Hiking Pettingell Peak & Free Solo the Citadel! via scenic Herman Gulch [4K UHD Cinematic]

[@jasonthomas16]

Most fun hiking channel on KZbin.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thanks Jason! This one just came together for me. I was actually worried that I'd never top it. . . .Then on the next trip nature swooped in and gave me a hand. . . or hoof really! I guess I have some serious dumb luck. . . .

[@rippen1982]

This video was VERY well done!! I did Pettingell last July and The Citadel just yesterday. A VERY spectacular summit, one of my most recent favorites. I found very mellow routes(Low 3rd class, minimal exposure) for each but that was after goin up the "grassy ramp" on the NW summit for The Citadel. As you mentioned, a pretty intimidating area, and that ridge you did looks SUPER spicy. One of which is way outside of my comfort level and skillset. I found after decent back off the saddle into upper Herman gulch, when the trail fades. I cut pretty direct N and was able to miss the swampy area. Theres a fairly defined trail that runs all the way to the the small pond below The citadel and I was able to use it.. I just subbed to your channel, again, GREAT content here. Appreciate your down to earth/humble assement and beta. GREAT stuff.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thank you so much! and I always appreciate your input too! Undoubtably your comments here could help someone enjoy this route. . . I kinda wish I went north early on that descent after hearing your success.

[@ruggedland]

Was looking at both peaks from top of Sniktau yesterday. They will definitely get on my hiking list for next summer when the flowers are out

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

And you’ll love it! There is info in the comments if you don’t want to do the free solo. . . It was some big exposure as well. . . Enjoy brother!

[@JeanieMarie]

Wow!! Amazing! What a different perspective for Herman Gulch from the top!! Very cool!!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

I’m so happy you enjoyed the ride! If you ever want to chat about editing and such I’m here for you. Which editor do you use? I use DaVinci and love it.

[@JeanieMarie]

@@KarlDeckerPresents Definitely loved it!! All the different angles you get are amazing! What gear do you use? I currently use my phone for most footage and a Canon 400mm zoom lense for close ups. I use Filmora for my editing!!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

@@JeanieMarie I used to use a Panasonic G85 with wide and zoom & 5x tele Lens all at 3 lbs but, I have found an I phone 11 or 12 pro with 2x tele works better for me, way better stabilization, easy, light, fast and darn close to the same quality. . . and GoPro 9 on a long selfie with built in mini tripod, so versatile, relatively cheap, quick and tough, they do everything I need. A Mavic mini 2 drone as well, thought to learn how to fly is tough but, even more simple shots can come out great. Some advice for you, with short clips and many scene changes, it is good and holds attention but, if they are switching fast I would try to make sure adjacent clips have the subject in roughly the same place on the screen so the viewer will be looking in the right spot on the screen for the short glimpses on those quickies. . . I have heard good thing about Filmora. .

[@JeanieMarie]

@@KarlDeckerPresents Nice!! Yes, I was using a regular camera way back in the day for my videos, but quickly realized my phone worked better, better stabilization, convenience and it shoots 4k. I have a Samsung Galaxy S10+. I've considered a GoPro just haven't researched it enough. I also almost bought a drone, but then saw all the drone laws in Colorado and quickly decided not to do that LOL. So great to connect with you! Looking forward to more videos!

[@davidhughes7256]

Just did this a couple weeks ago... Stayed right in the chimney on the crux section, was really nice. Awesome day out. Thanks for the info!!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Yeah man, appreciate the comment, glad it was helpful, one of my personal favorite areas!

[@petr-podrouzek]

Absolutely fantastic, my friend !! :-)

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

I hope we can do something together.

[@AmericasParks]

Sweet surroundings and fantastic camera work! Be careful out there, my friend!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

It already too late! I ruptured a biceps ligament in my elbow self arresting on steep snow last week. Bad call to willing slide down where I did. Saved my self from much worse though. . . Surgery Friday. I do feel very solid on rock but no more steep snow for this guy! This trip was awesome for me, exciting easy climbing, mini2 dominated at 13,500+! As well as 14,500 yesterday. 2 months till hiking, 3 months till easy rock, 4 months I’ll be at full power. . . After the operation. I hope all is well with you!

