoves”). Please report all fires and smoke immediately to park personnel.
PETS
PETS ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL AREAS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK NOT ACCESSIBLE BY MOTOR VEHICLES, including ALL trails and meadows
Dogs are predators. Dogs can chase, scare and transmit diseases to wild animals. Dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent typical of all wild canines like coyotes. This scent can linger in the area for long periods of time and can disrupt or alter the behavior of the native animals this park protects. Dogs can bite humans and some people are uncomfortable around dogs; park visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without disruption from other people’s pets. Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation. Additionally, park regulations help protect your pet’s well-being; your pet could become prey for wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and owls.
The nearest trail open to pets is the Lily Mountain Trail (not to be confused with Lily Lake) located about ½ mile north of Lily Lake on Highway 7.
THANKS FOR TAKING GOOD CARE OF THE LONGS PEAK BACKCOUNTRY!
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