Backpacking Pine River Trail: Weminuche Wilderness

[@brucecarroll4041]

This is the first I have seen of your vids. I like it. Some talking but NOT a non-stop talking selfie headshot. Lots of good vid work, nice music, well edited. Tasteful. I'm gonna check out more of your stuff. Nice job!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you so much Bruce! Really glad you enjoyed the video. My primary goal is to show the look and feel of the trail.

[@brucecarroll4041]

@@BryanDeLay Well sir, you accomplished that quite nicely!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Very nice Bryan! I see we got a lot of the same shots. lol

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Catherine! I noticed that when I watched your video.

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

I always like when you use a map for illustration of your route. Really helps the viewer get his/her bearings. Enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing, as always.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks BlackOak! I probably should use a map to depict the trip more often. In this case it really helped to explain the 1998 trip. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@gunnyd2008]

Thanks Bryan always enjoy

[@BryanDeLay]

Glad you enjoyed the video JD A!

[@mountainwanderer]

Great video! That place looked like my kind of country! Except, maybe too many people. I love your method of hanging your food. I need to watch the video again and try it. Looked like a great trip!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Travis! In the description of my bear bag video is a written instruction of the technique. I'd suggest that you try it at home before going into the backcountry.

[@markcooke4379]

Loved what you shared and that1998 shot of you and Johnny was so cool. I remember those Dana Design packs well, oops I’m dating myself. How things change and for us the better. The weather sure was nice for you. Great views and always appreciate your extra details while narrating.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Mark! If you remember Dana Design you've probably been around the sun a few times. The older I get the more I value light weight backpacking gear.:)

[@TerryX2Explore]

The scenery is amazing, but that is to be expected in Colorado. Wow, the view from your campsite - gorgeous! Nice to revisit special areas! Gorgeous!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks TerryX2Explore! It was nice to revisit, but after 22 years it almost like the first time.

[@TerryX2Explore]

@@BryanDeLay I hear ya!! ;-)

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

Something about the Weminuche Wilderness ..... every video I see of the place makes me want to hike there again . Thanks for sharing your hike. 👍👍

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Michael! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@michaelputnam7223]

Always enjoy your videos, Mr. DeLay. I was in the San Juans last Spring and can’t wait to get back. Very pretty! Keep the videos coming.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Michael!

[@coniferousforests8030]

fabulous. Are you form Tennessee Bryan? You mentioned your trip there. I thought from Alabama for some reason to be honest. Thanks for sharing this place that is filled to the brim with the delightful views. Creeks... Pine trees... what else to ask for. Good twist is that you added your trip from 90's, it was cool, some past events are to remember some are to forget. Nature is always to remember.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Coniferous Forests! Weminuche is very beautiful. I'm from Knoxville, Tennessee.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for the fantastic photography Bryan! I'm super envious. Thanks for sharing!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you ShastaBubba Adventures! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@CarlMonin]

Looked like a very nice trail, Bryan. Sure do enjoy seeing those Aspens. Like you said, sucks that fires weren't allowed but at least you enjoyed the indirect benefit of no mosquitoes! Thanks for showing us the map overview of the trip. I need to add this area to my 'list.' Thank you for posting the video.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Carl! It is a very nice area and definitely put it on your bucket list.

[@daphnesears2012]

Beautiful area. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Daphne! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mitnwes]

Beautiful scenery

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks CRAWLYJ!

[@defcoord]

Nice job as always... Video quality was off the charts.... Great to see your pace is as torrid as ever.... :)

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks David! I was in a little bit of a hurry coming out on my last day.

[@DrJohn493]

...and thanks for the memories and a virtual return to the Pine River Trail! I did this one in 2010 and went up to Emerald Lake as a day hike from our campsite below the trail junction, with one day devoted to fly fishing the river. We avoided camping at the lake for the same reason you mentioned. It’s a gorgeous area you captured well and it’s the next best thing to being their this summer. The Vallecito/Johnson Creek trail in the same area is on my list and next summer I start work on on it. Thanks for sharing this trip!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks John! It's a very beautiful area. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@vincevarriale3294]

Brian, as always I enjoy your videos. Seeing all of the pics with the heavy gear brings back some memories! I need to drop the coin to get lighter.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Vince! The older one gets the more valuable light weight gear is.

