Longs Peak Valley Loop

Start from the Longs Peak ranger station at 9,400 ft and head up the Long's Peak Trail (Longs Peak - Keyhole Route). Most of the altitude is gained here. You'll head past the Chasm Lake Trail (stop for some great photos of the Diamond on Long's Peak) and continue to Granite pass, reaching the max altitude of a little over 12,000 ft. From there, look for the North Longs Peak Trail turn off and head down North Longs Peak Trail all the way into Glacier Gorge. This trail can be a bit more washed out and can be wet. This drops through the valley and has really nice views of the Glacier Knobs valley. Continue on to the Glacier Creek Trail. This area has wider trails that are more heavily used by day-hikers. Expect some crowds here as you pass waterfalls and viewing areas along the way down to the Glacier Basin Trails. In this area some options exist, I used the Glacier Creek Trail, passing Sprague lake and over to the Wind River Trail connector to join the Wild River Trail to add a short loop around and back to Storm Pass. The trails here pass campgrounds and equestrian areas, expect horses and a fair amount of wear on the trails from them - this area is lower altitude pine forests. From Storm Pass, head down, passing the Estes Cone Trail (you can add in a short side trail to summit the cone) onto the Eugenia Mine Trail to the turn off for the Longs Peak Ranger station and your car.