{"id":7540,"date":"2019-09-06T09:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/?p=7540"},"modified":"2021-06-08T21:31:14","modified_gmt":"2021-06-08T21:31:14","slug":"cnhps-logo-part-5-pinnacle-of-rocky-mountain-national-park-longs-peak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/09\/06\/cnhps-logo-part-5-pinnacle-of-rocky-mountain-national-park-longs-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 5: Pinnacle of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <strong>By: Sierra Crumbaker<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Colorado Natural Heritage Program) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve ever cursed at thickets of traffic while driving\nalong northern I-25 in Colorado, you\u2019ve more than likely noticed two distinct\npeaks dominating the Front Range\u2019s Rocky Mountains. These same peaks tower over\nthe backdrop of CNHP\u2019s logo and are visible from certain spots on Colorado\nState University\u2019s campus where CNHP\u2019s office is housed (presuming buildings,\ntrees, and stadiums don\u2019t get in the way). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-7-longs-1-sierra-crumbaker-1024x363.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"7542\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/?attachment_id=7542\" class=\"wp-image-7542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-7-longs-1-sierra-crumbaker-1024x363.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-7-longs-1-sierra-crumbaker-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-7-longs-1-sierra-crumbaker-768x272.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-7-longs-1-sierra-crumbaker.jpg 1419w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Longs Peak (right) and Mount Meeker (left) viewed from Estes Park in January. (Photo credit: Sierra Crumbaker)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 14,259 feet tall, Longs Peak (right in the logo) is\nColorado\u2019s fifteenth tallest and northernmost fourteener, while Mount Meeker\n(left) stands at 13,916 feet and snags the fifteenth tallest spot for\nthirteeners. Picturesque and easily accessible from the Front Range, these\npeaks are popular among Coloradoans and tourists alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A highlight of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is a\npopular climbing destination that draws thousands of hikers each year to\nattempt its summit. While there are three ascent routes, the most popular is\nthe Keyhole Route, named for the unique rock formation the trail passes through\nto reach the western side of the mountain. Beginning at approximately 9,400\nfeet, this 15-mile round-trip route tackles 5,000 vertical feet and is rated a\nClass 3 difficulty because it requires scrambling and hand-holds in the mile\nand half near the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"804\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/2Photo-8-longs-2-sierra-crumbaker.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"7541\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/?attachment_id=7541\" class=\"wp-image-7541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/2Photo-8-longs-2-sierra-crumbaker.jpg 804w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/2Photo-8-longs-2-sierra-crumbaker-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/2Photo-8-longs-2-sierra-crumbaker-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 804px) 100vw, 804px\" \/><figcaption>The Keyhole, at the top of the Boulder Field. To reach the summit, climbers must pass through this gap to traverse the west side of the mountain. The remaining 1.5 miles involve using hand-holds and scrambling, and the route is marked by bullseyes painted onto boulders. (Photo credit: Sierra Crumbaker)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summertime, common afternoon thunderstorms increase risk\nfrom lightning strikes since more than half of the trail is above tree-line. In\nwinter, the route is no longer considered a scramble, but a technical\nmountaineering ascent that requires proper equipment. While fatalities have\noccurred on the mountain, good preparation, conditions, and judgment can lead\nto a stunning, unforgettable climb and amazing views of the park and the\nexpansive Front Range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those less interested in committing 10-15 hours to the\nclimb, there are plenty of other options to explore the spectacular mountain. Many\npeople take the East Longs Peak Trail just part of the way to the summit,\nstopping at the Boulder Field or Keyhole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-9-longs-3-sierra-crumbaker-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"7544\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/?attachment_id=7544\" class=\"wp-image-7544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-9-longs-3-sierra-crumbaker-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-9-longs-3-sierra-crumbaker-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-9-longs-3-sierra-crumbaker-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/08\/Photo-9-longs-3-sierra-crumbaker.jpg 1072w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>View of Chasm Lake from the summit. (Photo credit: Sierra Crumbaker)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chasm Lake Trail, which diverts off the East Longs Peak\nTrail after 3 miles, leads to the alpine lake at the base of Longs\u2019 flat,\neastern face, known as the Diamond. A total of 8.5 miles round-trip, this hike\noffers fantastic views above tree-line and an abundance of Rocky Mountain\nColumbine flowers just off the trail in late summer months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you\u2019re interested in summiting Longs, here are a couple of great resources on what to expect and how to best prepare: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/romo\/planyourvisit\/longspeak.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><sub>https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/romo\/planyourvisit\/longspeak.htm<\/sub><\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/romo\/planyourvisit\/upload\/keyhole_route_2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><sub>https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/romo\/planyourvisit\/upload\/keyhole_route_2011.pdf<\/sub><\/a><sub> <\/sub><\/li><li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.14ers.com\/route.php?route=long1&amp;peak=Longs+Peak\" target=\"_blank\"><sub>https:\/\/www.14ers.com\/route.php?route=long1&amp;peak=Longs+Peak<\/sub><\/a><sub> <\/sub><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"cnhp-display-div wp-block-heading\"><strong>This article is part of mini series   about five species\/things in our logo that embodies the ecology, botany and zoology work CNHP is committed to. <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right cnhp-display-div\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 27%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"944\" src=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/cnhp_c_only_transparent_small.fw_-1024x944.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7224\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<ul class=\"project-page-list wp-block-list\"><li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/08\/09\/cnhps-logo-part-1-bat-an-eyelash-blue-grama\/\"><strong>CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 1: Bat an Eyelash, Blue Grama <\/strong><\/a><\/em><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/08\/16\/cnhps-logo-part-2-natures-little-serial-killer-the-loggerhead-shrike\/\"><strong>CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 2: Nature\u2019s Little Serial Killer, the Loggerhead Shrike<\/strong><\/a><\/em><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/08\/23\/cnhps-logo-part-3-payson-lupine-and-silvery-lupine\/\"><strong>CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 3: Payson Lupine and Silvery Lupine <\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/li><li><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/08\/30\/cnhps-logo-part-4-royalty-in-decline-the-regal-fritillary\/\">CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 4: Royalty in Decline, the Regal Fritillary<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/li><li><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/2019\/09\/06\/cnhps-logo-part-5-pinnacle-of-rocky-mountain-national-park-longs-peak\/\">CNHP\u2019s Logo Part 5: Pinnacle of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak <\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By: Sierra Crumbaker (Colorado Natural Heritage Program) If you\u2019ve ever cursed at thickets of traffic while driving along [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":7541,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,72,9,123,49,73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-about-cnhp","category-cnhp","category-cnhp-in-the-news","category-cnhp-logo","category-colorado-ecosystems","category-colorado-natural-heritage-program","entry","override"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7540"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7540\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnhp.colostate.edu\/cnhpblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}