Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
ExpertUnpaved

Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)

Allenspark, Colorado · Boulder County · US Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Longs Peak Trail (The Trough) is a expert hiking trail near Allenspark in Boulder County, Colorado.. The surface is unpaved. Managed by US Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions🗺️ Open in OSM
Advertisement
40.25520, -105.61917
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High60°F
Avg Low38°F
Peak Rain Chance8%
Humidity47%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality63 · Moderate
Today
🌫
Fog
53°/38°
💧 4%🌬 35mph
↑ 5:58 AM ↓ 8:18 PM
Fri
🌧
Light Rain
50°/37°
💧 6%🌬 20mph
↑ 5:59 AM ↓ 8:17 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
60°/36°
💧 3%🌬 12mph
↑ 6:00 AM ↓ 8:16 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
67°/39°
💧 1%🌬 8mph
↑ 6:01 AM ↓ 8:15 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
68°/42°
💧 8%🌬 13mph
↑ 6:02 AM ↓ 8:14 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)

Longs Peak Trail (The Trough) is a expert hiking trail near Allenspark in Boulder County, Colorado.. The surface is unpaved. Managed by US Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

⚠ Note from contributors: despite its absense from the NPS data, evidence on the ground shows that this trail is official as the NPS has painted marks on the rocks marking the route.

What “Expert” Means

Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

See more expert trails →All Colorado trails →

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 35 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 9)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • ⛑
    Helmet (terrain-dependent)
    Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Colorado

Trail conditions in Colorado change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

Longs Peak Trail (The Trough) is rated Expert. Alpine, exposed, or technically demanding. For experienced hikers only.

Are dogs allowed on Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

No — dogs are not permitted on this trail per OpenStreetMap data.

Can I ride a bike on Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

The surface is unpaved. Suitable for strollers and most footwear.

When is the best time to hike Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

Colorado has trail conditions that vary by season. High-elevation routes are typically best from late spring through early fall; expect snow at higher altitudes outside that window. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)?

Longs Peak Trail (The Trough) is managed by US Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

Nearby

Other Trails Near Longs Peak Trail (The Trough)

Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.

All Colorado trails →
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertCO

Longs Peak Trail (The Narrows)

Allenspark, Colorado
Unpaved
🥾🚲🐴🐕
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertCO

Longs Peak Trail (The Homestretch)

Allenspark, Colorado
Unpaved
🥾🚲🐴🐕
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertCO

Longs Peak Trail (The Ledges)

Allenspark, Colorado
Unpaved
🥾🚲🐴🐕
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertCO

Longs Peak Trail (The Boulderfield)

Allenspark, Colorado
Unpaved
🥾🚲🐴
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyCO

Chasm Lake Trail

Allenspark, Colorado
Ground
🥾🚲🐴🐕
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertCO

East Longs Peak Trail

Allenspark, Colorado
Unpaved
🥾🚲🐴🐕
Guides & rankings

More on hiking in Colorado

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Colorado, Ranked

Colorado's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Colorado's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Colorado trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Colorado

Ten gentle, well-marked Colorado trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Colorado

Colorado's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Colorado

Federal parks and recreation areas in Colorado ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Colorado: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Colorado's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min