Karl, you are an absolute inspiration. You make outstanding summit videos. You keep it real in a way that I sometimes cannot get from others on here, those Mediocre Amateurs are amazing, but you keep it much more practical without the pretensions and I love your illustrations and map guidance. Btw, anyone else reading here, the San Juans as well as the Elks and West Elks really are amongst the top tier of all of the Rockies - Western Colorado Rockies and desert monoliths are just phenomenal. Yes, those incredible Canadian Rockies deserve their praise in terms of universal beauty and instant, jaw dropping gratification and they are on this "Western Colorado Rockies" tier as well. I have other favorite ranges of greater Rockies (Beartooths, Winds, Sawtooths, GNP, Tetons, Lost River Range, Bitterroots, and more). I've hiked all of the above, and some many, many times. among other great mountains of the world. But boy oh boy, Western Colorado Rockies just have something out of this world and you must see them for yourselves. This section of the Rockies and the forces of Mother Nature that exploded long ago (La Garita Caldera) and the sublime Colorado Plateau from Western Colorado into Utah, New Mexico then Arizona - blows my mine like no other landscapes I've experienced so far. Just so colorful, psychedelic and the shapes, oh the shapes. Karl's San Juan videos underscore my deep love and experiences in this part of the massive Rocky Mountain System. San Juans do require planning and access is not like more popular sections of the greater Rockies. Prepare for sure.
9:09. Watching him rock skiing reminded me of climbing Mt Sopris near Carbondale. I was on top and there was a lady there with me, who I didn't know. We were watching a guy rock skiing down between the two summits. I said, "Look at that idiot." She said, "Yeah, that's my brother." lol.
Once again I recognize the area. Columbine Lake, Ridge above the lake looking down on Lewis’s lake, Oscars Pass, Wasatch Saddle, etc, etc. All in close proximity if not actual parts of the Hardrock Course. Long days acclimating before the run brought me to these spectacular places. I guess if you are in the San Juan’s chances are the big loop of HRH passes close by. Rugged and absolutely beautiful terrain. Thanks again for the spectacular and unique presentation of this magical part of Colorado.
You don't create videos, you create film. Another beautiful production. Yesterday I hiked to Chasm Lake, RMNP and I met two people who knew you. One couple was hiking down from Longs. They had just completed the diamond route. Since I know that is very technical, I asked them if they had heard of you. The woman said she knew you. She didn't give me her name but she was in her mid twenties and climbed with a man from India. The second couple I met just 20 minutes later were hikers like me. We were having a breather break at the same place on the trail. The gentleman told me how TH-cam videos have really helped him and his wife know what to expect on the trail and he mentioned your name. He doesn't know you personally but is a subscriber from Maine. Just wanted to let you know your name is out there.
Comment much appreciated! I'm sure I know the young lady from our former climbing gym. She's an amazing climber. Nice to hear other's know of the channel, actually get that often out adventuring, it's always nice when it happens 🙂! Thanks for your support, and please keep sharing the word, it's much appreciated 🙏🙏! Karl. Oh, tell us what you think of the Wilson Traverse vid premiering soon, thanks!
Thanks so much! I love that area, so being able to bring it to you in a way that pleases you makes it all worthwhile... please share with some of your friends, appreciate that 👍! Karl
Another great video. Very familiar country which makes me yearn for back in the day. Anyway I would like to pitch Garfield Peak just to the south of Silverton. Start from Molas, 1700 descent to the Animas with a full view of Garfield. 3000 foot steep bushwack followed by about a thousand feet of solid rock (class 4???) to the twin summit which often have ice between them. Admire the view...a 4000 foot drop to the Durango & Silverton. Massive exposure much of the way. Admire the solitude..when I did it a thousand years ago the register showed maybe a half dozen climbers a year. Reverse...downclimb, bushwack and then 1700 foot ASCENT to Molas parking...37 switchbacks!Since good rock is so rare in the San Juans...nice band from Snowden over to East Trinity and it was a day trip (more like dawn to dusk with a headlamp) it was a favorite of mine. Maybe 5 or 6 summits from different angles. I'm looking forward to your drone shots over the Animas Canyon!!!!
Thanks for the compliment on this video! Much appreciated. I don't know if your request will happen this year or not, but I have someone who wants to do a couple summits in that area, so we'll see if we can arrange it...