[@RuggedMile]

Great video! Looks like a fun hike! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Rugged Mike! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kaypennington4930]

Great video, Bryan. I enjoyed watching this after a long day of writing and reading. It was so relaxing to see the beautiful landscape.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you so much Kay! Very glad my video helped you unwind after a long day.

[@rcz2023]

I enjoy watching Your videos. Thank You 🙏

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Rudy! Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@williamhollenbeck983]

Great video! Thanks for posting,very informative. It’s on my list now.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks William! Hope you get to do this trip soon.

[@ChrisfromFL]

Always enjoy your videos, thanks for taking us along!

[@BryanDeLay]

You're welcome Chris. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Awesome trip Bryan! Love the Rockies and how different the terrain is from what we have here in the East. Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks stricky! The big views in the Rockies are awesome, but day in and day out I prefer the southern Appalachians.

[@waterfallmadman]

Beautiful river, beautiful country, great trip! I would love to get up close to that waterfall, but maybe not possible. Terrific video.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Leon! I could have bushwacked through some bushes down to the river to get closer to the falls, but the wind was bringing in some dark clouds and I wanted to get my camp set just in case it rained.

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Very nice Bryan. I need to get back to Colorado. Lived there for 4 years. Remember also back carrying those 40 to 50 lb packs. Younger then also. Wife & I maybe looking for some acreage in the East Tennessee area. After 40 years, we are getting out of Florida. Hopefully within a year:

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Tom! Yea, light weight backpacking equipment sure is great as we age. Florida is not the best place for backpacking.

[@johnbarns548]

Enjoyed video immensely. On our bucket list to get to Colorado and hike in the weminuche. Exciting for you to hike your way back East

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you John! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@chrislonsberry4571]

A lot of beautiful country in Colorado that’s for sure.

[@BryanDeLay]

Absolutely Chris!

[@adamtanaka6738]

Great meeting you on Roan Mtn. last weekend and love your channel!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Adam! Nice meeting you too. Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@nietztsuki]

Bryan -- I'm a new subscriber. Love your videos! I was raised in Texas, but born in Durango. I go back there every chance I get. All the trips you make in this area bring back special memories for me. Thank you for allowing me to relive some of those moments. Forrest Sanderson

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Forrest for watching and subbing. So glad my videos bring back some good memories for you.

[@hopeandgracetompkins3707]

I just watched a couple of your hikes. Thank you I enjoyed them. I noticed on every vid, you mention the groups of other hikers/campers with a sense dislike. I personally understand the appreciation of solitude. However, what's the issue of other people enjoying for themselves, what you enjoy doing? I enjoyed your vids, the scenery is spectacular. Thank you

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video. It's not dislike of other hikers. I like to show the look and feel of the trail, which includes the number of other hikers. Sometimes when I fail to mention how many hikers I saw, people will comment and ask how many people were on the trail. The information helps others decide of they would like to hike the trail.

[@SummitSeeker546]

You’re an inspiration Bryan! Just found your channel, like your style!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Summit Seeker!

[@makers.movement]

Hey Bryan! My group met you on Roan this past weekend. Happy to find your channel! :)

[@BryanDeLay]

Kelsey, it was very nice meeting you and your friends at Carvers Gap. Hope you found place to camp on Grassy Ridge, it was a little crowded up there. Also I checked out your videos, wow! You are very creative and very talented with Photoshop!

[@makers.movement]

@@BryanDeLay Thank you! We did - we even had a little bear encounter that night 😂 It was a wonderful camp out - maybe we'll see you on the trails again soon!

