Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Longs Peak Route: Kieners ascent, North Face (aka Cables) descent Vert: Approx. 4,900 Mileage: Approx. 13 Time: 5 hours up, 8:15 round trip with breaks Group: Marc, Carl, & for part of the descent, Jim Detterline
Decided to head up Longs again this past weekend. Marc and I figured we could use the exercise at altitude and Kieners is one of our favorite routes on any peak. The gear discussion ensued and ultimately we decided to bring two 30m ropes but no rock pro. We didn't plan on roping up for any part of the ascent, but wanted a rope in case we needed to bail before reaching the Diamond Step. Once we were set on bringing a 30m rope, the option of bringing a second so we could descend the north face seemed to make sense.
Left the trailhead around 5:15am, well after the Keyhole crowds, and caught the alpenglow on the Diamond a little before the Chasm Lake junction around 6am.
Another shot as we head towards Chasm Lake.
Took our first break at Chasm Lake and were rewarded with a reflection in the water like nothing I had seen before.
The Diamond and the lake.
Ships prow.
In the summer the best way around Chasm Lake is hikers right. After some boulder hopping, a trail leads towards Mills Glacier.
One of the more comfortable looking bivy caves near the lake (by permit only).
Next is about 1,000 vertical on Lambs Slide. Some moderate snow climbing adds a nice mix to the day but it does mean the added weight of an axe and crampons in your pack all day. Marc on the snow.
Hang a right at the top of Lambs Slide and work your way onto Broadway where the Kieners route is visible again.
Broadway is blocked about half way by a boulder that forces you to the edge. This notorious step around is exposed for sure, but I'll be honest, this picture seems to make it look a little worse than it is.
Marc continuing the Broadway traverse.
The trail does narrow a bit here.
A little fixed pro exists if you're interested in clipping something.
Two climbers are pictured here at the start of Kieners. Actually the first people we've seen since Chasm Junction. They've decided to belay the first pitch, which I would do too, if we were headed that way. An alternative and easier but much more exposed option exists if you climb to where the belayer is standing, and then traverse out towards the Diamond.
After this first pitch the difficulty eases and the options are even greater. We found an interesting chimney.
On the second half of Kieners, headed towards the Diamond Step.
Took a break along the way and checked out what I believe is the finish for the Casual Route and the Yellow Wall. That traverse (on the rock, not the grass) would be intense even roped I'm sure! The arrow I drew marks the anchor.
Back on route the Diamond Step is visible above Marc. The Diamond Step is the 4th class finish to Kieners. Other options would include continuing straight towards the summit for a pitch or two of 5.5 or greater.
On the Diamond Step. After that, it's just a quick class 2/3 scramble to the summit.
Marc and I on the summit at 10:15 a.m.
Headed down the North Face and after we scrambled passed the first eyebolt I recognized Jim Detterline nearing the summit of Longs Peak for his 347th time!
Put the two 30m ropes together with a Euro Death Knot and rappelled off the second eyebolt we came across. Passed the 3rd eyebolt on rappel and pulled the ropes at a 4th eyebolt. A very short 5th class downclimb put us on some easier terrain.
Had to stop of course at Chasm View and check out the progress of a few parties on the Diamond. Lambs Slide is also visible here.
Stayed on the ridge a while taking in the views.
Across the Boulder Field the Keyhole Ridge was looking mighty impressive.
Made our way to the Jim Grove trail and while taking a break, along came Jim. He had reached the summit of Longs, downclimbed the north face (no rap), and caught us! Jim offered to show us a thing or two on the hike down, if we could keep up.
I'll admit I really underestimated Jim's pace. Despite what appeared to be fairly heavy hiking boots on his feet, and a sizable pack on his back, he pretty much jogged the entire way back to the trailhead. I couldn't describe our descent route even if I wanted to, but every few minutes we would pause for 10 to 20 seconds and Jim would explain anything from the history of the telephone lines that ran to the hotel in the Boulder Field to the approximate age of a massive Limber Pine. A truly unique experience for which we both felt quite lucky to be a part of.
When Jim reaches the summit of Longs Peak (hopefully this week) for the 351st time he'll hold the record. Good luck Jim!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Very cool, Carl! Well done man. Looks like a fantastic route. I need to get down to RMNP more often...one slight disadvantage to living west of the divide Kieners will be on my agenda.
Looks like a great day was had, Carl. I may be going up soon and the route looks to be in primo condition, thanks for the report. Nice pics...that pin is a rare Leeper Z, btw, I believe it's just past the chockstone on Broadway tucked into a corner. For the benefit of others, Carl is correct: the two climbers climbing into Keiner's Chimney are taking a much harder (5.6-5.7?) line. The 4th class line is a jog to their right, then up the skyline. That aside, Detterline amazes me, I ran into him about 18 years ago when I was reported overdue, nice and funny guy. 300+ summits?!? Yeow! And note...he was in jeans!
-Tom
My wife and I actually talked to you on the summit. We chatted about ski descents and wingsuits. Did you avoid the weather? We caught a little sleet on our return to the boulder field.
Awesome route and those are some killer reflection shots! 8 hours RT on Kiener's isn't exactly slow either. That's pretty impressive that Jim downclimbed the north face in those big, clunky boots. Sounds like he is quite the legend.
Nice work Carl! What a story that hike down will be for ages!
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.
Kieners will be on my agenda.
Sounds like he is quite the legend.
