17 replies to this topic

[invisiblewindow]

I think it's about 100% that we will summit Hallett and also at least head to the Keyhole.

I checked out that site and the video, it's a great report on the trip.

People respond to the Narrows and Ledges in very different ways.
I hear people saying they are not bad at all, and some saying how nervous it made them. I guess it's something you will only really know when you get there in person.

It seems like high winds would be a serious road block when reaching the Keyhole. I think I would get nervous on the Narrows and Ledges with a wind whipping around as it often does. To me, it all looks like it isn't TOO bad from the reports and videos, but with high winds and/or rain/sleet, it seems it could be very nerve racking.

My only real concerns are:
1) wind (especially for the drop off areas)
2) crowds (for the falling rocks)
3) snow/ice (we'll be there Aug. 8th-13th so there is a good chance it would be mostly melted)
4) rain/sleet

I seem to handle altittude issues quite well. My first year out there I was nauseated for about 7 hours. Second year, I had a slight headache for a couple hours after our hike up Glacier Gorge, then was fine for the rest of the trip. Just a month ago I was snowboarding at Keystone for 2 days in a row for over 7 hours each day and felt fine the whole time.

I also hear people saying not to even bother with Long's due to it being so crowded all the time.

It's such a commitment, that I want to make everything as ideal as possible to have the best chance of making the top. I know if we try for it and turn back due to bad choices, I will be bummed about it.

[DeeCeeM]

I know if we try for it and turn back due to bad choices, I will be bummed about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Better to turn back due to bad choices & be bummed than to continue due to bad choices & be dead!

It sounds like you are planning this very wisely, though. Best of luck to you on whatever you decide to do (and be sure to post a report when you get back.)

[bob]

I would encourage you to give Longs a try. My wife and I were in our early 50's when we did it and, while we are in pretty good shape, no one would consider us athletic. Get and read several books about the trail so you know what to expect, start early, and be ready to turn back if the weather threatens. Yes, several portions of the trail are not easy, but remember that thousands of people reach the summit each year and there is no reason why you should not be among them. The Narrows seems to intimidate many, but is as wide as a city sidewalk and most of us can walk down the sidewalk withoug falling off. The Trough is long and steep and you will curse each rock. The Homestretch is steep, but short. The summit is crowded on a nice day. But, you will have a lifetime memory. Every time you are in Estes Park, you can look up there and remember that you ate lunch on the top one day.