Storm Peak is one of the three major sub peaks (alongwith Mount Lady Washington and Mount Meeker) which surround the popular Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is situated just north of Long's, and shares a ridge with the famous Keyhole on the way to summiting Long's. Storm makes for an excellent back-up climb in the event that Long's isn't a possibility, or an easier alternative to the more technical Long's, but with nearly the same great views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Getting There

Making a trip to Storm Peak follows the same route as one would take up the Keyhole Route of Long's until you reach the Boulderfield. The easiest route is to start from Estes Park, CO and take route 7 south for about 8 miles to the Longs Peak Trailhead. On the way you will pass the Twin Sisters Trailhead and just before the Longs Peak trailhead you will see a sign and a pull off showing "Longs Peak view" (When traveling from the south, a similar sign for Mount Meeker views will be a indication that the trail head is near). At the trailhead there is a ranger's station where you can get reliable information on the conditions of the trail and Storm Peak. There is a 3-D map in the station that displays the route quite well. (In the winter months the ranger station is maintained sporadically so call ahead if you need information on the route). At the start of the trailhead there is a register. After filling it out you will start on six miles plus route to storm peak on a well-maintained path. The first mile and a half takes you through Goblin's Forest. Once clearing treeline the next miles leads through alpine tundra leading up to the crossroads with trails leading to Chasm lake and Mount Meeker at the 2.5 mile marker (In the winter the wind swept tundra trail is easy to follow because there are bright orange construction zone type flags marking the path.) After the crossroads you will hike across the east slopes of Mount Lady Washington to reach a col where the trail meets another intersection with the North Long's Peak Trail. From here, follow the "no shortcuts" signs to the boulder field and discern which route you wish to take to reach Storm Peak.

When To Climb

Storm Peak can be an enjoyable climb in all seasons, yet at any time conditions can deteriorate to make for miserable conditions. During the summer, the peak sees the majority of its activity, and climbers should plan ahead to be prepared for the possibility of high winds and thunderstorms. Sudden snow and hail storms are not uncommon even in the summer months. In the winter, prepare for the possibility of severely cold temperatures and snow storms. Camping in the boulder field in winter can be an arctic experience (as I unfortunately discovered). Storm Peak becomes an enjoyable snow climb in the winter as well, but avalanche danger should be assessed on the east and west slopes especially.

Camping

Camping is allowed in the park but you have to fill out a back country permit and submit at the trailhead register station. There is a bivouac site in the boulder field but during the summer months you should get a reservation for it as it is often full. THere is also a campground for tents only at the Long's Peak Trailhead. Again this camprgound also fills up fast in the summer so make sure to get reservations.

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