Colorado Trail Thru-Hike 2022: Episode 5: Lake City to Durango

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

I have so much to say, but instead of saying it all I will just say, I love you brother and God Bless America and all that keep her free!

[@samreinke4000]

I finished the CT about two weeks before you this past September! I just loved re-living it through your videos. Thanks and congrats!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Congrats. Hope your time was magical! 🤘🕓

[@paulgammelljr6883]

great pics. impressive miles! . glad you got the time to enjoy nature...off to the next adventure...

[@LeonidasontheTrail]

The clouds were beautiful across the landscape after the rain!

[@EarlyRiser71]

So freaking beautiful. 🤘🕓

[@Glazehikes]

Thanks ER. Loved your CT videos. Planning for 2024 CT thru hike- your videos were super helpful. Peace and happy trails

[@jwsnma]

Congratulations and nicely done. The views were outstanding.!!. Hope all is we with the family

[@Dante07cid]

Colorado in general and this trail in particular speak to my soul. I really appreciate you letting us tag along. Absolute beauty. 🙏🏔🏕

[@bradyfitzgerald8510]

Thank you for your service. Never forget!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Brady.

[@phronsiekeys]

OK, I admit it, I saved this video for two weeks without watching because I didn't want it to end!! Day 20 was a beauty, and the opening shot is something else. Thanks so much, again, for sharing your journey.

[@garyaaron8425]

Congrats. And thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@kampersadventures958]

Congratulations brother!!! Man, I can not wait to finish this trail next Summer….well done, well done.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Such a unique and beautiful trail. 🤘🕓

[@billpowell5207]

Just finished Pushing North. It provided great strategies for my CT hike in 2024

[@JayFAdventures]

Heck yeah, brother! CONGRATULATIONS! Great video and a strong finish. Thanks so much for the time and work you put into sharing your journey with us!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Jay. Halfway through your podcast interview. Enjoying it! Appreciate you. 🤘🕓

[@EarlyRiser71]

Jay, saw your pic with Chief Bass as I was purusing LinkedIn. Jo and I were stationed together at the 24 STS in the late 90s. I was going through green team and she was a SrA in Ops. I would have never guessed she was the one to do what she's done. Impressive. On the other end of the spectrum, most of us knew Colon-Lopez would make it pretty high up. Anyway, hope you are well. It was cool to see your pic with Jo.

[@JayFAdventures]

@@EarlyRiser71 Great to hear from you, brother! Yes indeed…Jo has and will continue to do great things. Her and I weren’t in the compound at the same time, but we’ve worked together a lot over the past ten years or so. Was lucky to work closely with CZ too! I hope you and yours are well, brother. Life is good here!

[@grahames9228]

Well done. You certainly hiked through some great countryside.

[@mikecunningham2384]

Congratulations on another successful thru hike and thanks for sharing.

[@jukieb14jcfb17]

Cannot get over the beautiful scenery… and I know the camera doesn’t do it justice! Thanks for putting in all the very hard work so I could see it too. Great job, lil brother! You most definitely earned that charm for your sign. ❤

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks sis! Love the CT emblem!

[@rcboy42]

Amazing!! I watched every episode. I to one day want to do the CT. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@EarlyRiser71]

I might go do it again the opposite direction later this year. Such an amazing trail. 🤘🕓

[@Bibs123]

I just finished Early Riser's book, "Pushing North." It's an awesome read, and I highly suggest it to anyone that is considering a thru hike. The mental part is the challenge, and the suggestions in the book will greatly increase your chances of success. It's not just an account of his hike; it's a primer on mental side of hiking and life in general. It's a fun read, but it's also loaded with information that has already had a positive effect on my daily life.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Bob. Makes me feel good to hear you took some things away from it. Please consider leaving a review on Amazon if able. 🤘🕓

[@JulieGayheart]

Loved each CT episode! Thanks for sharing ER! 👊

[@shellkay]

Enjoying this hike immensely. May be my favorite of your series, actually. As always, your spirit, mindset, & approach to life truly inspire me beyond words. Thanks for sharing another awesome adventure just when I needed the mental boost. The quality of video is clearly the best you’ve put out yet. Keep em coming, ER!

[@vicmiera3277]

Walking up that dirt road out of the trailhead, I saw a moose walking across the trail, amazing animal. Great videos, just wait until you hit the San Juans. Cheers!

