Hasn't voted | This is a great write-up. Take heed of the advice--ONLY for those very comfortable with Class 3 and exposure. Parts of this route are very exposed, so anyone having a problem with exposure WILL NOT like it. We also discovered that there is a difference between route-finding on exposed rock all alone (this route is not well-traveled) as opposed to being in an exposed area on an established route with a crowd of nice people who are sharing your experience (i.e. the Narrows). The lack of people and route-finding on this route compounded our apprehension of the exposure. I would also recommend taking pictures of the route with you to aid in navigation. These pictures are very good, and show key parts of the route, including where the route joins up with the Keplinger's route on the West side. We found the pictures invaluable for spotting the key turning points in the route. Search the web and you can find more pictures of the Meeker Couloir, as well as a close-up of a key part of the Keplinger route that is nice to have.
Finally, leave early and watch the weather. This route would be a bear if wet. If it does rain, under no circumstances should one attempt to descend the Loft through Meeker Couloir to Chasm--rather, definitely take the Keyhole route home. Falls on the Loft have happened when it was wet. There is not much margin for error on the ramps down. |
Rocky Mountain National Park