I live in Buffalo Wyoming. I love hiking Florence pass. You really did a great job sharing the Big Horn mountains. Love fishing those lakes up there. This is what I live for. Think year we have had a lot of rain and cool temperatures. Very impressed with your filming skills. I'm going to share with my subscribers. I love listening to the elk during the rut on hikes in September.
Thank you for posting this video. I grew up in this area. Wish I could have done what you did. I'm 60 years old now. I did Lake Helen a year ago. The most amazing thing to me is that nothing has changed in 50 years. My favorite lakes were the Lost Twin but never had the opportunity to hike to all the smaller alpine. You have me motivated again to maybe do the 50 mile Cloud Peak. I'm blessed I'm in excellent shape and workout daily but that rocky tough terrain is tough especially coming down even more now at my age. My hardest thing is finding a partner to go with me. Again I can't thank you enough for filming this as I always wondered what was up there. The Big Horns have always touched my heart. I live in Colorado now but in the foothills as I needed the pines to remind me of the beautiful place I did weekly when I was younger living in Wyoming.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. You were lucky to grow up in the area! There are certainly plenty of good and accessible opportunities there still and it still is beautiful!
Thank you for refreshing some 40-year-old memories. I spent a lot of time in that area during my late teens and early 20s. Your video has motivated me to get back up there next summer. It’s time to get in some sort of shape, other than round… 😅 The easiest way up the Sawtooth Lakes waterfall is, start close to the waterfall. Then, angle to the west, towards the cliff/Buffalo Back on the first bench. Stay close to the cliff until you get close to the first lake. I saw a lot of big fish in that first lake. Never could catch one… Thanks again.
Thank you for watching and the instructions on that! I think when I crossed the creek was when I got messed up. You have a good memory to remember those details! I hope you are able to get back there soon!
Beautiful scenery and some magnificent images captured on camera! One minor suggestion, though. With all the open source music available, surely you can come up with more than a single clip of ONE song for an hour long video! It would help. A lot!
I commented on a previous video, but I’ll say it again here. Fantastic videos and, as a nature photographer myself, your pictures are incredible. Keep it up and be safe.
Been getting the itch to move and spend more time in the mountains. I've never done more then a days hike and have been watching videos about extended hikes and how different people do it. Your videos have been amazing and very motivating.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Multi day hikes can really get you out there to places few people see which is part of the allure to me. If you have any questions on anything feel free to reach out!
Enjoyed your video! Thanks!! I made the trip from Hunter TH to West Tensleep TH this summer solo also. I am 62 yo and don't cover the ground like I used to. It took me 4 days to cover it. Going back to my beloved Wind Rivers for 2023 trip of 10 days, more than likely solo. I was born in Wyoming. Happy trails!
Great video. I have been looking at this area for a couple of years now. I think you just gave me the motivation to do more than just look from a distance. Thanks!!!
That’s great! You won’t be disappointed. It’s right up there with some of the best places I have been! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions I can help you with about the area. Thx for watching!
Great video! You're trekking country I always wanted to visit. I'm 74 now and can't wilderness mountaineer anylonger. I used to spend whole summers mostly alone clambering across the North Cascades & other regional wilderness areas.
Outstanding! I've been hiking, mostly solo and mostly off trail in my beloved Olympic Mountains for 63 of my 75 years. I love your style and your quiet demeanor. Extremely nice videography. If you ever get the chance, come on up here to the Olympics. I would be more than happy to have you accompany me to the glorious beauty of off trail cirques and tarns up here in this corner of our wonderful American parklands.
Thank you so much for watching and that incredible offer. Yes, I have looked into that area quite a bit and it is beautiful! Logistics and time are tough for me from Kansas but I will make it happen someday. Thanks for reaching and the kind words!
Well, I am quite serious about offering you to join me someday if that ever appeals to you. I totally understand about obtaining the time to reserve for hikes into this unbelievably primal area that I am incredibly lucky to have at my doorstep. As far as logistics are concerned, that is astonishingly easy, as all you would need to do is fly to Seattle or Portland, throw your gear into my car, and away we go. I am serious about this, and have done this very thing with two other individuals, one person from Illinois, and another from Oklahoma. Both were blown away. I spent about 55 days in the off trail Olympics last Summer and Fall; a couple of trips with company, and the rest solo, revisiting the places that my grandfather took me to in the 50s and 60s. Those have changed very little and it was a joy for my heart and soul. I am incredibly lucky to have a loving wife who supports me completely. So yeah...this is a sincere offer. I totally enjoy the somewhat vicarious pleasure of watching jaws drop. The offer stands. No pressure of course ⛰️😄. Additionally, if you simply would rather go solo sometime, I would be more than happy to steer you to my favorite places, and still fulfill my offer to pick you up at the airport and take you back to the airport. It's all good. There is a selfish motivation for me of course -- I would get to have the pleasure of viewing another strikingly fine video. Just putting it out there, I would only ask that you purchase a nice cold beverage to stash at any icy Creek near an access trail. In any case, this is not just a casual offer. But now, I think it's time for me to pull up that canoe trip of yours with my morning coffee. ✌️
@@laurencesmith1490 so cool! I think I would enjoy hiking with you! If I can ever make it out your way I will take you up on the offer. I subbed your channel so I can contact you in the future. Thanks again! Hope you enjoy the videos.