Great trip. About a month ago, I spent a Sunday in Porphyry basin - - - probably had a little more snow than you encountered. Since I don't have a 4WD, I parked at the highway, and it is still a quite pleasant hike and not too taxing if one hikes from the highway.
Double bang for your buck adventure and so beautiful. We were up into the Gulch two weeks ago and it rained just when I wanted to put the drone up. I’m glad you can scramble up those peaks so I get to go along through your lens. Just ordered the RC controller and looking forward to that versus the phone. Thanks for another great adventure. 😀👍
I just love that area in general! Couldn't ask for more, flowers, waterfalls, relatively straightforward climbs, and the opportunity to get some epic aerial perspectives of not just the peaks but the surrounding visual shoots!! As long as I can safely get these done you'll be along for the ride! Thanks again Lynn, Karl 😊
Beautiful and inspiring. Skied a few times in Colorado. Looking forward to checking out both Utah and Colorado some day for some hiking and scrambling. Thank you for sharing, it really made my day.
The mileage was no problem, maybe 8 miles tops! Not a ton of vert either., If you start from the 4x4 trailhead. 3 needles does have that one short section of sketch loose class 4, the Bridal short cut was loose but friendly class 3 or that nice trail I took for the descent. The short cut saved no time, just an awesome stroll by those towers! Cheers Abby!
Karl, you are an absolute inspiration. You make outstanding summit videos. You keep it real in a way that I sometimes cannot get from others on here, those Mediocre Amateurs are amazing, but you keep it much more practical without the pretensions and I love your illustrations and map guidance.
Btw, anyone else reading here, the San Juans as well as the Elks and West Elks really are amongst the top tier of all of the Rockies - Western Colorado Rockies and desert monoliths are just phenomenal. Yes, those incredible Canadian Rockies deserve their praise in terms of universal beauty and instant, jaw dropping gratification and they are on this "Western Colorado Rockies" tier as well. I have other favorite ranges of greater Rockies (Beartooths, Winds, Sawtooths, GNP, Tetons, Lost River Range, Bitterroots, and more). I've hiked all of the above, and some many, many times. among other great mountains of the world.
But boy oh boy, Western Colorado Rockies just have something out of this world and you must see them for yourselves. This section of the Rockies and the forces of Mother Nature that exploded long ago (La Garita Caldera) and the sublime Colorado Plateau from Western Colorado into Utah, New Mexico then Arizona - blows my mine like no other landscapes I've experienced so far. Just so colorful, psychedelic and the shapes, oh the shapes.
Karl's San Juan videos underscore my deep love and experiences in this part of the massive Rocky Mountain System.
San Juans do require planning and access is not like more popular sections of the greater Rockies. Prepare for sure.
Big thanks on this one! Pinned it since he raised interesting points that I hope others might respond to. My best, Karl 👍👍
FANTASTIC !!!! 🙂🙂
Many thanks Petr 🙏
So cool man! Thanks for inviting me along!!
You were awesome man! Don't be a stranger OK? Karl
Google earth and drone cuts are always top class
Again always appreciate your comments 🙏🙏!! Karl
9:09. Watching him rock skiing reminded me of climbing Mt Sopris near Carbondale. I was on top and there was a lady there with me, who I didn't know. We were watching a guy rock skiing down between the two summits. I said, "Look at that idiot." She said, "Yeah, that's my brother." lol.
That is ironic! Good story, made me laugh, thanks 👍... Karl
Really made my afternoon to be able to watch your latest work! This videography belongs on Nat Geo my friend 👍👍, thank you for sharing this!!
Hey thanks my friend, please spread the word!! Thanks, Karl ✔️
100% agree!!
Once again I recognize the area. Columbine Lake, Ridge above the lake looking down on Lewis’s lake, Oscars Pass, Wasatch Saddle, etc, etc. All in close proximity if not actual parts of the Hardrock Course. Long days acclimating before the run brought me to these spectacular places. I guess if you are in the San Juan’s chances are the big loop of HRH passes close by. Rugged and absolutely beautiful terrain. Thanks again for the spectacular and unique presentation of this magical part of Colorado.
