Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) Backpacking - Grand Lake CDT Loop - September 2016

For my final 'big' western US backpacking trip of 2016 I went solo to Rocky Mountain National Park to take on the 30-mile Continental Divide Trail loop that starts in Grand Lake, Colorado.
I've always wanted to do a backpacking trip in RMNP but it's never made it to the top of the list, primarily because they don't allow dogs in the backcountry. But doing it as a solo trip made that possible in September 2016. I chose the Grand Lake 'CDT Loop' because it's popularity makes it a good candidate for one of my videos, and because it is one of the few 'natural' multi-day loop hikes that RMNP offers.
This was a rough one, and quite a learning experience for me. I re-learned basic lessons about wearing enough clothes, drinking enough water, eating enough food, and paying attention to the trail and your body. And because I piled one mistake on top of another, in conditions that will slap you down when you make mistakes, I learned what real fear feels like. Fortunately the weather was perfect and the trails easy when I hit the low point or it could have been much worse. The 6-mile above treeline stretch on the Grand Lake CDT Loop is no joke!
Similar to my other recent backpacking videos, this one is also roughly one hour in length with a 10 minute slide show at the end. It is meant to be an 'immersive' experience that allows you to come along with me on the trip. If you aren't interested in 'riding along on my shoulder' for an hour of video, just skip to the last 10 minutes of still pictures and you'll get a good overview of our trip.
Still Camera: Nikon D700 with Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens
Video Camera: Canon Vixia G30 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13
HDR Software: SNS-HDR Pro
Music:
"Already There" and "Learn to Fly" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/
"These Moments" by Nicolai Heidlas

[@player-ic9yj]

he seems like such a sweetheart, kind, good-natured man

[@mindywong3839]

I started tearing when music started at the end coupled with 50:51, 51:15, 51:48. First prize goes to 56:31. That's what suffering is for - the reward. Imagine waking up to 56:31 every morning. Your videos make life hopeful...that someday I can hide myself somewhere there forever.

[@josephbrecheisen6339]

Being a Colorado Native I'm proud of this hike you did, not many can handle it as well. Well done David! Always look forward to your videos, continued blessings to you and your family as well as the dogs.

[@karukun0212]

That was my honeymoon hike, back in 1981. Listening to David here, you would think he is on Everest. I did this with my 18-year old bride, poking along for about 6 days; was a magical trip. She freaked at the wind on top of Flattop, and I told her it is just wind--don't sweat it.

[@lilyianlee3404]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing the pros and cons of your trip.

[@danjammo8431]

How could I not say thank you. That was one hour of pure entertainment. Great camera work and narration. Thanks for sharing your adventure David.

[@mindywong3839]

Before I can convince myself to leave all the creature comforts to hike like you, I will happily just watch your videos to satisfy my immense love for nature. This place is very beautiful.

[@WhatsMyGear]

love this, I'm planning a trip there in 2022, you inspired me to start posting all my trips on my channel. Thanks for your hard work to capture this and post it to youtube.

[@kitsva]

Thank you sharing your trips. Very inspirational and I can't wait to replicate one of your amazing backpacking trips.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Loved finding your stuff! Just whatI needed to get through January! Thank you for sharing your trips!!!

[@JayHill615]

I love the video. I really feel like I'm there, and without actually doing so this gives a great idea of what to expect from the locations you visit. Keep moving forward!

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thanks for another great video. Glad you were able to soldier on and share the experience with us. Take care

[@jspoutdoors6945]

Really enjoying your videos. You have been to some beautiful place. Thanks for making them. They are a good way to spend boring winter days while waiting for the spring hikes.

[@briscohikes1889]

Great video David. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@ericerickson6633]

I live a short two hours from the start of your adventure. Great call. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@danamichelleallen1357]

You seem like a great person. Really enjoyed watching your video hiking in CO. Thank you for this, and Happy New Year!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I loved the video. I was definitely worried for you with the lightheadedness and nausea. It seems like you had a bit of altitude sickness. Glad you made it out okay. The situation could have been much worse. Beautiful scenery. Colorado is on my list. Living in Southern California, I spend quite a bit of time in the Sierras. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos. Hiking season has slowed down with the arrival of winter, so the videos get us through until next season. Thanks for sharing!

[@jasonwiser4711]

Great video. You had me worried there for a bit too. I'm very happy you pulled through. Great job on keeping a straight head and treating what you could. I have really enjoyed watching your adventures. They have been very inspirational. I will look forward to watching more. Thanks for what you do!

