Backpacking The San Juan Mountains 4K | Weminuche Wilderness | Continental Divide Trail

This is a 6 day backpack through Colorado's San Juan Mountains. I am joined by my friend David "Coach" Knaus and my niece Christine "This Girl Hikes" (channel links below). Coach also brings his 8 month old Lab Buddy on the pups very first backpacking trip. We begin our trip at the Ute Creek Trailhead crossing the Rio Grande River. I've wanted to backpack the San Juan's for several years and they did not disappoint. The trip was a "lollypop loop" in which we intersected with several trails including the Continental Divide trail. Our overall elevation gain was close to 30,000ft over the 6 days and we crested the Continental Divide twice. The views and the wildflowers were breathtaking!
Christine's Channel:
/ @nomadunknown4766
Coach's Channel:
/ defcoord
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[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy this weeks video. I'm getting a lot of questions about the dead trees you see. It is unfortunately Bark Beetle kill. It is very sad to see. I hope that one day the forests will bounce back from this. Just thought I'd answer that so all of you could see.

[@TravelingPhotographer]

Incredible video Catherine. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@catfishnet]

I have a question. Is it fish in the Alpine lakes? Everything is so beautiful and I so desire to do this.

[@MountainFisher]

@@catfishnet Yes there are fish in most alpine lakes. A 12 inch fish is like 20 years old, unless it's a planted by plane fish. Most of those lakes are covered with ice for half the year.

[@glmaughan]

As a native from Colorado, I could not watch the entire video. The last time I was in the San Jaun mountains was 10 years ago. The devastation of the pine forests is horrendous and will only create fuel for major forest fires which ten years ago was not there. Were I do camp and hike a lot in Colorado is West of Fairplay and in the San Luis valley area. In those pine forests they have only just started to show any evidence of pine beetle kill. I love the many trips I have taken to South Eastern Utah, canyon hopping to find "ancient pueblo" ruin sites. Also note that I do love the way you do your videos.

[@dzjc01]

National Geographic did a documentary on the beetle kill in the Rocky Mountains and the primary cause is, yup, global warming. The winters are no longer cold enough to kill the beetle larvae, hence they live through the winter and spread during the spring. I live and hike in Colorado weekly and the beetle kill is devastating almost everywhere now. There are multiple universities working with the forest service to try and combat this, but nothing effective has been developed yet.

[@robertbird9735]

Your film making skills are second to none on KZbin. Love the music selections as well.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Robert!

[@lizdg3892]

Definitely developing your style.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

Agreed. Catherine really captures the beauty & puts in the work in editing to make a great production.

[@that1guycliff]

I really enjoy the way you transition between using silence then ambient sounds and then blending music with the ambient sounds. It adds to the great cinematography. I thought of Ansel Adams when you shared the shot at 21:08. Thank you.

[@TechOutAdam]

The San Juan Mountains are the most stunning I've ever seen in Colorado. Nothing else compares.

[@robertalynch5433]

I am going to my daughters house to watch this on their big screen TV. THANKS!

[@beach3girl459]

Never tire nor suffer from elevation on my "virtual" treks with you. Another breathtakingly gorgeous trip!

[@coniferousforests8030]

doggie is authentically happy out there being unleashed in the wild! I am so glad to see forest but also see people and dogs without muzzles !

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Yes, he was. He loved it!

[@sally..3242]

The beauty of God’s creation is never ending. Thanks for another awesome video!

[@danwhiteman2529]

What a way to enjoy my Sunday morning coffee, then with a great video! Happy Trails

[@defcoord]

Cat, I can only echo the wonderful comments from your loyal subsribers! Truly, another masterful video production... Your creative talent is off the charts. Buddy and I had the most pleasurable time accompanying you and Christine. Continued best wishes on all of your adventures.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Coach for accepting my invite and using your expertise of the area to plan the route. It was such a beautiful trip with great company.

[@rayleo8520]

Kudos coach. You're the man.

[@MevludeDunyas]

hello friend Backpacking The San Juan Mountains thank you so much

[@markkeller6635]

In this crazy often stress filled world it's always nice to be reminded of the beauty that is out there. Beautiful Catherine, simply beautiful!!!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

AWESOME VIDEO ! BREATHTAKING VIEWS SCENERY COLORS BEAUTY ! HOPEFULLY BUDDY GETS TO GO ON MORE TRAILS WITH YOU'LL. MORE EYES & A GOOD NOSE HELPS WITH LESS SURPRISES DEPENDING ON THE WIND , NOSE WISE ! GORGEOUS FLOWERS EVERYWHERE TOO.! THANK YOU ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS / BE WITH YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !

[@sandrachaidez4303]

Plain beautiful, thank you.