No problem, seriously. And you don't need to answer this, I don't want to sequester your time on here. I think that it would frankly be more fitting for you to do your usual solo trip if you fly up here someday, as it would be in keeping with the theme of your channel. Or...do a trip with my accompaniment for a few days, then have me drop you off for a solo endeavor. One thing about our beloved Olympics is that the landscape is so diversely incredible that it is indelible in it's ability to leave it's imprint forever in your mind. So yeah, contact me either way -- I would be thrilled to give you some suggestions for a solo trip. Hop that jet someday and I'll deliver you to the portals. I am not active on a channel here, and of course I shouldn't give out my email or phone on here. However, if you ever would want to contact, just shoot me a message on my Facebook handle: Laurence Smith. If you want some representative images, just go the the FB group "Friends of Olympic National Park" and search my name. I have probably WAY more images than anyone would ever want to wade through, mostly scans from transparency film. But those would give you ideas. Okay, I'll close this sort of intrusive dialog out now so you don't feel inundated with my ramblings. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.
You're not a kidding brother on being blessed with all this public land. Me living in West Virginia, we have probably the most amount of public ground of any state on the East Coast and heck you don't even need permits. You can get as lost as you want.
Man your the real deal and know what you are doing for sure. And it's funny before you said this looks like the Wind River Range that is what attracted me to this video, I have driven through the Big Horn Mountains but I had no idea that they looked like that when you back pack into them. Amazing mountains and video work!!
Thanks much! This is a range worth exploring if you like the winds! It’s got it’s own beauty but definite similarities. If you were thinking about going than do it! You will be happy! Thank you for watching.
Just finished watching your adventure. What an amazing jewel the cloud peak wilderness is. Wow. That rock hopping though?! I try to stay retired from all that but still get myself into trouble. Well done on the filming and editing. Really enjoyed tagging along to the last hour! Those golden trout are so beautiful. Back in the 80s I Used to fish a little alpine lake in the gallatin named “golden trout lake,” but never caught that size. Excellent elk rut captures. Such a beautiful animal and those meadows were gorgeous. What an amazing place though. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you John! Means a lot coming from someone with your outdoor experience! Ya that rock hopping was insane. Phenomenal fishing beyond my expectations! And the Elk were quite an unexpected bonus! Wish I could have captured that Moose in camp but I won’t soon forget it 😬Thank you for taking the time to watch. I really appreciate your comments!
@@SoloSchmitty that fishing did look awesome. My kind of action! I’m curious on few things you pack. Do you pack a sleeping bag or sleep in your clothes? Also I’ve been wanting to get a decent tripod that I can strap to my packs to use with my binocs and phone scope. Wondering what your is and how you like it. Weight is always an issue for this old adventure addict. Funny I started riding with a frame pack 3 yrs ago, then went to a smaller pack 2 yrs ago and this yr I loved my smaller pack for what I do. Also wondering if you ever use drones? I’ve always kind of been against them in the back country for some reason, but I always want more out of photography every yr it seems and now I’m thinking I might want to drone film some of my stuff. Want to leave my daughter with some great footage of her old man when I’m gone and strapping my iPhone to my chest just doesn’t adequately show the magnitude of the freedom and beauty of what I do.
@@jonEmontana good questions. I actually use a quilt and then add clothes if needed in cold weather. They are much lighter than a bag. My tripod is pretty basic. It’s not light and there are much lighter one but they are $$$. Mine is Zomei. Amazon buy. Real solid though, never worries about my camera blowing over, I also use a go pro quite a bit. These new go pros can do a lot! Some of the day to night footage time lapses were on my go pro. I could probably do a whole video with one and have some good results. Kind of tempting when you consider the weight and space a camera and tripod take up. That said it can’t compete with a real camera in alot of ways. I love drone footage but still don’t own one. It’s probably coming soon though. It really adds a nice dramatic element to video and you can scout with it which is huge for off trail travel and hunting and fishing.
Nice trip. Gonna hit Wyoming again. Actually I'd like to buy a place out there. I hiked in the Tetons with the elk screaming their heads off last October. Pretty cool! Thanks for the vid.
@@SoloSchmitty One of my favorite zones is the Middle Cloud Peak Lake and the canyon from there up toward the peak. A string of insane lakes and falls. Lots of fish. Spectacular.
Wow you really got off trail for a long ways. That had to be hard hiking. Thought for awhile you were going to go through Highland park. Sawtooth mountain and ridge is beautiful. Yeah no fish in Elk lake. Lots of miles on that trip.