[@davidgrayin]

You're very welcome and thank you for watching. There were some scary moments on that 2nd day but I have certainly learned, and improved, from the experience. I guess it's those type of life experiences that pound a little more 'wisdom' into you!

[@edbowen8287]

Great video. Beautiful scenery. thanks for posting.

[@JAH.1103]

The sound of that water is priceless💚

[@adkkev]

I've found that every hike, regardless of where it is, is a learning experience. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@davidgrayin]

That is very true - I also learn something from every trip. And like they say 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'! I'm not likely to forget some of the lessons from this trip anytime soon, and I'm hoping that perhaps some people planning to do this CDT Loop in the future will find this video, and be able to learn from my mistakes.

[@tincupco]

My wife and I hiked in RMNF last week. We did not camp but enjoyed beautiful Colorado with the spring snowfall they had the previous week to our arrival. We saw at least a hundred elk, some Mule deer and a mother black bear and 2 cinnamon colored cubs. Colorado is the best. Your video content and quality is excellent.

[@556brian1]

Great video Dave! Glad you pulled through. Looked a little sketchy for you on day 2. Glad you were able to stay calm and push through it. Bought plane tickets for me and my 16 year old son last week with the hopes to do a 4 night loop. This one might be it!

[@billseay6399]

Beautiful just beautiful

[@eakinj]

Awesome video. I'm both happy and sad I found your videos, happy because they are great and well done - and sad because I don't know when I'll be able to get out and camp again. Which brings me back to happy because at the very least I can watch this cool trips you take.

[@krbutube]

Great stuff, David! Enjoyed it even though you were feeling a little rough. Hope you can get one more in before the winter season. Take care!

[@kcoguitar8059]

I love your videos man!!! I moved to Colorado about 2 years ago and I can't wait to explore some trails here. Thank you for the videos they will be helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@JAH.1103]

Hey I'm thinking about moving to colorado after I finish nursing school here in cleveland ohio. What are the pros and cons of moving there and what can I expect?

[@shcmoly]

Above the treeline in the Rocky's is just eerie, an alien world where a human does not belong. The meadows on the last day were magnificent. Beautiful trip David!

[@darrenparkes9805]

Daz from Australia, have enjoyed watching your hiking trips, very professionally presented ,nice long formats allow one to become immersed in the trip itself , beautifully filmed

[@stingrayshark9373]

Another great video. I envy you with all the trips you've taken. Great way to live life!

[@susanbrown2909]

I’d so get lost out there lol. Your my favourite hiker David.

[@aklags]

I like the way you include the stills at the end of your videos. They look great. I'll be in CO this summer for a few backpacking trips, might give this one a shot.

[@FatherGoat]

Another great video David, thanks for bringing us along. Also, thank you for keeping the camera up even after you became ill. My very first backpacking trip included some fairly serious heat sickness which transformed my nice walk in the woods into a death march. Though a different than what you were dealing with, I completely understand the feeling (and I didn't do nearly as good a job at keeping the camera running).

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

What a trip! I can't imagine having to fly to those kind of hikes. I've got them in my backyard in the PNW. I started the video thinking this year I would finally stop forcing my kids to go and just follow your suit and go alone. Then seeing your day two I decided I'd need a Spot device if I did. I wouldn't consider the hammock added weight in my pack as I ditched my tent a year ago. Love how well your Challenger fits over your big puffy coat. Mine barely fits over my Ghost Whisperer thin puffy. Oh and you handled that injury perfectly. Glad it all worked out. Great video to tide me over during the winter. Thanks for sharing.

[@ajkylen]

thank you david my wife and i always enjoy the videos

[@disco07]

That was a fine hiking vid and I enjoyed the trip loop. It was actually very exciting.

[@Linnelly]

This is such wholesome content. Great editing, i really felt like i was on the hike with you. Im moving to CO in november i cant wait to live there

[@ferdrewflores3612]

How is Co Pumpkin ?! 😁😁🙏🕊️

[@steveforsythe9264]

David love your videos...the trips and your camera work are superior by far. Also, the still photos at the end are the perfect recap of your travels and the beautiful scenery along the way. Thank you for posting. I could keep watching if your videos were 2 hours long!!

[@DS-pj3hu]

Would absolutely love to hike this someday. Thank for posting this.

[@Sheepdog9272]

Just hiked 12 miles of this same trail last week with my girlfriend. Chose this trail because of this video. Even hit up the bakery and had that bacon/egg/cheese croissant before the hike. Best trail I have been on and the views were amazing.