[@wadeschwartz4677]

Can't get enough of those views

[@Wondering_Fireball]

The great thing about Mac and cheese soup, you get a meal and rehydrate at the same time. The best of both worlds. Fuel and fluids! LOL

[@candybaxter8879]

Just beautiful! ⛺️🌲🏔

[@johnwilliams640]

Nothing but beautiful just like you Catherine...Thanks..💖🌷 stay safe.

[@karenhild7519]

Beautiful video....thanks for sharing this wonderful trip.

[@jameshuggins4300]

I've said it before but I'll gladly say it again. Thank you for sharing. Through your experiences I get to see places i may never see with my own eyes.

[@samuelchambers5]

Absolutely fantastic photography. My hat's off to you. Hopefully, at some point you will publish a book on some of the wonderful photos that you have taken during many of your most favorite jaunts. Stay safe.

[@johnkarlson8692]

Ur stuff is what is needed in this crazy world we are in these days - thank you Rembrandt!

[@timothyhays1817]

I am speechless. So much beauty to see, so little time. Thanks Cat for sharing.

[@buckwilliams4062]

Hi Cat and another gem of a video. You are definately getting to experience some of the best this country has to offer. Buddy seemed to be right at home on the trail too. Hope we have another coffee with Cat video next Sunday. Happy Trails

[@marianfrances4959]

Omg!!! Thank you for sharing all this beauty! Excellent 💜 photography, as we have come to well know you for. Good job, "team buddy!" 😉🇨🇦

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Marian!

[@InSurrealtime]

Always love your smile, even in the rain.

[@martinal.7488]

🙌 awesome ralaxing Sunday morning coffee in hand adventure ❤️

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Martina!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Awesomely beautiful video! Thank you for sharing your hike. Blessings

[@bigjim1327]

If they give awards for great videos of the outdoors...you win! I lived just over the mountain from Vallecito Reservoir for 8 years. You must have seen elk on your hike. Would like to see more wildlife but not complaining. This just made me homesick. Stunning video! Thanks for the ride.

[@stevetownsend3211]

Wonderful memories of this area. I first hiked Ute Creek in 1969.

[@DavidCoon1]

Reminded me why we love the Weminuche so much! 🙏🏼😇🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing...and “So Very Well” too!👍

[@OneEyeHikes]

What a wonderful video. Besides the beauty of the mountains, it is so refreshing to see calm amidst so much anger and bitterness in this world. Thank you for your talented work in which you bring to others in such a special way!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Tim!

[@gregprince2523]

Moose!!!!!! Bear scat and much much more!! Cat, Christine, Coach thanks for taking us along!!! Outstanding trip!

[@julieroyal6235]

Wide open spaces for days!!!!! So glad you had some extra company. Buddy is adorable!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

😻😻❤️

[@monicaausnit]

I really wanna go camping after watching your videos ⛺️♥️

[@sharonchavira6645]

Really enjoyed this video. The scenery was just spectacular!! We always enjoy the music. Such wonderful beauty. Thank you for all your videos. We really enjoy them

[@SkiCounseler]

Great video and trip. Backpacking with your dog as Coach was doing adds so much to the experience. It helps to see the experience through the dog's eyes as well as the peace of mind one gets knowing nothing will "sneak up on you" at your campsite. A dog is great security but the best benefit is they are good company.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Buddy was such a pleasure and so much fun to have on the trip.

[@anthonyspicer874]

Catherine the paths You're taking could possibly lead to your own tv show... Your videos are that good...

[@warrenwall7095]

Wow, great visuals, awsome lab pup ,so mature, thanks again for a great video.

[@reetz5624]

Another great video. Just subscribed to This Girl Hikes and loved watching Buddy on the trail. Dogs make hiking so much fun.

[@paulcahill4755]

As a pianist - I LOVE your background music :-) Also....sharing photos of the beautiful flowers along the way is awesome! We look forward to each and everyone of your videos. Your photography is amazing and inspiring! THANKS for sharing with all of us!

[@gregstravels1121]

I watched this video more than once. Thank You. You have such a talent.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Awe...thanks Greg!

[@fastgurrrl]

Wow, Cat. Magnificent is right.

[@joharmon2148]

I was in constant aww of this video. So much beauty in Mother Earth. I know that Sunday mornings will bring you and your awesome hikes. Thank you for keeping me going until I can get out again. Take care and be safe

[@marioswanson]

What a beautiful hike, the views were amazing

[@karennovak1168]

I have chills from the beauty you filmed! Very nice Catherine.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@walkingaroundcentralflorid1173]

so beautiful and so much info looks like an amazing trip! Thank you for sharing this.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Beautiful views, beautiful dog :)

[@desertrog1]

Wow! I enjoyed your video with my lunch break today. It took the stress right out of my day! God Bless you for sharing!

