Overview
- Rocky Mountain National Park search-and-rescue teams located a deceased climber on the mountain’s upper east face after responding to reports on Kiener’s Route, with the discovery occurring on Sunday, July 5.
- Kiener’s Route is a popular approach that is considered the easiest established line to the 14,259-foot summit but requires intermediate alpine-climbing skills and often takes one to two days to complete.
- Park officials have not released the climber’s name or the cause of death and USA TODAY has contacted the park for more information about the circumstances.
- Longs Peak is known for sudden, dangerous weather and a long fatality record, with reporting noting more than 70 deaths since 1915 and multiple deaths as recently as 2022.
- The incident underscores risks for so-called peak baggers and the regular need for park search-and-rescue responses, suggesting climbers should carry alpine gear, check forecasts, and know route technical demands before attempting the summit.