Yes, it's truly spectacular, rugged, tall, majestic all one would really need to call this area one of Earth's most stunning! Thanks 👍👍 Karl
You don't create videos, you create film. Another beautiful production. Yesterday I hiked to Chasm Lake, RMNP and I met two people who knew you. One couple was hiking down from Longs. They had just completed the diamond route. Since I know that is very technical, I asked them if they had heard of you. The woman said she knew you. She didn't give me her name but she was in her mid twenties and climbed with a man from India. The second couple I met just 20 minutes later were hikers like me. We were having a breather break at the same place on the trail. The gentleman told me how TH-cam videos have really helped him and his wife know what to expect on the trail and he mentioned your name. He doesn't know you personally but is a subscriber from Maine. Just wanted to let you know your name is out there.
Comment much appreciated! I'm sure I know the young lady from our former climbing gym. She's an amazing climber. Nice to hear other's know of the channel, actually get that often out adventuring, it's always nice when it happens 🙂! Thanks for your support, and please keep sharing the word, it's much appreciated 🙏🙏! Karl. Oh, tell us what you think of the Wilson Traverse vid premiering soon, thanks!
Awesome stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it, and please share with a couple friends! Appreciate you, Karl 👍👍
Incredibly gorgeous. You produce the most amazing film. I love the climbs you do with lakes below.
Thanks so much! I love that area, so being able to bring it to you in a way that pleases you makes it all worthwhile... please share with some of your friends, appreciate that 👍! Karl
Such epic vista views!! Gorgeous stuff!! Bruce and Otis
Thanks again guys! Karl 😊
Very nice! Getting close!
Yes! Thanks man👍👍!
Another great video. Very familiar country which makes me yearn for back in the day. Anyway I would like to pitch Garfield Peak just to the south of Silverton. Start from
Molas, 1700 descent to the Animas with a full view of Garfield. 3000 foot steep bushwack followed by about a thousand feet of solid rock (class 4???) to the twin summit which often have ice between them. Admire the view...a 4000 foot drop to the Durango & Silverton. Massive exposure much of the way. Admire the solitude..when I did it a thousand years ago the register showed maybe a half dozen climbers a year. Reverse...downclimb, bushwack and then 1700 foot ASCENT to Molas parking...37 switchbacks!Since good rock is so rare in the San Juans...nice band from Snowden over to East Trinity and it was a day trip (more like dawn to dusk with a headlamp) it was a favorite of mine. Maybe 5 or 6 summits from different angles.
I'm looking forward to your drone shots over the Animas Canyon!!!!
Thanks for the compliment on this video! Much appreciated. I don't know if your request will happen this year or not, but I have someone who wants to do a couple summits in that area, so we'll see if we can arrange it...
I want a KDP sticker on my water bottle!
We have promo stuff in the works, so in a month or so check back!
Me too Karl, and a window sticker while you're at it
Great trip. About a month ago, I spent a Sunday in Porphyry basin - - - probably had a little more snow than you encountered. Since I don't have a 4WD, I parked at the highway, and it is still a quite pleasant hike and not too taxing if one hikes from the highway.
Thanks, isn't it a wonderful area?! Karl 👍
Double bang for your buck adventure and so beautiful. We were up into the Gulch two weeks ago and it rained just when I wanted to put the drone up. I’m glad you can scramble up those peaks so I get to go along through your lens. Just ordered the RC controller and looking forward to that versus the phone. Thanks for another great adventure. 😀👍
I just love that area in general! Couldn't ask for more, flowers, waterfalls, relatively straightforward climbs, and the opportunity to get some epic aerial perspectives of not just the peaks but the surrounding visual shoots!! As long as I can safely get these done you'll be along for the ride! Thanks again Lynn, Karl 😊
Beautiful and inspiring. Skied a few times in Colorado. Looking forward to checking out both Utah and Colorado some day for some hiking and scrambling. Thank you for sharing, it really made my day.
Hey, appreciate your comment as usual! Hope you can get down here and have some good fun!! Karl 👍
Wow! So many destinations. Do you have your total mileage and vert for that day?! The arrow tour via GIS got me pumped, you went for all prophyry had!
The mileage was no problem, maybe 8 miles tops! Not a ton of vert either., If you start from the 4x4 trailhead. 3 needles does have that one short section of sketch loose class 4, the Bridal short cut was loose but friendly class 3 or that nice trail I took for the descent. The short cut saved no time, just an awesome stroll by those towers! Cheers Abby!
Hi Karl. Great video. I can't wait to see your Trico Peak film - where we met up on yesterday.
Thanks Mike! I hope it lived up to the hype. Trico is on the way. Great to meet you.