Longs Peak: Keyhole Ridge traverse 5.6

This northwest ridge traverse is a must do classic in Rocky Mountain National Park. This route offers magnificent exposure in an alpine setting.  Most of the climbing is clean and fun to travel through.

David Ladd and I had a blast climbing on this classic on Saturday September 5th, 2010. We started at the Longs Peak trailhead at 02:40. We wanted a latter start to thread the needle on the high winds forecasted to periodically decline during the late AM/ early afternoon.  When arriving at the Keyhole we hung out, took in the stunning views and ate a good sized breakfast to fuel us for the adventure that waited ahead.

We started heading up the ramp gaining the technical rock climbing. Very pleasant rock climbing to gain the ridge traverse.

David and I then stepped over to the west to side step towards the crux of the traverse. Carefully pulling and tapping on the blocky holds.

David feeling free on this fun slab pitch looking over the traditional keyhole route on the west side of the ridge.

Below David shows great style climbing through the 5.6 crux in his mountain boots gaining the top of the pitched out climbing.

After all of the spectacular climbing we popped out on this beautiful 2nd class ridge to the summit of Long’s Peak. Once on top David and I celebrated an amazing September day on the summit of one of Colorado's best 14eers.

After a bit of lunch on top, we got ready to descend the North Face rappels back to Chasm View.

After our descent we coiled our ropes and started down the Boulderfield trail back to the Long’s Peak parking area. Another amazing day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks David for the great adventures in the high peaks of Colorado.

Joey Thompson
jthompson@totalclimbing.com
www.totalclimbing.com
800.836.4008