[@richfuller]

One of my favorite Weminuche(pronouced whem-a-nooch, simple no other vowels) hikes was to go from Wagon Wheel Gap hotsprings to Puragtory. Probably aren't even allowed to do that anymore as there weren't connecting trails in those days. Chicago basin at the end is simply a stunning way to end a trek like that. The whole trip was amazing I never even knew how many miles it was but I was both sad and elated when it was over. Funny way to end trip though, cross the Rio De Las Animas(the river of lost souls) back into Puragtory(civilzation). I set out with one week of freeze dried meals, 2 pounds of gorp, and 2 pounds of rice. I continuously wild crafted and fished and still ran out of food almost 2 days before getting back. Don't attempt that trip in the fall unless you have food drops coming to meet you. I said fall but at that elevation the begining of august is fall. Last 2 weeks of July is the only safe time most likely. I got snowed on a lot on that trip and it was just mid August. Someone told me before I started I would need snowshoes to pass down into Chicago Basin and they were right. The snow fields took me almost an entire day to cross without them. At the beginning you can take a side to Wheeler Geologic which is worth spending at least two days at, which I highly recommend. Of course that's also why I ran out of food. LOL. I stayed as close to the divide as possible just so I could spy out the best spots for camping for that night and an early fishing and wild harvesting session in the morning.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks for info Rich. I've heard it pronounced both ways. Sounds like you had a tough trip.

[@TimIrvin]

I just pinned the Weminuche Wilderness map to my wall! Heading that way in September for our 46th anniversary! Thanks for vid! #coolbeans

[@BryanDeLay]

Tim, have fun in the Weminuche!

[@JenniferLupine]

Another great place to explore! I guess you don't need permits for wilderness areas? Thanks for sharing this area- nice trails and the river sounds refreshing! Take care Bryan!

[@BryanDeLay]

Hey Jennifer! Yes it is a beautiful place. I've been in the west since the first of August. Did 3 trips in the Winds, 1 in the Big Horn Mtns. and 1 in the Black Hills and going to do a 1 nighter in Nebraska. Then back to Tennessee. Hope you are having a great summer.

[@JenniferLupine]

@@BryanDeLay Sounds like a wonderful summer- I’ve gotten in a few day hikes, one backpack and maybe one or two more- we’ve had great weather.... can’t complain 😊😊

[@lisadadan937]

I am a new subscriber. I have to tell you I love your camera. So crisp and clear. Which one do you use?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Lisa for watching and subbing. Since last fall I've been using a GoPro Hero 8 Black. The year prior to that I was using the 7 Black. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@whshome]

Great video Bryan. I was wondering why you didn't go to Emerald Lake, thinking I probably would have, but you later explained it. Have backpacked there only once, a week in the late 1970's, need to go back. Heading to Mt Rogers tomorrow for an overnight with some friends, will see some open country like what you had. And finally, what is that backpack you're using currently?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Will! Also Emerald Lake was another 1,500 feet of elevation gain and I was concerned that it would be too cold for my clothing. My pack is a Zpacks Arc Haul. Have fun at Mt. Rogers! I haven't been there yet this year and need to go in the next few weeks.

[@oldunion]

Nice video Bryan. Tell me do you know your torso length for that Arc Haul, what size is it? Can you easily hit your head on the bar at the top if you look up? I am having trouble with sizing. Thx

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks tnprime! My torso length is a little over 21 inches and I have a medium Arc Haul. I've not had any issues hitting my head on the bar at the top of the pack.

[@oldunion]

@@BryanDeLay gotcha thanks, mine is a medium and I am about 19" or less. I think I need a short, when ascending I can easily wack the back of my head on that bar. Time to put 'er up on ebay! :(

[@mikeherring6960]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. I too like it when you use a map to demonstrate your route. I love that area of Colorado. How do you keep the bugs off of you at night? I don't see any bug netting in your setup. Keep the great footage coming.

[@BryanDeLay]

You're welcome Mike! I brought a bug net on this trip, but didn't use it because there were no mosquitoes.

