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Dear Colorado, don’t ever change.

Annie and I just got back from our grand Colorado road trip and we had an absolutely amazing time! Our three week adventure was filled with weddings, friends, and one of the finest backpacking loops in the country. I took a boatload of photos, videos, and time lapse photography during our backpacking trip, which will make the next CleverHiker season really pop. It’s going to be an incredibly busy month, but I hope to post lots of updates with pictures and information from our trip. 

Lake Reflection Mountains

Lake Reflection Mountains

We successfully completed the 160 mile Collegiate Peaks Loop in 11 days. I haven’t seen any other detailed posts on this trip, so I will be putting together a full report to help others who plan on giving it a try. The CPL connects the East and West Colorado Trail around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The new edition of the Colorado Trail Data Book contains both routes, which makes the trip easy to plan. The West side of the trail, which is above tree line most of the time, is also part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The loop is at high elevation with a good number of climbs, but the rewards are well worth it. 

Dave and Annie at Lake Anne Pass

Dave and Annie at Lake Anne Pass

I’ve been away for a long time and I have a lot of things on my radar for this month. I’m currently writing the next season of CleverHiker content, which is going well. It’s important to me to take feedback from my audience, so if you’d like to help shape future CH video content, please fill out this survey. Other than writing the content for upcoming CH shoots, I also plan to do a number of blog posts about the CPL trip and other topics. Below is a list of posts that I hope to work on. If you have other suggestions or would like more information on something else, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to make it happen. 

Sunset in Colorado

Sunset in Colorado

Future Posts: 

Full Collegiate Peaks Trip Report With Photos 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider Backpack Review

ZPacks Arc Blast Backpack Review

Nature’s Coffee Kettle Product Review

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Review

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It feels wonderful to be back in Portland and I’m itching to get back to work on CH. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and emails while I’ve been gone. I will be chipping away at replies over the next few days. 

Take care and talk soon!