[@virginiaf.5764]

Hello David - I was surprised to see how late in the season you did this trek - you're lucky you didn't encounter snow. I recognized all the spots you passed and it's nice to see them again. The East Inlet trial is every bit as beautiful and has some really nice close in campsites. When I lived in Grand Lake, I could strap my backpack on and hit the trails - no permit needed, fires allowed … it was easier then. No matter what the weather, it typically clouded over and rained every afternoon, keeping fire concerns low. So different now with the weather patterns, the numbers of people who use the trails. I'm still in Colorado on the front range, but Grand Lake is my home town, and I miss it all the time.

[@explorationnorthwest]

Hey David, this is Frank from FB Wonderland Trail. I am heading out to do this exact hike 2 weeks from now. Thanks for doing such a great job chronicling your adventures. Take care....Frank

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Wow, just wow! I’m so glad you got back to the car ok! That must have been brutal. Absolutely gorgeous views though.

[@BCK2318]

Hey, just found your videos! I want to start doing bigger hikes so I'm watching all of your adventures to get a bit educated. Thanks for posting!

[@JohansenProductions]

Great energy and spirit man! Inspirational

[@ianmandel352]

First off i wanna say Thank God you were ok on that 2nd day, man watching this video had me worried ..But as always ,thank you for sharing this beautiful craaaazy backpacking trip with us David ....btw i like that new blue patagonia jacket you were wearing.. Cant wait to watch your 2017 backpacking trips !!

[@christopherhuffman]

I hiked those trails about twenty years ago. Would love to get back there!

[@TJTAMPA2000]

That was a blast; next best thing to being there! Thanks, glad you're ok ;)

[@patrickbryanoutside7416]

Great stuff, hope you're feeling better, thanks for sharing.

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Sorry you got so sick! was worried! I live in Colorado and I love RMNP .. have never been on this trail from Grand Lake. It was really beautiful.. You have wonderful photography!

[@potatothorn]

that pass was a rough crossing but awesome views.. OW on that knee, ugh sorry to see that. great video and photos thanks for putting this together for us

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks for sharing David.love all your trips.wish i could join your trip.

[@danieb01]

spend some days on the nature like this give you realy sensation of freedom

[@ronwarren5085]

David good job another really nice video. You took a bad fall but recovered nicely. I really like your work with the camera. Again nice job

[@conniejohnson9511]

Another great video but so sorry you were feeling pretty sick. The very last thing you needed was the injury to your shin. So glad you were able to make it back to your car. That’s what scares me a bit about hiking alone for anyone. Take care. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. I absolutely love your videos.

[@willyd.1344]

Thank you. I love your videos. They keep me company. Feel like I am there. You could make them longer and I wouldn't mind.

[@michelelara5982]

excellent vid, I appreciate that you didn't leave out any details. very cool... we hope to go in Dec 2016

[@DrJohn493]

Watching some of your Colorado trips over again...about the only way I'll be enjoying Colorado this summer. Even your re-runs are fun to watch. The year of the virus is a good time to staycation.

[@mikehuber2480]

Great video. I’m a Colorado native. I’ve taken many of the Colorado hikes you’ve shown. Nothing like it.

[@brianflowers2517]

awesome video. I really liked how you showed clips of the town, restaurant, cabin and plane ride and not just the hike itself. you showed the whole experience...

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you! That is exactly the feeling I'm trying to capture - i.e. have those viewing the videos feel like they are along on the trip, and not just the hiking portions of it. I think it's worked for those trying to 'live vicariously' through the videos, as well as for people who are thinking of replicating the hikes - it gives you a good idea of all that's involved, and not just walking the trails. I'm just about finished with the 2018 Wind River Range video, and you'll definitely get a taste of all the non-hiking logistics that were involved in that trip!

[@brianflowers2517]

thanks again David and I just wanted to add that I really enjoyed watching your hike thru the treeline. that was surreal, I only wish I could've felt that wind and cold as it was...

[@vegasdavetv]

well done David. as always, loved the video

[@floridaofiowaaerialsandpho1440]

Nice video, and great photo composition!

[@julie3026]

Wow, another gorgeous place! Glad you kept your wits about you and could administer first aid yourself! Love your videos, very inspiring! We recently went to Indiana, not as flat as we thought it was! Looking forward to your next shared adventure!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, and thanks for watching. You must have been in southern Indiana! The southern half of the state is quite hilly, and pretty scenic. The northern half of the state, including where I live near Indianapolis, is mainly farm land and quite flat.