I appreciate you watching. I would love to make it back soon. I assume you are local based on your comment. Must be nice to have close access to a place like this!
I’m in Wyoming yes. Just a couple hours south in Casper. But I’ve hiked to a good handful of those high mountain lakes. Not in one trip though. You’re a machine. It is nice. I’d like to get up there more often than I do though. Work and winter get in the way a bit. I liked your comment of “it’s free camping, you just gotta get here”. Or something like that. It’s work to get up those spots but definitely worth it.
@@smore_32 that’s great that it is in your backyard. It’s a 12 hour drive for me so I had to make the most of my time and see as much as I could. I never know when I will get back.
@@SoloSchmitty Florence pass is one of my favorite places. And the Solitude Lake! Awesome. I’m watching the part where you see the elk right after solitude lake. What a trip for you!
@@quickovernightcamp the Elk experience was definitely a highlight. It’s just a perfect spot to see animals. I thought I would see a moose that evening as well. I did have one walk into camp another night but it was dark so I could capture it…
@@SoloSchmitty yes. The night you camped next to Princess Falls. I also camped in that spot…right next to that huge log. I ascended the falls too and hiked up into Penrose Cirque. I was amazed that you were able to get to Cloud Peak Res the way you did. You must not have got all the way up in the cirque. I probably headed East/SE soon after you got up over the falls.
@@quickovernightcamp you understand my pain. Penrose looks like quite a rock hop to the top. That cirque is beautiful I would have loved to spend a night there!
Awesome video man! Just found it! I’v spent an awful lot of time in this area from doing bomber from the hunter trailhead and west ten sleep along with cloud from west side and multiple other attempts of peaks and repeated peaks due to weather was not able to accomplish them. Love the mountains. So unique in comparison to any other ranges.
Cool! Sounds like you could teach me a lot about the area. I wish I was closer. I really didn’t know what to expect from this area and was so impressed! I definitely want to come back soon. If you have any must see routes please let me know. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it!
@@SoloSchmitty I love the first part of the trail the most from the hunter to solitude as it’s where iv spent most time. It’s just beautiful. Being up there on a week day is just amazing. No one around or anything.
Yes it is! And you are correct, most people focus on the west side of the state. This area has a lot to offer as well. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment!
super video ! I also enjoyed the music ! I was wondering if a pair of lightweight trekking poles would have helped, especially on the down hill to absorb some impact. You really covered some ground and elevation gain/loss.
Hey thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment! I have never used hiking poles mainly because I am carrying a tripod and camera. Otherwise yes I think poles would have been helpful. I have hike in september that will be about 60 miles off trail so I am looking at some poles for that trip. Will also be potential of snow and glacier crossing so probably going to go that route. Any recommendation?
@@SoloSchmitty Years ago when I was still young enough to tackle high mountain backpack treks I got myself a pair of LEKI trekking poles. LEKI is a German company it was started after World War II, by the Lenharts who were refugees from Czech Bohemia, they left their country in 1946 without possessions. They made a new home in Germany. At the time I bought them, early to mid 1980's they were considered the 'top of the line' in terms of quality. I put these poles through many years of some tough trips and they got beat up pretty good but they always did the job. You can still get that brand at REI but they will run you $ 150-$200, if you can afford that I would say they would be well worth it ! I also have a pair of very inexpensive trek poles I got at Walmart a few years back, like $ 15 they are Ozark brand I believe and quite frankly am surprised they have held up as well, but in truth they have not been put through the same rigor and stress as the LEKI poles. I was taking a look at your route I was wondering why you didn't start from Battle Park trailhead instead of Hunter trailhead but I am guessing you chose Hunter cause it was only a couple miles from the pavement whereas Battle Park looks like 10 miles from pavement- although Battle Park would have been closer to Solitude Lake, etc. I have done most of my high altitude trips here in the Eastern Sierra but sort of retired from it recently as I am almost 70 now with some recent lower back and shoulder injuries. But maybe I will get up to Cloud Peak Wilderness, someday, who knows ?
Annie Proulx wurde von den Big Horn Bergen für ihre weltberühmt gewordene Kurzgeschichte "Brokeback Mountain" inspiriert. Ang Lee aus Taiwan machte sie durch seine Verfilmung zu einem cineastischen Monument. Schönen Dank für diesen herrlichen Ausflug in die Welt des Brokeback Mountain.
That was simply amazing! I have always wanted to visit this wilderness! You worked your ass off for it! Those Goldies and Cuttys were so nice! I gave you a Sub and a Like! I may have to hit you up for some beta on this place! Absolutely stunning wilderness! My kind of place!
Thank you for the sub and kind words. I have been enjoying your content as well! I would say our interests definitely align! Feel free to reach out anytime. I will do the same, always looking for new places to explore and you get to some good ones!
@@SoloSchmitty Thank you so much! We definitely like the same things it seems! Hit me up if you are heading this way and I'll do likewise if I am in your neck of the wood! Cheers!