[@fatboywine]

Familiar trails and landmarks; thank you for bringing up old memories of wonderful people and times...

[@kellyjohnson3617]

So beautiful

[@Far-Beyond-Ordinary]

That was a splendid hike. I love that feeling of being snug in a tent on a rainy day. Sunshine or rain it is all wonderful.

[@grantbentley4177]

I notice directorial ideas like placing the camera inside the tent to give us that view of items being thrown at us in the tent. The music playing to the view of campers talking but not hearing what is being said. The slow pan from the boiling pot to the roiling storm clouds. This is what sets you apart.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Grant!

[@peteboldiesbutgoodies]

You go girl! Love, Peace & Happiness from me to you! P.B. Chi-Town (Chicago) U.S.A. in Gods Country we all stand strong and powerful!

[@lesfinch]

I see Buddy has excellent taste in picking a new friend. Smart puppy,😎😎😍😍😍

[@t1259sw]

When I want to clear my mind from all the negative things that are going on in America today I watch a Cat video for they are never disappointing of how God is good and we all need to be thankful for the things he has given us. Thank you Cat.

[@markshelby2141]

Thank you Catherine! The views are captivating! And I love the pup! Keep going!

[@badgerpa9]

very nice scenery. Thank you, stay safe.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Catherine, thank you for the tagalong. I really enjoyed this outing. Your photography and narration was excellent. Take care, be safe and always stay healthy. 🤗

[@jatraveler1277]

Sunday morning coffee, blueberry muffin and a stunning Catherine video. Mystical, Memorable and Magnificent. I did a Vision Quest in the San Juans many years ago. Thanks for the memories.

[@HikingwithGus]

Great video! Beautiful country for sure! I hike and backpack with my Cattle Dog every trip. I could not imagine hiking without him... Thanks for sharing, really enjoy your channel! Happy you are back out on the road.

[@cometsmom8943]

Thank you for this wonderful trip to the mountains. Why were so many trees brown? How on earth could anyone who watched this give it a thumbs down?!?!?! 🥰😄

[@cometsmom8943]

Oh I just read a comment from one of your other viewers and learned that some of the trees are brown because of the pine beetles. What a shame. They couldn't damper your excellent video though. Again, thank you.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much. I think the larger the channel gets, the more haters come with that. I get contacted by a lot of folks and maybe if I'm not able to respond or if I don't respond the way they'd like, they might give me a thumbs down. Just a theory, but I don't really know. They may just not like my video. lol

[@cometsmom8943]

@@CatherineGregoryAdventures Well, shame on them

[@leedanielson7452]

Comet's mom & Cat: I wouldn’t worry about thumbs down that doesn’t hurt your channel 1 bit, Some KZbinrs say it’s better than no thumb! If you watch KZbin constantly like me you’ll see the best vids ever made get thumbs down! 👍😝

[@WildMechanic]

can't decide what i like more, beautiful nature or this fabulous woman 😚 Anyway both were amazing. Great video!

[@joshmorris8895]

Wow this was such a beautiful video. What a fun and peaceful trip. Thanks for sharing! Canr wait for the next adventure!

[@bashajohnny3711]

You’ve done many videos Cat and this one rates at the top. 10+! The cinematography combined with music is awesome. What a beautiful dramatic movie 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Johnny!! 😀

[@4Score747]

I love just sitting here with a cup of tea and watching your channel. It’s healing. Keep up the awesome content ❤️ your subtle music is heart healthy 🤗

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Excellent wilderness, incredible scenery, great panoramic sweeps, great stills, beautiful music, great commentary! Again, thanks!😎💙💛

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@DadBodDrumming]

Somehow you manage to make even the rain look beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful trip.

[@doughutchison6382]

Another absolutely beautiful video. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and we pray you have a safe and wonderful week.

[@whisky2323]

I so liked when you said and.. that is taking a look back where we came from this morning.

[@rayleo8520]

That really was an amazing capture.

[@MeadowCreekFarmLife]

Wow! Just WOW! You had it all! Those moose were wonderful. Hopefully not "too" close. Binge watching your videos is a favorite past time for me. Thank you!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

😄😄😄

[@chuckborghoff8443]

We really enjoyed this trip with you.

[@perjrgensen8280]

Great video.. Greetings from Denmark, Northern Europe, the old Viking country.

