Cold but sunny run to the keyhole

Trip Report

Hiked to the keyhole. We started at 8:30am MT. Great conditions for the ascent. Packed snow conditions to tree line and a little beyond. Large areas of packed snow but once above tree line easy going. As we approached the North Longs Peak trail the winds picked up. Must have been 50 mph with gusts to 70 or so. Frigid area. We made our way to the boulder field and got some welcome shelter from Storm Peak. We rushed to the keyhole as the weather was changing quickly. With 3 hours and 20 minutes of hiking behind us we headed down. Crossed back across the boulder field with blowing snow conditions. Once past the North Longs Peak trail junction conditions improved. We descended quickly sliding down the larger packed snow areas. Back to the trailhead in 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Images

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