[@julie3026]

Yes, we were in Bedford, IN for an interview. Looks like there are some interesting places to explore there too! I've often wondered what you do to be in shape enough to tackle the steep terrain when you live in flatland. I can only guess a lot of stairs and avid hiking!

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Mountains have a way of showing us who's boss.....The altitude and wind can grind you down to desperate with the quickness.....Great job....

[@richinjapan1754]

Great video....great story. Thanks. Reminds a lot of Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowas of NE Oregon.

[@pattyman313]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelputnam7223]

Thanks for video! Going to do this hike early June. Now I get a sneak peak!

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

I had this situation on a hike once where I didn't care about continuing. Even the thought of dying didn't seem to phase me at all. It was the scariest and strangest hiking experience I've ever had. I ate & drank and continued for another 20 min, then sat down and just DGAF. I ate the rest of what I had and drink more and then ended up feeling amazing and ran the trail the rest of the way to the car. Only a 5mi in / 5mi out hike, but holy hell it was so scary to me. Your day #2 brought back some of those feelings for me. Glad you made it ok!!

[@Aviorwolf]

Great videos, David!

[@dereksprigler3317]

Man grand lake and lake Granby is really neat. I went this April, and both were frozen solid. Me and all my friends stood on them both. What an experience

[@mazpr2025]

Good work, definite thumbs up.

[@michellecalling]

I enjoyed your journey and I'm glad that you made it back safe. Gatorade or even Pedialyte is good for restoring electrolyte balance.

[@gabrielameza8350]

Awesome video as always!

[@grub32]

Awesome vid, thanks for sharing

[@Byrod1]

This is David Gray video about David Gray, very little National Park. The whole thing is DOOMED !

[@BryceNewbold]

Great video man. Your vids have come a long way. I remember watching your Shawnee video with your son and dog years ago. I too had a pretty bad Shawnee experience this past August that i documented on my channel. The result of mine was hundreds, mayb thousands, of seed ticks all over me. It was a learning experience to say the least. haha .. Keep up the good work!

[@joesugarman1355]

Whoa, looks like you had two knee caps! Quite an adventure. Glad you made it out in one piece. I'm thinking you should put together a compilation video of you drinking Dunkin Donuts coffee at various campsites around the country. Enjoyed the video, as always. Looking forward to the next one.

[@mindywong3839]

I joined an 18-day hike in Nepal years ago. 14 of us, 4 guides, 10 cooks and porters. I need to have alot of people around to assure me that I will not get lost.

[@Aviorwolf]

Definitely altitude effect. Great video!

[@MrTmax74]

Great vid David. Was kinda sketchy for a little while there! What a grand adventure though. I still dream of having the time and fitness level to be able to do an adventure like this. And I liked that montage at the end. tx

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

I felt bad for you! It is scary to be in the middle of nowhere and feel crappy, especially after you fell! Wonder if you had a bug of some sort. Glad you made it in one piece and no bears snacked you down in your puny state! Thanks for posting the video.

[@asiam7436]

A month ago I got into some trouble of my own making. I was paddling solo in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. I was low on food, ironically low on water, a 12+ hour day and I never did make it to camp. Long tough day but I did it.

[@1stoutdoors875]

If you ever make it to NC mountains or SC let us know, amazing trails here. We go just about every weekend

[@96money96]

I really enjoy your vids. I am from Southside of Indianapolis. I am going backpacking in the Charle's Deam Wilderness Friday to Sunday. I have been there, to Indian and Celina, and Morgan/Monroe. I also like to camp and learn bushcraft at my lake cabin. The outdoors are great! Would like to go out west or Appalachian trail soon!

[@kristinslauter]

I literally feel like I know you after binge watching all of your videos. Bring on the cheddar cheese spread & Dunkin Donuts coffee! Great job on this hike! I have been hiking & backpacking in RMNP for 17 years & know it like the back of my hand. You seem like you would be awesome to backpack with, so if you ever need a guide or have any questions about the area, I would love to meet up with you. My hiking partner & I always have a blast on all our trips. We’re going the first week of August & the third week of September this year.

[@theadventuresofgibby7823]

Another great trip video. I'm surprised you managed to keep shooting video while you were suffering so much on day 2. That looked like a textbook case of altitude sickness. The west side of RMNP looks so less traveled than its eastern side, yet is so beautiful in its own right. Happy Trails!

[@davidgrayin]

I agree - I've had to help a few people who were 'sick' (nausea) with altitude sickness, and the symptoms were identical. I certainly think the altitude played a part, but I think in my case it was made worse by other factors - hypothermia, dehydration, electrolytes out of whack, and not eating enough. And you're right that it was tough to find the motivation to pull the camera out when I was at the lowest point - and I really filmed very little of that entire time (which was sad because it was very impressive scenery).

