Longs Peak this weekend (11/14)? Need a buddy!

Hey there!

Recently move to CO and would love to make an attempt at Longs Peak this weekend. While I’m an experienced hiker, what I am reading makes me think it would be wise to go with a friend. Anyone interested in joining? At the moment, I’m looking at the “Keyhole Route”. 

Hello, Brandon. Do you have any idea of the conditions? I didn’t see any recent reports on 14ers.com but you might post up there to see if anyone knows. This time of year it is likely ax and crampons will be needed. Anticipate snow and icy conditions. It could be quite scary if you don’t have the experience. I wish you well! Again, check 14ers.com for conditions and potential partners. Good luck!

Just to echo what Daniel said, could be dicey if you're mostly used to hiking rather than mountaineering. Stuff will be iced up, and while it's not a technical climb, rime covered third class slabs can be a bummer. Also be prepared for full on winter temperatures (forecast is 30-50 mph winds and -10 to -20 wind chill and snowy for Saturday,  you might want to pick a different day!). For recent condition photos if there's nothing on 14ers it's sometimes useful to just look for recent instagram photos. There's also a partner finder forum on 14ers that might be helpful in finding someone who enjoys suffering through this kind of thing. 

After this snowfall Longs is very likely not a hike any more. Wait til summer IMO.

Take a look at the webcam:

https://www.nps.gov/media/webcam/view.htm?id=81B46847-1DD8-B71B-0B46D032F33B54DF

The North Face is easier than Keyhole in this condition.

https://www.mountainproject.com/route/105747535/north-face-cables-route

If you're not comfortable with technical (roped) climbing / mixed M2-3, talk to a guide. Don't go alone. Don't go with a new "friend".

Will B wrote:

Is.....is he dead yet?

Now just hold your horses!  It's not officially "the weekend" yet.  

I would say based on the post and the op brand new just made account there's a 50 percent chance of a troll here. 

I'll go 7/10 on the troll 

Since you got a few doubters baited and hooked lol 

S2k4 MattOateswrote:

I would say based on the post and the op brand new just made account there's a 50 percent chance of a troll here. 

I'll go 7/10 on the troll 

Since you got a few doubters baited and hooked lol 

It's easy to dismiss as a troll but he could be serious.. there have been at least 1 or 2 people who do decide to "hike" longs in the late fall and end up having it be a Fatal decision..  

This will be a full blow alpine climb.. The back of longs where the Keyhole goes see very little sun. it will be ice.. and it is narrow and the fall is deadly. If you not comfortable climbing the north face route.. you should not go. 

S2k4 MattOateswrote:

I would say based on the post and the op brand new just made account there's a 50 percent chance of a troll here. 

I'll go 7/10 on the troll 

Since you got a few doubters baited and hooked lol 

OP also made a post on 14ers forum, I feel they are earnest or tryina spread the troll love 

Well than I would say don't anticipate the weather being better than reported,

Consider keyhole a long hike with exposed climbing on the last 30 %  ..and that climbings all ice and snow now 

You have to wait for a better weather window anyhow if you want to live , if you haven't ticked beirdstat or quandary , maybe try those first 

You hear about the lame os in jeans and tennys got lost coming down elbert in the last snow storm, thankfully rescuers found them. Don't b that guy