Had to watch your video again after last night and follow your route on my Gaia mapping app while watching. Crazy route from Spear Lake up and over the "Primrose Peak Death March" to the lake upstream from Cloud Peak Reservoir. Lots of back tracking and setting up your camera for the videos. My question is how many big boy camera batteries did you have to bring along. I've done some time lapse videos and it's a battery eater. Climbed Bighorn Peak a few years ago and boulder hopping is not for the faint of heart. Thanks again for the enjoyment of the trip.
Really glad you enjoyed it and followed along with a map. Gives you some good perspective of the route. I usually bring 2 20k anker batteries to charge everything. You are right, Timelapse’s are a battery eater but I really enjoy making them. Thanks again for watching reaching out! I really appreciate it!
Hello, when did you do this trip - August 2022? Think my group passed you on your first day, just after your 4 minute mark. We were going East bound to Hunter. You would have probably been about 7-8 miles into your day.
@SoloSchmitty There was a group of us that did this exact same route in late August 2021. I thought we were the only ones to do this route! Where are you from?
Sorry for the slow reply, for some reason youtube hid this comment? I just used google earth and it looked doable and then I found a small amount of information on Exit Pass which was helpful. I would do that part again for sure but not the boulder hop I did the following day! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just moved to WY and my dad sent me this video because I was talking about different hikes I want to do. Loved watching this and seeing everything! Can’t wait to get out there this summer. Do you have a gear list for what you bring?
Really glad you enjoyed it! Cool your dad sent it to ya! Thanks for reaching out. I don’t have a gear list handy but am planning to do a load out video soon for a trip I got coming up. Probably next month or so. Happy to answer any questions. Headed to the wind river range for a big hike this summer! Congrats on living in a beautiful place.
Thanks so much for posting this! You did a fantastic job! I’m going to the Bighorns this summer for a few nights and to summit cloud peak. It’ll be my second backpacking trip ever. It might end up being my first solo, if my son can’t come with me. How did you store food while you were sleeping? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. 😊
Thx for watching! I used an Ursack for food storage and tied it to a tree. I think the cloud peak summit usually comes through misty moon lake area. Trails should be easy to follow as that is a popular area to camp. I used my phone for all navigation. Good luck on your summit!
What time of year did you hike this? I am working on planning a small backpacking trip in the Bighorns! Such a beautiful video, I can't wait to get back out there!
Thanks so much for checking it out! I appreciate it!. This was end of August/Early September. The perfect time for the mountains in my opinion. Hope you have a great trip. Reachout if you have any questions.
Great video. I lived in Sheridan as a child and went to the Bighorns with my family. I would like to go back as an adult for a solo trip like yours. Btw, what kind of tent did you use?
@@SoloSchmitty it's so hard to find a smoke-free window that time of year. I'm hopeful my timing will be right for spending most of summer 2023 in Montana and Wyoming.
@@jmkats sounds like quite an opportunity to spend that much time there. I hope to do that someday. I have been lucky with the smoke on my recent trips.
Hey, I'm 16 and hoping to do a solo backpacking trip. I am from Wisconsin and been outside all my life but haven't been to the mountains. I am planning on going to the BigHorn mountains. Any tips? Great video!
Thanks for watching! You will love the Big Horns! For solo tripping I would recommend a garmin inreach or similar device to communicate and in worst case scenario get help. Also, make sure someone knows your general route before you go just in case. For your first solo its always good to get in an overnight or two before going on a big trip. Make sure you are comfortable and your equipment is good to go. I would recommend not taking on too big of a trip on your first solo. I think its great you are going to do your first solo! Its not for everyone but I personally love it for a variety of reasons! Feel free to email me if you have any other questions, if you have a general route or need ideas I would be happy to help. tschmitt2925@gmail.com
@@Kyle-jg9zl hey, thx for watching. I’m pretty novice on the fly fishing myself. I just like to throw dry flies. I have had success with parachute Adam’s. Seems to work for most situations I have been in on the Alpine lakes and streams.
Yes it was a cemetery for two men. No grizzlies in the big horns so just brought some spray. There are some lions. My Montana trip I carried and spray. Thx for watching!
@@SoloSchmitty Not 100%. There have been reports for years and one had to be put down near Greybull. Always pays to expect them. Not very common but there is a possibility.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
I live in Buffalo Wyoming. I love hiking Florence pass. You really did a great job sharing the Big Horn mountains. Love fishing those lakes up there. This is what I live for. Think year we have had a lot of rain and cool temperatures. Very impressed with your filming skills. I'm going to share with my subscribers. I love listening to the elk during the rut on hikes in September.
Thank you so much! I will check out your channel as well and appreciate the share!
@SoloSchmitty my channel is boring right now. I had back surgery. But I will get back up on the mountains hiking again I hope. 🤞 thank you though.