[@carolinethequeen1745]

Again Catherine amazing images and sound. I really like it. Landscapes are really beautiful again . Love this green area and Flowers. I was with you during 30mn. Your films give me hope, hope we will recover that nature and live closed to it is the best thing to enjoy life. Caroline from France

[@rcz2023]

I just Love watching and hearing Your videos, every time I’m in My kitchen I yell at My Google HUB “OK Google Play Catherine Gregory KZbin videos” 😂

[@loripavlu9323]

Nice shot of the "Window". It's been awhile since I've been in that area. Hike on! 😊

[@texkatsw3531]

Thank you for not only this video but, all the others. You put so much effort into every one and we appreciate your hard work. With so much negativity in the world, you are reminding us that there is still beauty. Thanks again Cat. Safe travels and hiking to you. ~ Kat

[@randywilliams2043]

love your videos , the dead trees are wonderful , they are habitat for many critters......

[@sowhydontyou5061]

Amazing video and editing! Music is perfect-made a cuppa coffee and relaxed and enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@dixxebell]

Your best work ever Cat, it's Cinematography!! Just excellent. The wildlife and the flowers...and of course BUDDY the dog what a companion.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Wow! Thank you Sondra!

[@thelakeman5207]

I planned to do this trip in the 1980's but landed a good job so I was unable to go. Today, a bad knee makes this hike impossible for me. Thanks for your video, it was almost like being there!

[@PaulCarterArt]

Beautiful time capsule guys thanks for sharing the journey

[@NomadicNorthwoods]

SW Colorado is tough to beat. Great video.

[@wayneblanchard]

I have witness the destruction of our Colorado forest by the Pine Beetle over the last 45 years. Seeing your video showing the destruction shows how important it is to keep fires to a minimum in the back country. On a positive note, love how you can tell a great story through your editing.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you. It is so sad to see all the beetle kill.

[@timothyhaines556]

Technically controlled fires would kill the beetle. We don't need crown fires, but wet year fires could be a good thing.

[@leedanielson7452]

Good Lord Cat what a gorgeous video! I have never seen so many different types & colors of wildflowers wow! Loved the moose & deer too...You may not of enjoyed it too much but your video around the 22 min mark was soooo cool with the drizzle and fog! Really neat!😊 Also enjoyed seeing Buddy he looks & acts EXACTLY like my 3 yr old Yellow Lab “Baby”, he’s pure white and a little heavier though. Well Cat once again you were the highlight of my week as always! Thanks sooo much for all your hard work, time and money spent traveling around to make these videos! You have thousands of fans who love you for it!!! 🥰😊👍🌲⛰💦🏕🦌💨🌼🌸💐🥀🌲🏕

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Loran. Buddy was a fun addition to our trip!

[@elsaparsons4444]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip with us. The music, coupled with the video footage, made for a breath taking video that made it feel as though we were there with you. Colorado looks like an amazingly beautiful state - and one I’m determined to visit one day soon. You are an inspiration

[@GraceHappens]

What a beautiful place! The wildflowers are amazing and Buddy the dog sure is cute.

[@burgesskj]

Lovely! Thanks for sharing.

[@rodscherich9973]

Another gorgeous video adventure! Thanks for sharing Catherine!

[@pamelaandrade6930]

Another spectacularly beautiful video, love seeing your beautiful smile, thanks so much for sharing, sending much love, stay safe.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@tommarin1924]

Having lived in Pagosa Springs for 10 years and Montrose for another 2.. I will always believe the San Juan's are the most beautiful anywhere...with the Grand Tetons coming in a close 2nd. Simply phenomenal views.

[@petermentes63]

This trip is on my solo list thank you for showing it. Be safe and healthy.

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hello my friend hope you are well and having a great Tuesday so far. Beautiful music to amazing scenery. Wow this place awesome. Fantastic footage. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us really appreciate it, keep safe and take care my friend catch up soon God bless you 👍🙏❤️

[@janicem4382]

An incredibly beautiful hike, thank you for sharing it with us.

[@1ACL]

I live across the San Luis Valley in the foothills of the Sangre DeChristo mountains. Been looking over that way since I moved here...maybe time to go! Beautiful video, thx.

[@57koop]

Cat, every time I watch one of your videos I say to myself they can’t get any better than this! And then you do a video like this simply awesome and I know the effort you put into making these videos and we all want to thank you for doing so. Like I’ve said time and time again your video work your music your narration are second to none and because I cannot hike anymore because my body will not let me do so I can’t wait to see your next videos because now I can hike through your eyes and your videos so for that I thank you

[@leedanielson7452]

@57koop great comment!👍😊

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much! 🙏🙏🙏

[@MikeandTracker]

Beautiful production! Super editing and composition throughout!

[@paulmccumber9291]

Best Weminuche hiking/backpacking vid yet. Really. Thanks

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much!

[@charlesduncan6529]

Finally back on the trail again, good to see! As always another great video Ive come to expect nothing else from you, you,ve got the eye now!!!!!

[@takinittoothewoodswithjr875]

Looked like a lot of fun. Thanks for making the video. 👋 from Florida