[@BarnCatGary]

Merry Christmas ER! Thanks for your service to the nation, and thanks for all you have done for the hiking community.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Well done once again! Spectacular vistas! Wanted to see a moose in the worst way but they alluded me on both the AT & LT! Thank you for sharing the journey ✌🏻

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

Great hike. You always bring it. Good or bad. Really bad when you don’t pack enough honey buns😉

[@EarlyRiser71]

The worst!!! 😁

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks for the videos, Congrats on completing the trail,,, I am pulling for Georgia to beat Tennessee

[@EarlyRiser71]

Tough game this weekend!

[@eddiesedventures...3106]

Dude, have seen a BOATLOAD of vid's on the CT, and have hiked it, and have to say, you did a hell of a job!

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Congrats bro not just on completing this epic trail but doing such an amazing job with the videos 👍🤘 I really enjoyed these videos - the CT looks absolutely amazing. I did think it was pretty funny on the forgetting that one last sticky bun 🤣. CT is one of the top 3 on my bucket list.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks bro. It will be tough to hike with no views again after this one. So different from East Coast hiking.

[@jonallenoutside]

Amazing job! What a great trail. If you ever do the Ice Age Trail I’d be happy to provide trail angel services!

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

congratulations on finishing your hike. Scenery was absolutely amazing. What app do you use to make your videos? I have a go pro 10 and am just learning how to use it.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Movavi on the computer for these, Power Director on my phone

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Man, no honey bun can really bite! lol CONGRATS ON THIS FABULOUSLY BEAUTIFUL AND HARD TRAIL! You rock!!

[@drsawmiller2]

Do you live in North Carolina or Georgia love watching your videos inspiring thanks once again

[@EarlyRiser71]

Grew up in GA, live in NC! 11🤘🕓

[@1961yoda]

Best yet. Which watch are you using? Which go pro set up. Thanks

[@EarlyRiser71]

Watch = Garmin Vivioactive 4 GoPro was the 8 black...it is now smashed. Gonna buy the 11 soon.

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi ER. Have watched your AT and Foothills Trail videos, enjoyed each playlist. Hoping to watch the Long Trail series as well. As for this one - very nicely done - both in hiking and filming. I love the way you combined your comments with a lot of views of what you saw! I've been hiking since the 70s, and now that I'm 70 - hoping to keep going. However, I'll need to keep the daily distance below 20 miles... 🙂 Also, I understand you are a military Vet - thanks for your service, and respect from a Navy Submarine Vet. God Bless to you and your family!

[@dustyroads3071]

Congrats ER. Thanks for bringing us along with you.

[@JJ-te6ek]

Great job ER. The scenery was amazing. Until the next time I will be praying for you and your family.

[@frankynodots]

Awesome!!! Congrats! Now finally show us your war face!

[@johnphelps8820]

What an epic trip! Thoroughly enjoyed your videos. Totally agree with you about the honeybun! They’re my favorite too in the morning

[@sheliasipes8321]

Thanks again for sharing this journey! The views I saw through your lens was absolutely amazing! I've been to Colorado but never got to see this side ! Congratulations on getting another one done. Until next time, take care.

[@OneEyeHikes]

Great job Trey! I agree these trail segments were possibly the most scenic of all. I spent 2 days in Silverton after reaching Molas. You crushed it! Now for the JMT and you will have completed the “Triple Tierra.”

[@ajschiessl2162]

Just binged watched this whole thru hike; I was a few days before you hiking the collegiate loop with my son. This makes me certain that a return to hike the whole CT is on the short list. You’re not a vlogger, you’re a videographer- thanks for the amazing content, for taking us along, and for the encouragement to keep pushing the boundaries we all artificially create for ourselves

[@EarlyRiser71]

Appreciate the words. I'm in Lake City taking a zero day and about to head into the San Juans again tomorrow to finish off a second thru hike. Glad you came along for the first one. 🤘🕓

[@Amy-gi7jo]

Just what I needed, thank you. Actually, thank you x 5, and a very belated congratulations on not only completing the CT - you smashed it! Colorado is my home state and it's wonderful to see those views again through the lens of someone who can understand how the beauty of those mountains can affect you. Thanks for choosing to come to Colorado!

[@EarlyRiser71]

So debating doing it again this year, but the other direction. The AZT is next on my wish list, but hard to get done in the month I can take off from work. The CT's views ruined me. It will be hard to ever hike out here in the east. 🤘🕓

[@georgedutton1462]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@eaglemtnmom1107]

Thank you and T. for your many years of faithful service to our country--the land of the Free and home of the brave!!