Thank you for posting this video. I grew up in this area. Wish I could have done what you did. I'm 60 years old now. I did Lake Helen a year ago. The most amazing thing to me is that nothing has changed in 50 years. My favorite lakes were the Lost Twin but never had the opportunity to hike to all the smaller alpine. You have me motivated again to maybe do the 50 mile Cloud Peak. I'm blessed I'm in excellent shape and workout daily but that rocky tough terrain is tough especially coming down even more now at my age. My hardest thing is finding a partner to go with me. Again I can't thank you enough for filming this as I always wondered what was up there. The Big Horns have always touched my heart. I live in Colorado now but in the foothills as I needed the pines to remind me of the beautiful place I did weekly when I was younger living in Wyoming.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. You were lucky to grow up in the area! There are certainly plenty of good and accessible opportunities there still and it still is beautiful!
That's living life properly! So nice, thank you sharing!
Really appreciate you watching and the message! You are right being out in the wild is where it’s at!
Revisited this wonderful video for the 4th time. Never gets old. Fantastic camera work in tough terrain. Laurence.
Thanks Laurence! Quite a compliment after seeing your beautiful photography!
Really good video, the scenic shots are great and the nighttime time lapse was incredible, your a talented videographer great work my friend 👍😁🇺🇸💪🏻
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate you watching and subscribing! More adventures to come!
This is one of the best backpacking videos I've seen. Now I want to see that place myself. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
Wow! Thank you for such kind words! I really appreciate you watching! It’s better in person of course. I hope you make it there!
Absolutely stunning scenery, this was amazing solo adventure my friend. Upload is just marvelous! 🔥🔥🥾🥾
Thank you so much for the kinds words! Really appreciate you watching!
Thank you for refreshing some 40-year-old memories. I spent a lot of time in that area during my late teens and early 20s. Your video has motivated me to get back up there next summer. It’s time to get in some sort of shape, other than round… 😅
The easiest way up the Sawtooth Lakes waterfall is, start close to the waterfall. Then, angle to the west, towards the cliff/Buffalo Back on the first bench. Stay close to the cliff until you get close to the first lake. I saw a lot of big fish in that first lake. Never could catch one…
Thanks again.
Thank you for watching and the instructions on that! I think when I crossed the creek was when I got messed up. You have a good memory to remember those details! I hope you are able to get back there soon!
Nice work... did our Bighorns justice. Thanks for keeping some secrets secret.
I appreciate you watching and the opportunity to visit. Must be nice to call the area home!
Man, my feet are sore from all that rock hopping! Beautiful country, nice time-lapse star gazing. I could almost smell those elk.
It was such a fun trip. The elk were incredible. Thank your watching and commenting. Much appreciated!
Beautiful scenery and some magnificent images captured on camera! One minor suggestion, though. With all the open source music available, surely you can come up with more than a single clip of ONE song for an hour long video! It would help. A lot!
Thanks for watching.
Great adventure Schmitty! The intro got me hooked right away. This is a top-level production! Looks like an incredible trip. Very nice.
Thank you so much for the comment! I really appreciate you watching!
I commented on a previous video, but I’ll say it again here. Fantastic videos and, as a nature photographer myself, your pictures are incredible. Keep it up and be safe.
I can’t say how much I appreciate you saying that! Means a lot you taking the time to watch my videos and commenting! Thank you!
Wow! You hiked in my favorite mountains and made an awesome video. Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate you watching and commenting! What a beautiful place. Hope to get back soon! Thanks again!
That was mesmerizing!! What an amazing trip. 👌👌👌
Thank you so much! It was such a fun trip! Thx for watching!
Great video! Thanks for sharing your trip. Well done!
I really appreciate you checking it out and taking time to comment. Thank you!
Love your videos ... the quality is exceptional and the views are to die for!! Keep them coming!!
Can’t tell u how much I appreciate it!
Been getting the itch to move and spend more time in the mountains. I've never done more then a days hike and have been watching videos about extended hikes and how different people do it. Your videos have been amazing and very motivating.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Multi day hikes can really get you out there to places few people see which is part of the allure to me. If you have any questions on anything feel free to reach out!
Enjoyed your video! Thanks!! I made the trip from Hunter TH to West Tensleep TH this summer solo also. I am 62 yo and don't cover the ground like I used to. It took me 4 days to cover it. Going back to my beloved Wind Rivers for 2023 trip of 10 days, more than likely solo. I was born in Wyoming. Happy trails!
Hey that’s awesome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! Hard to beat the winds. 10 days sounds like a dream trip. Enjoy!
@@SoloSchmitty Thank you Sir! You as well. 🙂
Great video. I have been looking at this area for a couple of years now. I think you just gave me the motivation to do more than just look from a distance. Thanks!!!
That’s great! You won’t be disappointed. It’s right up there with some of the best places I have been! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions I can help you with about the area. Thx for watching!
Beautifully shot. Thank you for uploading your video.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching!
U did a great job filming and chatting about what ur doing and seeing.
Congrats on what u did my friend!
