Solo Backpacking Trip - Rawah Wilderness

A quick 12 mile solo backpacking trip in Colorado
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This video is pretty rare for me. In fact, I probably (hopefully) will not make a video this long in a long time (pun intended). It's really a behind the scenes look at what I think about during most of my solo trips. I tried to record as much of my thinking as possible. I hope you enjoy this unique look at my solo backpacking trips.
The tent review was for Matt Miller. Here's his channel: / @tedbrogan1262
Matt only has one upload, but as far as I can tell he seems like a really awesome dude and has a kid the same age as mine, so wanted to make a tent review for him. Matt, I hope it was something along the lines of what you were looking for.
On my solo backpacking trip on Memorial day, I really wanted to get away from the crowds. That's why I headed to the Rawah Wilderness in Colorado. The wilderness is really hard to get to, so I figured it would be my best shot at getting away from every other person enjoying the long weekend. It's not that I don't enjoy hanging out with people, because I do. I just don't like huge crowds of people that I don't know camping right next to me. The Rawah Wilderness turned out to be the perfect spot for a quick solo overnight backpacking trip in Colorado.
I added all of the moose info in the video, because I REALLY wanted to see a moose. I REALLY thought I had a moose sighting in the bag. However, I ended up not seeing any wildlife at all really. I can't even recall seeing a squirrel and saw only a few birds. The irony is that I saw a friend's picture from Rocky Mountain National Park and he saw a moose from the road. You just never know. I really like backpacking by myself. It helps me escape and I feel like it forces me into a simpler state of existence. I'm privileged enough not to have to worry about survival most of the time, but out away from civilization I am brought back to that predator/prey mindset. It's certainly uneasy at times, but it also helps me strip away the excess of everyday life. Although it probably seems strange to say, it's quite calming.
I hope you enjoy this extended, raw, mostly unedited, look into what I go through on a typical solo backpacking trip. Thanks for watching, and I hope you find some entertainment value along the journey.
:) - Chris

[@TheoutdooradventureNet]

Played in the background while I worked and switched to watch when something piqued my interest. I really enjoyed the dialog and the views. Thanks Chris. Looks like you're having an awesome summer!

[@mbikesrulee]

I'm Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop in Oklahoma, husband and father of 4 boys. I stay busy. I really enjoy you videos. glad to hear your ok.

[@woodlandsnorth]

Nice time spent outdoors. Got an amazing area to explore.

[@TomsBackwoods]

Looked like a Great time out. The snow is only on our peaks here now. Awesome camp spot and Perfect spot to eat dinner!! I had a moose run through my back yard yesterday. Thanks for sharing !

[@inspireAson]

+TomsBackwoods it's amazing how good I feel with just dinner and a view. That's what I love about solo backpacking. It constantly reminds me that I don't need much to be happy. You have some of the coolest moose encounters. I need to move up your way. My parents had a Moose in their front yard a couple years ago, which was strange because they live in a high desert. They called game and fish and game and fish asked them to throw a hose over the fence to give it water until they could come and take it away. I was so bummed I missed the whole thing, though it was unfortunate to see a moose so far from its common habitat. - Chris

[@dportsdc]

When you said you had a lot of time to kill. It reminded me of something I told the kids in my classroom... "When you have nothing but time to kill, and find there's nothing to do, THAT'S when you discover... that time is killing you!!"

[@GreatLakesBackpacker]

Chris, thanks for taking me along on your hike. Colorado is a beautiful state. Only been there once and it was to visit friends and ski in Winter Park. Maybe I'll get a chance to backpack there some day. I can appreciate your desire to see a moose. I've seen them a couple of times during backpacking trips and it is always an awesome experience!

[@inspireAson]

+Great Lakes Backpacker Yeah, Colorado has some beautiful sights, but then again, it's hard to go wrong when you're outside. I used to see moose all the time in Wyoming where I grew up, but have only seen 1 in Colorado. I guess it's all my blabbering haha. Thanks for coming by to watch! :) - Chris

[@BackpackingBen]

What a great trip Chris! Solitude in the woods is always great.

[@inspireAson]

+BackpackingBen definitely! Time outside is good for the soul. Thanks for tagging along. :) - Chris

[@470ejd]

LOL you crack me up dude. I'm heading out there in a couple months and I hope I have as much fun with my three buddies as you had on your own. Keep up the soul searchin'. Thumbs up.

