DICEY Winter 14er: Kelso Ridge Knife Edge to Torreys Peak Summit! [4K UHD]

A Classic solo technical ascent of the Class 3 Kelso Ridge route on Torreys Peak, 14, 270', hiking in winter conditions, though it was fall, December 3rd. This was a 13 mile adventure starting from I-70 at the Bakersville exit. I used my e-bike for the first 4 miles of the approach through loose snow to the upper summer trailhead. I experienced cold windy conditions on an otherwise bluebird day! Video includes many drone shots and intense 360 camera climbing footage. For me personally, this climb was approaching my personal climbing limits in these tough conditions and, I am proud to have completed it in good style! It was AWESOME!!! I did make a Summer Kelso Ridge climb video last June and, in comparison, I am proud to say my videography skills have come quite a ways in just one season! I hope you agree.
DISCLAIMER: The Expedition(s) documented on this channel are for entertainment purposes only, NOT FOR Explicit Instruction or Route Execution. I have had MANY NEAR DEATH experiences and a couple serious accidents over 30 years of Backcountry adventures, the RISKS are very REAL. I do not recommend or encourage attempting the routes or strategies shown in these videos, and assume no personal responsibility if you choose to do a similar outing. As always, hike, bike and climb at your own risk. Know Your LIMITS and stay within them if you expect to avoid any accidents. even then. . .

[@dani-wo7yp]

thankyou for all your beautiful videos and hard work buddy

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Hope you are enjoying them! Appreciate you 👍👍, Karl

[@PilotEJ401]

Massive solo undertaking in the conditions, can't really comprehend the depth of your energy reserves...all the while capturing many epic images!! 🤯

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thanks Eric, it was a tough but very worthwhile adventure!! Appreciate the feedback!

[@Theninjaonthemountains]

great video!! is crazy you did it without crampons, drone shots were sick

[@TomAllnatt]

beautiful day for the trek. I loved the drone shots.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

It was but by the end the wind was howling, I was amazed my drone made it home!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Truth is, I’ve never even tried them. . . And basic rock climbing is my strength. I’m going to get those crampons you recommended and I think I can be skilled with them in a couple trips. Definitely already proficient with the axe and self arrest. I’m looking forward to cranking some BIG steep frozen spring snow ASAP! Sounds fast, efficient and great fun to ski or glissade back down too!

[@AmericasParks]

Another fantastic video, Karl! Incredible drone shots and the 360 at the end was epic!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thanks Brother, this one was tough in every way and I had lots of doubt about the video quality, my gropro was freezing up lots. I'm quite proud of it. Used the phone plenty, lol. Hope all is good with you!

[@jasonthomas16]

Always look forward to your videos. I’d love to hit a trail with you but i know im way out of my league.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

I alway enjoy the beautiful nature scenes as well, throw in some mellow class 3 to get some exhilarating exercise and I’m pretty happy. I have AT skis and plan on doing more of that this season too. Did one ski trip up Stuart road to Loch Lemond and steep snowy class 2 climbing to ice lake. That turned out awesome. It was the location of my first “real” utube video. I think it is still in the “videos” section of my channel if your interested, very cool place! Planning on a snow e-bike adventure this weekend! That can be magical. If you can come up with a cool adventure I’m in. The tough part can be figuring that out for the current conditions avoiding massive traffic. . . I do try to avoid the trade routes too but, as a shake down I’m sure I’ll be skiing the east ridge of quandary when conditions allow. I suck at skiing and fear avalanches but i enjoy challenges. I only really stand out as an athlete MTBing & rock climbing/ technical scrambling fast while dealing with deadly exposure. That is were you won’t want to join me I don’t think. . .im all ears brother!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

This is awesome. I really enjoyed watching it, fantastic footage too. What do you shoot on? Loved all the drone shots. I wanted to do grey's this summer but ran out of time. Its so beautiful up there. That summit oh my goodness, my palms were sweating watching that little nook you were on.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

So glad you came to see my video, thank you for the compliments, for this video I used a frozen failing GoPro, my I-phone and a Mavic Air 2 drone. It was lucky I got so much drone footage since much of my GoPro video only captured the audio. I paired that audio with the drone stuff and some I phone video too. For trips like this I take minimal weight and nothing I need to fiddle with. Frozen hands is a big issue and why I love the GoPro when it works, the GoPro with foam wind muff housing and dead cats over the mics is key for audio on high windy peaks and still comes out wind blasted . . .using voice control to activate the GoPro hands free is AWESOME. Just upgraded to the 9. . . oh and the insta 360 one r for the helmet cam on the toughest climbing sections . . . I do use a G85 when the climbs are easier and safer . . . For me, the summits are beautiful but mostly about the epic adventure side, the valley approaches, flowers, waterfalls and wildlife are so precious to me. All my summer videos have lots of that stuff. Please see my trailer and you'll see what I mean . . . All my videos are the real deal, I DEFINITELY had a moment up there knowing I would fall if I continued climbing with gloves but also knew I'd likely freeze up then fall if I tried to go at it as a bare hand rock climb which was no problem last summer, a video I also posted . . .made it way cool to find that thin but doable traverse! I appreciate your focus on environmental issues!!! Cheers!

[@Get_Lost_With_Us]

What camera and gear did you use for the 360 shots attached to your helmet?

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Insta360 on a 6” helmet mounted extension.

[@IFailMuchHarder]

What month of the year was it?

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

It was early December.

[@jameshoffman552]

7:25. 'that's going to be sporty'. Didn't you mean 'death-defying'?

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

That it was my friend. I just finished a few more in red rocks Nevada that certainly got my attention, those videos are yet to come!