The hike to the summit of Long’s Peak, in the Rocky Mountain National Park, is grueling and not for the faint of heart. Long’s Peak lies about an hour and a half northwest of Denver, and rises to 14,255 feet in elevation. The class 3 hike to the summit will see you gain nearly a mile in elevation while clocking a total of 15 miles round trip. Prepare to spend at least 12 hours hiking, and leave before 3 am to ensure you reach the summit before noon.