I have heard that the Longs Peak hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is designated as a non-technical hike for a couple months out of the year. We are planning a trip to Colorado at the beginnning of August of this year, and would be interested in doing this hike, as it seems to be the ultimate Rocky Mountain NP hike.

Has anyone done this hike? Is it doable for two 20 year olds? How long does it take? If not, what other day hikes are worth doing in the park?

Yes, certainly very doable, but you have be starting the trail in the wee hours (4 or 5 a.m.), before sunup. You must make the top by 11 or noon, and turn around before the p.m. clouds (and possible lightening) start: You will be down by 3 to 4 p.m. Spectacular hike; bring warm clothing, windbreaker, gloves, hat; make sure you are acclimated, or start extra early to take more time for breathers along the way. Bring food and water.

Is the trail well marked at the top?

The trail is well marked. While it is cetainly doable, it does have a couple of rather intimidatinng spots so be prepared.Probably the scariest thing is an afternoon thunderstorm at the 'Boulders'.The lightening can be potentially deadly.

We started later than Sylvia suggested, but an earlier start does help with advoiding the dreaded afternoon storms. In addition to warm clothing and rain gear don't forget the obvious... water,energy bars etc.

My husband and son do this annually ("you boys go and fun now, I'll be sleeping until a normal hour"), and not only is it well marked, it is very well-peopled. The primary concerns are altitude and, as both of us who responded have said, lightning! I also remembered another thing to bring: a flashlight (for the start of the trail if you leave early).

Here's a website with information on the Long's Peak climb that may be informative for you:

http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net...LongsPeak.html