Thank you for the kinds words! Means a lot! Thank you for watching!
Great video! You're trekking country I always wanted to visit. I'm 74 now and can't wilderness mountaineer anylonger. I used to spend whole summers mostly alone clambering across the North Cascades & other regional wilderness areas.
It’s great! North Cascades is definitely an area I dream about! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it!
You sure had excellent weather!! Nice trip.
@@jjones5424 thx for watching! Yes, it was perfect. This time of year is usually good to me!
Outstanding! I've been hiking, mostly solo and mostly off trail in my beloved Olympic Mountains for 63 of my 75 years. I love your style and your quiet demeanor. Extremely nice videography. If you ever get the chance, come on up here to the Olympics. I would be more than happy to have you accompany me to the glorious beauty of off trail cirques and tarns up here in this corner of our wonderful American parklands.
Thank you so much for watching and that incredible offer. Yes, I have looked into that area quite a bit and it is beautiful! Logistics and time are tough for me from Kansas but I will make it happen someday. Thanks for reaching and the kind words!
Well, I am quite serious about offering you to join me someday if that ever appeals to you. I totally understand about obtaining the time to reserve for hikes into this unbelievably primal area that I am incredibly lucky to have at my doorstep. As far as logistics are concerned, that is astonishingly easy, as all you would need to do is fly to Seattle or Portland, throw your gear into my car, and away we go. I am serious about this, and have done this very thing with two other individuals, one person from Illinois, and another from Oklahoma. Both were blown away. I spent about 55 days in the off trail Olympics last Summer and Fall; a couple of trips with company, and the rest solo, revisiting the places that my grandfather took me to in the 50s and 60s. Those have changed very little and it was a joy for my heart and soul. I am incredibly lucky to have a loving wife who supports me completely. So yeah...this is a sincere offer. I totally enjoy the somewhat vicarious pleasure of watching jaws drop. The offer stands. No pressure of course ⛰️😄. Additionally, if you simply would rather go solo sometime, I would be more than happy to steer you to my favorite places, and still fulfill my offer to pick you up at the airport and take you back to the airport. It's all good. There is a selfish motivation for me of course -- I would get to have the pleasure of viewing another strikingly fine video. Just putting it out there, I would only ask that you purchase a nice cold beverage to stash at any icy Creek near an access trail. In any case, this is not just a casual offer. But now, I think it's time for me to pull up that canoe trip of yours with my morning coffee. ✌️
@@laurencesmith1490 so cool! I think I would enjoy hiking with you! If I can ever make it out your way I will take you up on the offer. I subbed your channel so I can contact you in the future. Thanks again! Hope you enjoy the videos.
No problem, seriously. And you don't need to answer this, I don't want to sequester your time on here. I think that it would frankly be more fitting for you to do your usual solo trip if you fly up here someday, as it would be in keeping with the theme of your channel. Or...do a trip with my accompaniment for a few days, then have me drop you off for a solo endeavor. One thing about our beloved Olympics is that the landscape is so diversely incredible that it is indelible in it's ability to leave it's imprint forever in your mind. So yeah, contact me either way -- I would be thrilled to give you some suggestions for a solo trip. Hop that jet someday and I'll deliver you to the portals. I am not active on a channel here, and of course I shouldn't give out my email or phone on here. However, if you ever would want to contact, just shoot me a message on my Facebook handle: Laurence Smith. If you want some representative images, just go the the FB group "Friends of Olympic National Park" and search my name. I have probably WAY more images than anyone would ever want to wade through, mostly scans from transparency film. But those would give you ideas. Okay, I'll close this sort of intrusive dialog out now so you don't feel inundated with my ramblings. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.
@@laurencesmith1490 I joined the group. Looks beautiful! Thx for the recommendation!
You're not a kidding brother on being blessed with all this public land. Me living in West Virginia, we have probably the most amount of public ground of any state on the East Coast and heck you don't even need permits. You can get as lost as you want.
Must be nice it’s basically all private where I live. The west has it good! I didn’t know that about Virginia. Thx for watching and the sub!
I know it takes a lot of effort to put a video like this together, great job and thanks for posting 😁👍💪🏻
Thx for watching I appreciate it!
Great video I was there in 2016 probably never get back, although this video takes me back.
Thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment! Better to see it for yourself and you did that. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Man your the real deal and know what you are doing for sure. And it's funny before you said this looks like the Wind River Range that is what attracted me to this video, I have driven through the Big Horn Mountains but I had no idea that they looked like that when you back pack into them. Amazing mountains and video work!!
Thanks much! This is a range worth exploring if you like the winds! It’s got it’s own beauty but definite similarities. If you were thinking about going than do it! You will be happy! Thank you for watching.
Just finished watching your adventure. What an amazing jewel the cloud peak wilderness is. Wow. That rock hopping though?! I try to stay retired from all that but still get myself into trouble. Well done on the filming and editing. Really enjoyed tagging along to the last hour! Those golden trout are so beautiful. Back in the 80s I Used to fish a little alpine lake in the gallatin named “golden trout lake,” but never caught that size. Excellent elk rut captures. Such a beautiful animal and those meadows were gorgeous.
What an amazing place though. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you John! Means a lot coming from someone with your outdoor experience! Ya that rock hopping was insane. Phenomenal fishing beyond my expectations! And the Elk were quite an unexpected bonus! Wish I could have captured that Moose in camp but I won’t soon forget it 😬Thank you for taking the time to watch. I really appreciate your comments!
@@SoloSchmitty that fishing did look awesome. My kind of action! I’m curious on few things you pack. Do you pack a sleeping bag or sleep in your clothes? Also I’ve been wanting to get a decent tripod that I can strap to my packs to use with my binocs and phone scope. Wondering what your is and how you like it. Weight is always an issue for this old adventure addict. Funny I started riding with a frame pack 3 yrs ago, then went to a smaller pack 2 yrs ago and this yr I loved my smaller pack for what I do.
Also wondering if you ever use drones? I’ve always kind of been against them in the back country for some reason, but I always want more out of photography every yr it seems and now I’m thinking I might want to drone film some of my stuff. Want to leave my daughter with some great footage of her old man when I’m gone and strapping my iPhone to my chest just doesn’t adequately show the magnitude of the freedom and beauty of what I do.
@@jonEmontana good questions. I actually use a quilt and then add clothes if needed in cold weather. They are much lighter than a bag. My tripod is pretty basic. It’s not light and there are much lighter one but they are $$$. Mine is Zomei. Amazon buy. Real solid though, never worries about my camera blowing over, I also use a go pro quite a bit. These new go pros can do a lot! Some of the day to night footage time lapses were on my go pro. I could probably do a whole video with one and have some good results. Kind of tempting when you consider the weight and space a camera and tripod take up. That said it can’t compete with a real camera in alot of ways. I love drone footage but still don’t own one. It’s probably coming soon though. It really adds a nice dramatic element to video and you can scout with it which is huge for off trail travel and hunting and fishing.
Nice trip. Gonna hit Wyoming again. Actually I'd like to buy a place out there. I hiked in the Tetons with the elk screaming their heads off last October. Pretty cool! Thanks for the vid.
I appreciate you watching. Thanks for the comment! Hope you get your chance to live out there. Beautiful state!
Loved the beautiful scenery and content❤
I really appreciate you watching! It is a beautiful place!
Great video. I love Cloud Peak Wilderness. Best kept secret in the west, I swear.
Hey! I appreciate you watching and commenting! Loved it! Can’t wait to get back there!
@@SoloSchmitty One of my favorite zones is the Middle Cloud Peak Lake and the canyon from there up toward the peak. A string of insane lakes and falls. Lots of fish. Spectacular.
@@panatela001 nice! Well next time I make it that way I may reach out for some ideas!
What a great video. Subscribed! I am hoping to use this as beta for a future trip. Thanks for putting so much time into this!
Thanks for watching and the sub! Yes it’s a great route to see the area! Holler if you have any questions!
Wow you really got off trail for a long ways. That had to be hard hiking. Thought for awhile you were going to go through Highland park. Sawtooth mountain and ridge is beautiful. Yeah no fish in Elk lake. Lots of miles on that trip.
I appreciate you watching! It was quite an adventure off trail. Love to get back into the sawtooth area again to explore and camp!
I loved it! I live in Wy but have never been up there thanks for sharing. :)
Thanks so much for watching! What a beautiful state you live in! I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Solo Schmitty is my fav!
@@KansasCityMidwestLife thank you 😘
Awesome video! Man you covered a lot of miles! Great fishing shots as well. Thanks for coming to visit the Bighorn mountains. Come back anytime!
I appreciate you watching. I would love to make it back soon. I assume you are local based on your comment. Must be nice to have close access to a place like this!
I’m in Wyoming yes. Just a couple hours south in Casper. But I’ve hiked to a good handful of those high mountain lakes. Not in one trip though. You’re a machine. It is nice. I’d like to get up there more often than I do though. Work and winter get in the way a bit. I liked your comment of “it’s free camping, you just gotta get here”. Or something like that. It’s work to get up those spots but definitely worth it.
@@smore_32 that’s great that it is in your backyard. It’s a 12 hour drive for me so I had to make the most of my time and see as much as I could. I never know when I will get back.
Great video! Nice fishing. What a glorious place to explore. New follower here. Crow✌️
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Thx for the sub! Following your channel now as well.
how beautiful!!!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Great video. Thanks for sharing! I live at the base of the Bighorns. Can’t wait for Summer!
I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment! Must be a great spot to live. I really enjoyed my time there!
@@SoloSchmitty Florence pass is one of my favorite places. And the Solitude Lake! Awesome. I’m watching the part where you see the elk right after solitude lake. What a trip for you!
