Longs Peak - Technical Rating 2015

[MN teleMARKer]

With all of the recent snowfall in RMNP, can anyone speculate as to when the "technical" rating will be lifted on the Longs Peak Keyhole route this summer?

[justiner]

July?

[JROSKA]

It's hard to know for sure, but I've been discussing taking one of my regular hiking partners up there, who wants to try some Class 3's this summer, but prefers dry conditions. We are already sort of assuming that it's either going to have to be some other year. We may give it our best shot in late August or early September.

Regarding when it becomes non-technical, I'd say mid-July, at the absolute earliest but who knows, even that may be a bit optimistic. Depending on when the snow starts falling up there in August, this could very well be one of those summers where there's only a week or two with no ice past the Keyhole. I've lived in northeast Denver for 7 years, where Long's and Meeker are clearly visible and in all honesty, I've never seen that area so pure white with snow. I can barely see the ridge features, and it's tough to tell the mountaintops from the clouds. Granted this is from 60-70 miles away, but that area must be completely buried right now. Doesn't sound like the weather pattern is changing much over the next week or two, and unless things warm up in June drastically and quickly, the Keyhole Route should be choked with snow / ice very deep into the summer.

[Jeff Valliere]

I seem to remember years where Longs has not had the technical rating removed at all, yet the snow could be easily bypassed (mostly in the trough). This I believe is often the case in June/early July on regular years too, before the rating is lifted, as it seems the NPS is quite cautious with this (probably to weed out the masses of less experienced/less prepared). Of course, there is more snow than normal for this time of year, so maybe just keep an eye on trip reports and keep this thread updated.

[MN teleMARKer]

Thank you for the insight. Living in Fort Collins, Longs Peak does appear to be carrying alot of snow. The Loft has as much snow as ever. As a climber, the rating has never concerned me. However, this year I plan to bring my teen children. Made me start taking into consideration things I hadn't paid attention to before.

[Mike Shepherd]

Not sure if you saw this, scroll to the bottom.

http://www.mountainproject.com/v/the-20 ... 238291__27

[peter303]

Aug 1 in a snowy year like this one.
But check the RMNP website starting in July or call the BC ranger.