[@AmericasParks]

@@KarlDeckerPresents So sorry to hear that, buddy! Your body is strong and I trust you'll make a full recovery in a reasonable amount of time. Fight the temptation to go back too early!

[@PilotEJ401]

The drone footage IS creative, thought through, and absolutely spectacular...your hard work is appreciated!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thank you Eric, I really enjoyed that trip! For such a convenient adventure it was super awesome!

[@Squidinc2]

Great climbing 🧗‍♀️ & brilliant flying as usual. Loved the soundtrack as well on this one. 👍🏻🏅🏅🏅

[@radhesvlogs1288]

Excellent superb

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thank you my friend, I hope my camera moves will give you some ideas for your channel!

[@hermannschraut87]

Amazing ...thanks for sharing this Climb ..love you Drone videos i got A2 i love to enjoy your Adventures

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thank you my friend, there are definitely many more on the way! Happy flights

[@nickkowalczyk7644]

Awesome video! Great shots & brilliant drone footage as always

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Big thanks Nick! I really had a great time making this video. Amazing place!

[@jacobbaum4561]

The drone footage was awesome!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Please come see you some of the most recent videos, I think you’ll be at least as impressed with the drone footage! Karl 👍

[@jacobbaum4561]

@@KarlDeckerPresents nice I might do that, I plan on doing the citadel with my dad this Saturday via the East ridge route. So I'm hyped to summit the citadel.

[@EliteManMonkey]

@@jacobbaum4561 What drone do you use? Seems like great wind control and battery life

[@InspectAzmi]

Great video Keep sharing your amazing adventures Stay safe Greetings from Qatar

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thank you brother, I highly recommend you check out Ruby Mountain to Grays Peak, it was my best adventure to date! Totally magical.

[@InspectAzmi]

@@KarlDeckerPresents will do great channel

[@maivang870]

Citadel looks daunting!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Yes it does, in person too! One of my favorites, Karl 👍

[@mdub54321]

Really awesome flying! Nice work.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thanks brother, you’ll be there in no time if you choose to work at it! It been great fun and learning for me!

[@mdub54321]

@@KarlDeckerPresents I really appreciate your work. I notice you have a lot of ‘scenes’. I think I saw that you keep your MA2 in your hip pack. I might have to do that. It’s a pain for me to get mine out of my back pack & all set up, so I usually don’t fly too much really. Thanks again!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

@@mdub54321 That is exactly how I feel about the Backpack. . . still a bit of a pain to set up but finding a nice elevated place to sit comfortably so set up is quick safe and secure while using the hip pack as a third hand is the way I do it. Hand launch too but BE SURE the drone lifts off, never let your hand down even as it feels almost weightless, that mistake cost me my air 2, bounced at my feet and off a cliff. . . .

[@cwking500]

Man ,I love your work. I hope to spend a couple of weeks out there in the middle of September

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Thanks Carl! I think September is one of the best times, a bit chilly but, minimal bugs!

[@rccola4600]

Great video! Is there a way to traverse east or west and skirt the class 5 toward the Citadel? (Not that you were looking for that, but I'd be curious if other routes were available)

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Honestly, I was not focusing on the surrounds but the customary route is definitely to go the opposite direction I did and do a short rappel right down the line I climbed up. A skinny rope + harness and you'd be good to go. It was one cool summit. . . actually two!

[@sha0lin1]

Yes you pronounced it wrong it is like it sounds Pet-ten-gill gill as in fish gill. It's ok though I am used to people mispronouncing my name lol.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Oopsy, are you somehow related to the first ascent or something similar? Cool place for sure!

[@sha0lin1]

@@KarlDeckerPresents More then likely a distant relative, my last name is not a very common one but there are many different spellings of it due to semi literate people in the 1600's when my family first came here. For instance my family spell our name Pettengill, but others are spelled Pattengill, Pettingell, Pattengale etc., a few variations. Funny coincidence that I came across this video, I am leaving for State Forest State Park and RMNP in just a couple of days, I had no idea there was a peak in Colorado bearing our name till I saw your video so thank you. I might try to do this but it is very far away from where we are staying.