Longs Peak Wilderness Permit (Overnight)
Wilderness permit for overnight climbs of Longs Peak. Day climbs do NOT require a permit. The Keyhole Route is serious mountaineering terrain despite being 'non-technical.'
“A bucket-list destination in Longs Peak.”
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Be notified instantly when Longs Peak permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Longs Peak permits become available.
Longs Peak Quick Facts
Key Information
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Start by 3:00 AM to summit before afternoon thunderstorms
- •Bring a helmet - loose rock is common
- •Turn back if weather is building - lightning is deadly above treeline
- •The Keyhole Route is NOT a hike - prepare for real mountaineering
What to Expect
Highlights
- •15-mile round trip with 5,000+ ft gain
- •Exposed Class 3 terrain (Keyhole Route)
- •10-15 hour completion time
- •Possible snow and ice on route
Hazards & Considerations
- !Extreme exposure on Keyhole Route
- !Loose rock
- !Afternoon thunderstorms (lightning above treeline)
- !Snow/ice on route early and late season
Summit Information
Longs Peak
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Base Camp
Technical Gear Required
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Early season climbing. Snow routes may be in prime condition. 1+ days recommended for acclimatization.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Technical routes in condition
- +Fewer crowds
- +Cooler approach temps
Challenges
- !Avalanche hazard
- !Variable conditions
- !Winter skills required
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced mountaineers comfortable with Class 3-4 terrain and altitude.
Recommended Experience
Previous scrambling and Class 3 experience required. Basic self-arrest skills recommended.
Not Recommended For
Those without high-altitude experience. Altitude sickness is a serious risk above 10,000 ft.
About This Permit
The Keyhole Route is often mistaken for a 'hike' but is actually serious mountaineering with exposed Class 3 terrain where an unroped fall would be fatal. Features include narrow ledges with 1,000+ ft exposure, loose rock, and the infamous 'Narrows' traverse. Start by 3:00 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Longs Peak draws visitors from around the world to Longs Peak. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Rules & Regulations
- •Day climbs do NOT require permit
- •Overnight requires wilderness permit
- •Bivy camping only at designated zones
Key Landmarks
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Longs Peak.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Summit Success
50%
summit success rate
Based on ~15,000 annual attempts
Longs Peak FAQ
Is Longs Peak a hike or a climb?
The Keyhole Route is serious mountaineering terrain, not a hike. NPS no longer calls it 'non-technical' because this term was dangerously misleading. Exposed Class 3 scrambling with fatal fall potential.
Do I need a permit for Longs Peak?
Day climbs do NOT require a permit. Only overnight trips (camping at Boulderfield, Granite Pass, etc.) require a wilderness permit.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Longs Peak offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Longs Peak
- 📍Longs Peak scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation