One of the best things about living in Colorado is that it's a place friends and family actually want to visit. My two brothers not only helped me move to Colorado (and also every other new home) but also have visited me every summer. Each time we have found a new adventure and this particular summer was no different.

They had actually asked to go on a hike of my choosing and Longs Peak has been on our 14er bucket list for some time. Their little sister and brother-in-law was about to take them on an adventure they didn't know they signed up for.

Picture taken one year prior during the Twin Sisters Hike in Estes Park.

Let's discuss a bit about Longs Peak. It stands 14,255 ft above sea level. It is the most difficult Front Range 14er and ranks the 14th most difficult of 58 14ers in Colorado. It is a Class 3 (which is difficult but not the most difficult) and is not considered a technical climb. It is a 15 mile out and back trail (classic Keyhole route) with a gain of a 5,100 feet.

Because of the length of the hike, the difficulty and unpredictable weather conditions, it is recommended to start early (4 am and no later). We set out from the trailhead around 3:45 am. Many people sleep in their cars from the parking lot as camping is not allowed at the trailhead. We stayed at a nearby hotel.

We needed headlamps during the initial part of the hike when we were below the tree line. If you start early enough and get above the tree line before sunrise, you are treated with one of the most beautiful sunrise.

The hike above the tree line up until the boulder field is quite easy. It's not too steep and the views to the east are breathtaking.

Just as you approach the Boulder Field, you get a glimpse of the famous diamond face of Longs Peak.

The boulder field (pictured just at the base of the mountain behind us), was also easy. You just have to make sure the rock/boulder you are stepping on is stable. Once you get passed the boulder field, you climb through the keyhole (pictured below).

The view from the other side of the keyhole is beautiful. Unfortunately for many, this is their turnaround point as the wind tends to kick up at this point and can be prohibitive and dangerous. We have learned Mother Nature is not to be messed around with. For some, they may have to swallow a temporary defeat and try another day. We were very lucky on this day as there was hardly any wind.

After the keyhole, the terrain gets significantly more difficult. It becomes narrow along the ridge of the mountain and scrambling is sometimes needed.

The best part about hiking is you are out there without technology, phones and internet. You get to enjoy just being with the people you are with and the beautiful scenery.

Our friend, Neven and our first of many more adventures together.

Not pictured in this post is our scramble through the trough. It is essentially a pile of steep rocks and I think was one of the sketchiest part of the hike. Needless to say, it required all of our attention. After the trough, the trail becomes even more narrow, aptly named The Narrows. This part was actually fun and was not too scary or difficult.

The final part of the hike is called the Homestretch. It is a steep (I mean really steep) 300 foot climb to the summit. The pictures do make it look worse than it is but this part can be extremely dangerous (mostly because of the other people climbing it). There are some absolute idiots who try to race to the top and end up slipping. This happened to me and the kid nearly took me out. I would suggest anyone doing this to give yourself space from other people. If someone is trying to overtake you, just let them and give them space. It doesn't matter how good of a hiker you are, it only takes one small slip to fall.