North Longs Peak Trail to Granite Pass

North Longs Peak Trail to Granite Pass is a high-country out-and-back from Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. The full route is about 13.6 miles round trip, including the approach to the named North Longs Peak segment and the return along the same trail. It climbs about 3,200 feet to Granite Pass at 12,081 feet. Allow 10 to 12 hours. This is a very strenuous day at altitude; the pass is the endpoint here, not the Longs Peak summit.

Follow Glacier Gorge Trail from the trailhead to the North Longs junction. The named segment crosses Glacier Creek on a high bridge, then heads toward Boulder Brook through forest. Views open across Glacier Gorge to Flattop and Hallett peaks and the Mummy Range. On the first open stretches, include a little trail in the foreground to show the scale of the valley.

Past Boulder Brook, long, steep switchbacks climb through thinning forest. Above treeline the grade steepens, and the last roughly 1.5 miles cross jumbled rock to the pass. This is slow, careful footing, not a smooth path; the altitude adds to the effort. Keep following the established line across the rock rather than cutting between switchbacks.

The trail ends on the broad saddle at Granite Pass, where it meets the Longs Peak Keyhole route. Stop here for this hike. Continuing toward the Keyhole or summit is a separate, more technical mountain objective and adds substantial commitment.

The trailhead sits at 9,240 feet. No food or potable water is listed along the route, so carry what you need for a long day. Dogs are not allowed on park trails. The high route is exposed to lightning and fast-changing mountain weather; colder periods can bring ice and rockfall. Start early and keep a firm turnaround plan.