Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Meeker  -  13,916 feet
Date Posted:  08/21/2012
Date Climbed:   06/22/2012
Author:  Sgt_Wilky
 A Long Day Through the Iron Gates   

This is my first TR so please enjoy it, and if you want to flame me, go ahead! I have thick skin!

Mt. Meeker was my first solo of any mountain that I have climbed so far. I personally wouldn't recommend it to myself again, but I found some definite pros and cons to soloing.

My day began at 0145 the alarm went off with my wife muttering something in her sleep, something about me being a nut job...I thought the same thing and rolled out of bed. I made it to the Longs Peak trail head at about 0300, signed into the register and began my hike up the well-maintained trail. I met and even passed a few hikers, while some were passing me. It was a great morning for it.

Image


I made pretty good time, (for me anyway) up to the Chasm Lake Junction and proceeded towards Chasm Lake, soon crossing a stream and headed straight above the privy.

Image


It was here I began to realize that this was going to take a little longer than I had thought, and I began my ascent towards the Iron Gates.

Image


I know there are many other people with much more experience than myself, but I found that the slope was steep and very loose, and I was mentally on edge, especially since this was the first time I was soloing a trip in RMNP. I didn't find it so intimidating though, that I wanted to turn back, so I carefully picked my way up the slope and pretty soon, I found that the higher I got, the more stable it became, and thus began to feel pretty good about the Iron Gates. The route through there is really cool, and I would highly recommend it. A short while later I came up to the short, but fun mild class three section to gain Meekers Ridge.

Image


I slowly made my way up the ridge, taking many breaks along the way. I hadn't seen a soul all morning since Chasm Lake and it was pretty sparce without any fellow hikers around. I was taking several breathers as this had been the first time this year I had been this high, and honestly, I'm not in the greatest shape, but was determined to get up there. Meeker Ridge is comprised of very large boulders and slabs and requires some mild scrambling. You can stay high and close to the edge if you're an exposure freak, or if you want to keep it at class 2+, you can stay below the ridge and ascend it that way. On the ridge, I met one person who passed me like a man on a mission. Obviously he was enjoying himself, we exchanged pleasantries, and he disapperared. I soon found myself at the top of Meeker Ridge and was immediately perplexed at the amount of air I was going to have to overcome. I realized that I probably should not have made this my first solo, but the Marine in me told me I could do it, just taking my time and choosing very carefully the route that I would need to take. I was sitting on the Ridge summit boulder trying to figure the way down and realized that the longer I sat there the more likely it was I wasn't going to do it. I so took off my pack and allowed myself to drop it into a crevice just below me. Now, I know that many of you reading this are thinking why would that moron do that, and I know I broke several rules by doing it. First, I did it because I knew it would force me to overcome my fear of heights and exposure. Second, it forced me to find a way down. Soon after performing stunt number one, I saw that the route led to the right of the boulder I was sitting on. You have to hug it, and pray as you step across, but I found it was well within my ability. Next, I grabbed my pack, and vowed never to do it again, then I faced the knife edge.

Image


My good friend Randy Mayer (rmayer) told me of the knife ridge and I told him that if I made up there, I would have to try it, and now, here I am, ready to eat those words. I spent enough time taking one picture, said a prayer, cleared my mind and just went for it. The rock was solid and half way across I stopped to take a picture:

Image


After making it across the knife edge, I stayed to the right of the edge, although I think you go either way and ascended towards the summit block. I intended to descend down the Loft so after taking a picture on top of the summit block with the register (I didn't sign it) I made my way down the west side of Meeker and I kept going west into a massive gully with huge boulders that made downclimbing challenging. I knew I was off route, but I kept going, angling to the right where I eventually came out, face to face with the south face of Longs.

Image


I headed back towards the Loft, and preceded to get myself lost coming down the Loft. To make a very long story short, I'm pretty sure I cut back towards the left (north) too soon and I found myself in some upper class 3 lower class 4 stuff, inching my way down. Again, I my first solo, and I was regretting it.

Image


I just kept going down to the left, paralleling the waterfall and ice until I made it to the Ship's Prow, and back to Chasm Lake. The last part of that trip, coming down the Loft was for me, extremely stressful, being that I had never been on that route before, and not really sure of the proper way down. I may have been on the correct route or I may not have been. I honestly don't know. I posted a picture of the route I was on, versus what I believe to be the proper route and if you know, then please tell me! All in all, it was a good trip that brought be closer to the good Lord and the elements. I learned a lot that day about myself, namely that I still lack a lot of experience and that I have much to learn. I don't intend to totally shrug off soloing, but having someone else with you is always beneficial, but being alone allows you to push yourself to your limits without the stigma of pride and showmanship getting in the way.

Image



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16


Comments or Questions
tmathews
That's a fun route
8/21/2012 4:44pm
Way to wear your ”hipster” badge with honor! The knife edge on Meeker is pretty cool. I also like the Mordor-ish feeling you get as you approach the Iron Gates.


Sgt_Wilky
User
I don't
8/21/2012 4:50pm
know what a hipster is! Can I google it? Thanks Terry, I don't know you, but I've read a lot of your TR, and have been to your website a few times. Thanks for lending us your experience!

Matt


Sgt_Wilky
User
I just googled it...
8/21/2012 4:54pm
and there is no way anybody would ever be able to call me one of those. Like a modern day hippy? Ugh.


tmathews
Yeah, about that
8/21/2012 5:42pm
It was just an absurd statement someone made referring to people who climb 13ers.


djkest
User
I think tmathews
8/21/2012 7:27pm
Is actually more obcessed with the terminology than I am. Nothing wrong with 13ers. Nice report on the Iron gates route. Now I have a choice as to which route I take when I do Mt. Meeker next year.


TaylorHolt
User
Nice first TR!
8/21/2012 7:36pm
Making Iron Gates your first solo is certainly gutsy. Way to challenge yourself and push yourself. Looks like a great day on a great route that I hope to do in the near future.


MtnHub
User
Good job!
8/21/2012 7:39pm
Yeah, I think going solo on that would be a bit challenging for route finding, especially being new and not going up to the Loft first. It's a little tricky. Good work on the Knife edge. Like you said, if you focus on a little bit at a time, it really isn't too bad. Fun climb however!


ChrisRoberts
User
.
8/22/2012 5:28pm
Nice job!
--


unclegar
User
exit ramp
8/22/2012 5:53pm
There is a ”ramp” that most use to go into/out of the Loft couloir. It looks like the blue line is on this. Nothing wrong with the other line, it just looks like a tougher descent into the couloir. Once in the couloir you can go about anywhere you want to come down. Anyway, great job! I did the Iron Gates route last year with MtnHub and really enjoyed it. I have had many ongoing dialogs with the Lord when hiking solo and somewhat lost. Good times! btw, really like pic #2



   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.