Sangre de Cristo / Collegiate Peaks (Colorado) Backpacking - August 2015

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Published 2015-09-18

For what has become my annual backpacking trip with my son Christian, in 2015 we returned to Colorado and did a very different kind of trip for us: first an overnighter backpack in Colorado's Sangre de Cristo mountains, then one luxurious night of 'car camping', and finally three more backpacking days in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

My original plan was to do a shortened version of the new 160-mile Colorado Trail Collegiate Peaks Loop, but after this summer's Four Pass Loop trip I recognized my original plan might be overly ambitious, and decided to come up with an alternate plan. As you'll see in the early portions of the video, there was still quite a bit of uncertainty on the final plan even as I began driving west.

There were a couple reasons to do a 'less regulated' trip like this one (rather than a return to Glacier or more regulated area). First, both Christian and I really enjoy a campfire at night - a prohibited luxury in almost all of Glacier - and, second, I wanted to bring my two labs - Jaden and Bailey - along with us. At 10 years old Jaden is starting to slow down, and his backpacking days are nearing an end. Bailey is now one year old and lives for even short moments in the woods with me - this trip would be heaven for her.

Similar to my other recent backpacking videos, this one is also slightly over one hour in length with a 10 minute slide show at the end. It is meant to be an 'immersive' experience that allows you to come along with me on the trip. If you aren't interested in 'riding along on my shoulder' for an hour, just skip to the last 10 minutes of pictures and you'll get a good overview of our trip.

Still Camera: Nikon D700 with Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens
Video Camera: Canon Vixia G30 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13
HDR Software: SNS-HDR Pro

All Comments (21)

@edwardlobb931 5 years ago

What's really great about this, is the reality of being there. Father and son, family dogs - the opportunity to enjoy life, and record it - awesome.
@shawngregory5879 8 years ago

Just a word, great job. My father never took us anywhere like this, to have your dad care enough to so this, is awesome.. great dad..
@AffinityNetNews 4 years ago

I live directly across from those fabulous mountains to the east of Westcliffe and look at them everyday dozens of times per day, and I never take them for granted especially after a big heavy snow. That is when they look their absolute best. proud, timeless and regal. Beautiful video David. You are a good man with a beautiful soul Brother and you have a great crew there as well !
@danmarshall5895 7 years ago

Great video and I really enjoyed the variety you brought to the pronunciation of Sangre de Cristo.
@shcmoly 8 years ago

Never thought of doing 3 small trips like that. Amazing pictures. Awesome trip, one you won't forget.
@123poparock 7 years ago

I live in Colorado springs and watching your videos inspire me to get out more!
@MrTmax74 7 years ago

My fav of your vids so far. Tx for sharing. The music/pic collage at the end really topped it off Dave. Nicely done.
@mulchies 7 years ago

So glad I found your videos. So happy to see you and your beautiful family out enjoying the great outdoors. Many blessings and safe travels ! Sending love from Kentucky! Keep on trekking!
@150F2011 4 years ago

Thank you David for the spectacular views,and videos.You take me places I know I will never get to visit
@mullerdesign5150 8 years ago

Thanks for taking us on another spectacular trip. Beautiful dogs too :-)
@thewaverslmao.1149 8 years ago

l have watched and enjoyed every video of yours. I get excited when I see a new video! Your adventures are amazing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing them.
@elizabethwhite6364 8 years ago

Love your videos! Really enjoy it all! So happy you had another one posted! Very pretty and fun! Thank you!
@GreatLakesBackpacker 8 years ago

Awesome video and spectacular scenery! Thanks for sharing your trip.
@janetantill2919 3 years ago

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Just love you video's. Thank you for making them family friendly
@imkputtz 5 years ago

These are great episodes. Thanks and keep em coming.
@atlantaguy762 7 years ago

Breathtaking and beautiful scenery. I wish David could win an award for the cinematography in this. He certainly deserves it. I feel like I went right along with them from the comfort of my living room. Thanks for sharing and taking me along on the wonderful journey.
@mikemathews9277 7 years ago

Great video.I'm a disabled Veteran I wish I could do what you do in these videos.Awesome views of the Rockies!!!
@SaltySouL911 8 years ago

Love your video Dave. Awesome trip.
@natehoover5266 2 years ago

Something you said in this video rings so true. Its hard to capture in the moment how special a trip like that is. I did my first backpacking trip on the Colorado Trail for over 100 miles and I tried to absorb all the moments and feelings as they were coming but it's hard to recall after coming home. Videos like this are great for the memories. I love the viewpoint of just the average hiker and not a thru hiker like Darwin or Dixie or IBTAT. I also love these trips with your son. Wish my dad and I had these kind of experiences.
@afinch5078 8 years ago

David, once again another breathtaking adventure. Well done on sharing the "cheese spread" with your four legged companions, they certainly did work for it. I am sure you loved watching them bound up the ascents, than come back only to go up again....."God made a dog" cheers!