[@RicG.]

Greetings from Middle TN. Are you traveling to East TN because that's your home, or are you going there to hike in the Smokies? Love your vids.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Ric G! I live in Knoxville.

[@RicG.]

@@BryanDeLay Cool. I'm in Nashville.

[@vincevarriale3294]

Forgot to add, sure is different than the green tunnel east !

[@BryanDeLay]

Yes, very different.

[@donaldbadowski290]

Last week my son and I did this trail, till it splits off to Emerald Lake trail, just past the bridge. Let me give you two pieces of advices. 1. Do NOT listen to the websites that tell you the trailhead is next to the parking lot on the east side of the reservoir. We drove all the way around it, looking for it. I was getting so frustrated I was about to leave. Then we met a nice guy on a 4x4 who told us the trailhead is at the end of the Pine River Rd., which is on the north side. He was right. 3 miles up the road is the parking lot and trailhead. 2. You must have a water filtration system with you. We had 3 liters of water each, and in August weather we got rid of half of that before we reached the bridge. We ended up boiling water out of the river, which was fine but took too long. Personally I think the water would be fine, coming right from the snowmelt where no cattle can get into it to give you giardia. But that's just me. The trail is listed as 10 miles to Emerald Lake, but only as the crow flies. There is so much up and down on this rock filled trail as to make it more like 15 one way. Good luck.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Donald for providing this information.

[@johnbarns548]

What brand of ground cloth are u using and where does it come from? Using tyvex sheet cut to tent footprint presently. Looks like yours is a Mylar material?

[@BryanDeLay]

It's a SOL emergency blanket from REI. The dimensions are 84" X 56" and cost $5.00. I usually get about 30 to 40 nights out of each one and then have to replace it.

[@chadroberts44]

Just wondering if you carry a GPS type device that allows communication in case of an accident or something. I’ve been thinking of getting me one. If so any advice on what to get? Great video as always. I’ve never heard of this part of Colorado, it looks fantastic.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Chad! Actually I don't carry a GPS device, although occasionally I'll use my phone to GPS the distance. My son is after me to get an InReach, so I'll probably get one in the near future.

[@rogerw.mangham9268]

Hi Bryan. I liked your video. What month was this filmed?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Roger! The trip started on 5.22.2020.

[@donnamylife1981]

Wish I could go there

[@BryanDeLay]

Hope you get to visit Weminuche Wilderness sometime.

[@thatdude4000]

How many miles was it total round trip? I loved this video!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Sammy! The total trip was about 20 miles.

[@thatdude4000]

I live in Denver and plan on doing this hike this summer!

[@BryanDeLay]

Hope you have a great trip Sammy!

[@thatdude4000]

Thank you very much! Did you take any kind of satellite rescue devices like garmin etc…..?

[@BryanDeLay]

Not on this trip, but last spring I got and InReach Mini, mostly to make my son happy.:)

[@cooper4205]

Maybe you’ve posted this in another video and I missed it, but what size tarp do you use?

[@BryanDeLay]

This tarp is a Mountain Laurel Designs Trail Star made of DCF. It's a five sided tarp and each side is 7 feet. I've had this tarp for about a year and prior to that I was using a Trail Star made of silnylon. Here is a video reviewing my silnylon Trail Star: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV6cZqRnoZeAopo.

[@draisvh5942]

Bryan DeLay which do you like better, the DCF or the Sil?

[@cooper4205]

Bryan DeLay thanks Bryan! Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. What are your thoughts on something like the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo vs just using a tarp and net tent? Any real difference between the two?

[@BryanDeLay]

Sorry to be so long in getting back with you Drais. Sometimes I don't get notices of replies to a reply. I prefer the DCF. Thanks for watching!

[@BryanDeLay]

I'm not familiar with Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, other than checking it out on their web page, so I can't really make a comparison. But it does appear that my tarp is larger. However a tarp is not for everyone.