[@JohnPetrie]

Chili Ramen is 🔥! Good eatin' right there!!! Great video series and congrats on completing another thru.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Awesome seeing all the moose and elk. Awesome trail to hike, thanks for taking us along.

[@jeremiah1528]

You were upset about that honeybun 😆... 35:55 I thought you were going to say something....like life advice lol... something epic... I realized something.... my most egregious error these last foe hunnit and ninety miles.... The way you threw your hands up in complete disgust with yourself 😄 🤣.... Trekking poles flailing lol.... Coffee was just NOT the same lol....

[@HP_VDP]

Thanks for your efforts … i was looking for a trail to hike in2024 .. this will be it -- greetings from switzerland .. --

[@shellyfahren1936]

Great hike, great series! Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to get back out there this summer 2023!

[@trailtl5543]

Great video ER. Thank you!! Got to have those honey buns!!!

[@deathcar]

Crawler is back on YT.

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

Awesome journey !!!

[@leviryan3391]

This summer will be my first thru hike, I’ve done 7 miles in three night then back out. My life drastically changed June of 22. This summer I’m taking 5 weeks to SOBO the CT. Your videos are great. Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m looking forward to my journey.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Such a great trail. Hope you have a great experience.🤘🕓

[@jaapongeveer6203]

Found this in my recommendations! Glad KZbin knew I'd want to check them out. No surprise some awesome video; huge respect for the mileage you put in. 5 most enjoyable views; thanks for sharing.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Heading to Denver tomorrow to do it again!!! Can't wait. That trail beat me up, and I need that in my life. Gonna let it kick my ass again. Thanks for the comment!! 🤘🕓

[@iwouldratherbehiking]

Awesome video ER! Glad I got to cross paths with you a few times this trip. Wish one of us would have gotten some footage of the helicopter rescue when we were leaving Molas Lake. I kept in contact with the girl that was hurt, she ended up having a fractured hip and had emergency surgery after being airlifted off the trail. Keep hiking the good hike brother!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Damn, first time I've heard about the hip. You were the man that day!

[@Oceanwheel40]

Congratulations on completing your CT Journey. Your videography and narration and weaving it all together has never been better. The background music as well has been great. Awesome views, everything is so BIG out there. The Elk were cool too! I seriously enjoy watching and following your journeys not just for the fun and excitement, but to know that I am going to be taken to a new place and handed some new information. I hope your return home was safe. Whats next? The upper peninsula, Camino, Mount du Blanc Arizona Trail, or the little known, New England Trail??Would love to hear your follow up thoughts and as usual love hearing about the mental processes and work that we need to do to prepare for and complete a long hike. Keep up the great work and perhaps our paths will cross.

[@appalachianadventures1982]

Beautiful scenery, ER! You continue to inspire. Thanks for sharing your journey and I am looking forward to the next one.

[@barbaraodonnell122]

C O N G R A T S!!!

[@BarnCatGary]

ER, Thanks for your incredible book, ‘Pushing North’. I’m a veteran, planning my 2023 AT thru-hike attempt, and I can truly say that the most important part of my prep, more than what backpack, tent, quilt- was how to prepare my mind. ‘Pushing North’ is the perfect guide. Thanks and Happy Trails!

[@mooseliver1772]

Beautiful.

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Thx for sharing the journey! The CT is such a great gift. I just completed your book-such a positive vibe brother! Good better best never let it rest until your good is better then your best.

[@GreenieMeenie_97]

12:02 those were our llamas in the field along Elk Creek! This was my first exposure to the CT. I’m hooked. I feel a strong pull to attempt the thru hike in 2024. I just finished your book “Pushing North…”. I’m 53 and a bit worried about being able to physically complete the trail. More so, I’m concerned if I can mentally handle the thru hike. Your book encouraged me and provided tools to help strengthen my rider to properly guide the elephant. Thank you!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Those were your llamas? How cool is that? I was in pretty rough shape after that decent and was just looking for a camp spot. The llamas made me smile and took my mind off the pain train for a minute. The trail is hard, but doable. It's definitely worth trying. Start in Denver not in Durango. Thanks for giving Pushing North a shot! 🤘🕓

[@GreenieMeenie_97]

Looks like my CT journey this year may be go. I just wanted to ask if you recommend the Gossamer G4-20 pack? They are on sale through 3/24 at a good price for a guy on a limited budget. Thanks in advance.

[@EarlyRiser71]

@@GreenieMeenie_97 Awesome pack. Love it.