[@rogerlamb536]

Awesome video, it was like watching a many movie

[@mac2808]

love this video!!

[@mindywong3839]

David echoed my sentiments perfectly at 19:58.

[@gregr501]

WOW, what a awesome trip you had! Glad your knee was good on the last day. That's scary getting hurt when hiking solo. Hopefully what ever was causing the sickness has gone away too. I was in that area about two weeks before you, I was with a large group in the beginning, started with 13 at Longs Peak TH and finished with 4 at Grand Lake TH. When we went across Flattop Mt the wind was like nothing I'd ever hiked in, it was 42° with a wind chill of 27° I was told. Those double rock cairns were so cool, I felt like I was walking on a Lord of the Rings movie set. We camped the last night at July campsite, we were told the lake you set at on your the first day had moose in the day before we got there but we didn't see any...ugh! :-( Thanks for sharing your trip, I only took pictures so it was very touching to see video of the trail. Brought back some cool memories. Happy trail.

[@davidgrayin]

Long's Peak to Grand Lake! Wow, what a great trip that must have been. Sounds like the conditions you had near Flattop Mountain were nearly identical to what I walked in, and I know exactly what you mean about it all looking like a movie set - amazing place. And I couldn't believe I didn't see something... anything!... at that lake. It looked like the perfect large animal habitat. Not surprising that someone saw a moose there, just wish it were me seeing it! Thank you for watching, and for the kind words.

[@juancarlosarce5599]

amazing! wish I could join you on a journey like that.

[@ferdrewflores3612]

Did it Juan ?!

[@ericf8664]

I really dig your videos.. Also I live in Greenwood, IN.. and love colorado!

[@msimmons223]

I was literally there yesterday place is so cool have to check this trail out next time im out there

[@Aviorwolf]

Totally agree with the altitude sickness diagnosis.

[@twobucketsprospecting7350]

awesome

[@karukun0212]

David, great videos. I did this one as a honeymoon in 1981--nice to see it looks like it did! I have done almost every trip you have done--great minds think alike... Try Titcomb Basin in the Wind River range next, maybe.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you and great suggestion on Titcomb Basin in the Winds - that was actually on my really 'short list' for possibilities in 2016, and I had been thinking about it for my trip with my son Christian is 2017. With your 'plug' for it I'll have to give it some serious consideration. If I go with Christian and the dogs it will mean a driving trip, and the Wind River Range is quite a bit further for me, but I absolutely love that area of Wyoming and have had it on my 'bucket list' for a long while. Thank you.

[@jamesbarclay4433]

Thank you for sharing your videos, they have become an inspiration to for me to finally realize my own dream of wilderness backpacking. Next month I'll be hiking for 3 days/nights in the Bear Lake area at Rocky Mountain National Park. I'll be going with 5 other friends as part of a bachelor party for me. It'll be my first backpacking adventure and I'm beyond excited. Looking forward to what's in store for you in 2017. I know it doesn't have the mountains, but have you ever been to Isle Royale National Park? It's a backpackers paradise, and offers tremendous solitude. Hoping to make it there myself for my next trip.

[@mikkolehtonen3485]

Don`t get lost! THe church is waiting :-)

[@warnerpost2671]

Awesome!

[@lindaA65513]

When you showed us that picture of your leg, I thought it was a joke about where your kneecap was. 😳 Wow, that was one nasty looking bump you got. Glad you were able to make it out okay! Just wish you could of felt better. Its crazy how our bodies fluctuate with energy and strength. Some hikes I feel like I could climb Mt Everest and other times it's an absolute struggle just to do a few miles. Great video as always and looking forward to your next adventure.

[@davidgrayin]

I completely agree in regards to the changes in how your body can feel, and I'm afraid to say I think the aging process may be starting to play a role (go figure!). I'm not as young as I once was, and I think this year I got a little too lax on preparation, especially for my western trips. But I plan to learn my lessons from this year's struggles, and get more serious about preparation and taking care of myself better for next year's trip. That will be especially important because I really want to do the 93-mile Wonderland Trail in Washington next year, and it is a beast of a trail - like the Four Pass Loop X 3 - I plan to be in much better shape for that one.

[@prestonwcooper]

David Gray I can't wait for that. Or anywhere you end up going. 😁

[@daleschleicher7794]

nice out there was backpacking out there 25 years ago, love it. not been to rocky mt in 15 years. nice photos the camera you use?