[@inspireAson]

So good to hear! You guys are going to have a great time. Glad you enjoyed my commentary from the trail. :) - Chris

[@asiam7436]

Nice video! You only need to be able to run faster than your dropped pack with the Snickers in them. :) I solo travel in moose, bear and wolf wilderness. I am aware but not overly so about my safety. I have had moose with 2 calves as my neighbors, moose walking through camp, wolf serenades and fleeting bear sightings. It is an advantage to going solo.

[@inspireAson]

+Solo Over 50 yeah, I don't worry too much about wildlife either. I've spent enough time outdoors to realize that if you treat animals with the respect they deserve then any encounter will likely be an enjoyable one. It's always fun seeing what animals are out there. Glad to hear you've tried solo backpacking as well. It's definitely a unique experience that has helped me grow. Thanks for watching. :) - Chris

[@DylanKayrooz]

Please make more of these longer backpacking videos, they're great :)

[@inspireAson]

+Dylan Kayrooz Glad you like these long videos Dylan. Some people like the fact that my videos are typically shorter and other people like the few longer videos I've made. It's hard. I'll continue to do both. I think both formats are important and showcase different aspects of my journeys oudoors. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch what was behind the play button and your encouragement. I'll keep making the occasional long-format vid. Thanks buddy! - Chris

[@DylanKayrooz]

No worries, looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@jaxonsgsx]

Just stumbled across your channel. Love your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@inspireAson]

+Adam Jackson Thanks Adam! Glad you liked what you saw. I'll definitely keep posting. It's what I love. :) - Chris

[@22MoSto]

Great video and awesome backpacking spot!

[@inspireAson]

+Realest Nature Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. - Chris

[@davidhaden4363]

I really enjoyed the longer video! I've watched just about all of yours. Don't give up on spotting moose in the Rawah Wilderness area. I've seen them on the Blue Lake Trail and the West Branch Trail. I'm planning on doing the Rawah Trail this summer. Hopefully there will be some around for that hike. Oh... and I film bridges too! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@inspireAson]

+David Haden Glad to hear the longer video didn't drive you away. It's not a length I plan on releasing much, but I thought it might be fun for people to see a less edited version of one of my trips. I really do end up cutting a lot out of every video I make, so this was the result of what happens if I leave it all in (actually I even cut a few clips from this one). Thanks for supporting me by watching my videos. I have a lot of fun making them and I love hearing what people think (good and bad). I don't always nail it, but I have a ton of fun trying. Thanks for watching. :) - Chris

[@dustdeviltc88]

Hey David. I've never been to Rawah and was wondering which trail you would recommend. Some real experience would be much appreciated. Coming all the way from central Kansas..

[@inspireAson]

+dustdeviltc88 the link-McIntyre trail is good. It's all I've done so far. I'd go in July or August. Hope this helps. - Chris

[@dustdeviltc88]

Thanks Chris. Trying to locate maps of the area on line. Heading that way 1st week in August. Probably solo. Great video BTW..

[@inspireAson]

Thanks! Have fun out there. It's awesome. I can't wait to get back, but it definitely takes some time to get back there....pretty remote.

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

"NO ONE ELSE AROUND" ,, hahaha.... THE HILLS HAVE EYES

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

Holding the kid up in the air like Simba HAHAHAHAHAHAHA........... I'd do it

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

LOOK HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA A.......... That was the best thing I've heard all day. No easy prey Today !!!!! haha

[@TheBrettgriggs]

Going to RMNP in August. Any day hike trail suggestions in the park or in the area? We will be on the Grand Lake side.

[@inspireAson]

+Brett Griggs up by lake Verna is beautiful. - Chris

[@TheoutdooradventureNet]

37:00 what's your issue with non-free standing tents Chris?

[@inspireAson]

+The Outdoor Adventure Not sure why I said that. There must be something deep down that I'm trying to suppress. ;)

[@mbikesrulee]

What's new Chris?

[@inspireAson]

Same old stuff. Working, and fishing, climbing and backpacking when I can. What’s new out your way?

[@mbikesrulee]

inspireAson I'm keeping up with four boys and my wife. Our Boy Scout troop takes us on adventures all over Oklahoma. I love your videos and you narrations. I was able to see the Eclipse with my 17 year old but it didn't have the scenery of yours. Take care

[@bryanr.3241]

What camera are you using ? Great job !!!

[@inspireAson]

A Canon 7d and iPhone 6s, and thanks Bryan! :) - Chris

[@bryanr.3241]

+inspireAson Your welcome , John from IntenseAngler referred your channel. Peace

[@inspireAson]

Awesome! John is a great guy. Glad you follow his work as well.