@@quickovernightcamp the Elk experience was definitely a highlight. It’s just a perfect spot to see animals. I thought I would see a moose that evening as well. I did have one walk into camp another night but it was dark so I could capture it…
@@SoloSchmitty yes. The night you camped next to Princess Falls. I also camped in that spot…right next to that huge log. I ascended the falls too and hiked up into Penrose Cirque. I was amazed that you were able to get to Cloud Peak Res the way you did. You must not have got all the way up in the cirque. I probably headed East/SE soon after you got up over the falls.
@@quickovernightcamp you understand my pain. Penrose looks like quite a rock hop to the top. That cirque is beautiful I would have loved to spend a night there!
Awesome video man! Just found it! I’v spent an awful lot of time in this area from doing bomber from the hunter trailhead and west ten sleep along with cloud from west side and multiple other attempts of peaks and repeated peaks due to weather was not able to accomplish them. Love the mountains. So unique in comparison to any other ranges.
Cool! Sounds like you could teach me a lot about the area. I wish I was closer. I really didn’t know what to expect from this area and was so impressed! I definitely want to come back soon. If you have any must see routes please let me know. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it!
@@SoloSchmitty I love the first part of the trail the most from the hunter to solitude as it’s where iv spent most time. It’s just beautiful. Being up there on a week day is just amazing. No one around or anything.
@@sawyerhaupt yes! That site I had the first night has to be a top 10 of all time for me!
Enjoyed this!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Really appreciate it!
this place is absolutely beautiful and my guess is its less known and visited than the surrounding parks and forests
Yes it is! And you are correct, most people focus on the west side of the state. This area has a lot to offer as well. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment!
super video ! I also enjoyed the music ! I was wondering if a pair of lightweight trekking poles would
have helped, especially on the down hill to absorb some impact. You really covered some ground and elevation
gain/loss.
Hey thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment! I have never used hiking poles mainly because I am carrying a tripod and camera. Otherwise yes I think poles would have been helpful. I have hike in september that will be about 60 miles off trail so I am looking at some poles for that trip. Will also be potential of snow and glacier crossing so probably going to go that route. Any recommendation?
@@SoloSchmitty Years ago when I was still young enough to tackle high mountain backpack treks I got myself a pair of LEKI trekking poles. LEKI is a German company it was started after World War II, by the Lenharts who were refugees from Czech Bohemia, they left their country in 1946 without possessions. They made a new home in Germany. At the time I bought them, early to mid 1980's they were considered the 'top of the line' in terms of quality. I put these poles through many years of some tough trips and they got beat up pretty good but they always did the job. You can still get that brand at REI but they will run you $ 150-$200, if you can afford that I would say they would be well worth it !
I also have a pair of very inexpensive trek poles I got at Walmart a few years back, like $ 15 they are Ozark brand I believe and quite frankly am
surprised they have held up as well, but in truth they have not been put through the same rigor and stress as the LEKI poles.
I was taking a look at your route I was wondering why you didn't start from Battle Park trailhead instead of Hunter trailhead but I am guessing you chose Hunter cause it was only a couple miles from the pavement whereas Battle Park looks like 10 miles from pavement- although Battle Park would have been closer to Solitude Lake, etc. I have done most of my high altitude trips here in the Eastern Sierra but sort of retired from it recently as I am almost 70 now with some recent lower back and shoulder injuries. But maybe I will get up to Cloud Peak Wilderness, someday, who knows ?
I absolutely love your content!! :)
I really appreciate it! Thanks for taking the time to say that, means alot! Your channel looks cool, I will check it out!
Beautiful!
Thanks for watching! Appreciate it!
Annie Proulx wurde von den Big Horn Bergen für ihre weltberühmt gewordene Kurzgeschichte "Brokeback Mountain" inspiriert. Ang Lee aus Taiwan machte sie durch seine Verfilmung zu einem cineastischen Monument. Schönen Dank für diesen herrlichen Ausflug in die Welt des Brokeback Mountain.
I did not know that. Thanks for sharing that and watching the video!
That was simply amazing! I have always wanted to visit this wilderness! You worked your ass off for it! Those Goldies and Cuttys were so nice! I gave you a Sub and a Like! I may have to hit you up for some beta on this place! Absolutely stunning wilderness! My kind of place!
Thank you for the sub and kind words. I have been enjoying your content as well! I would say our interests definitely align! Feel free to reach out anytime. I will do the same, always looking for new places to explore and you get to some good ones!
@@SoloSchmitty Thank you so much! We definitely like the same things it seems! Hit me up if you are heading this way and I'll do likewise if I am in your neck of the wood! Cheers!
Awesome video, but if I ever hear that same loops of the song I’m going to die, hahaha.
Thanks for watching!
Had to watch your video again after last night and follow your route on my Gaia mapping app while watching. Crazy route from Spear Lake up and over the "Primrose Peak Death March" to the lake upstream from Cloud Peak Reservoir. Lots of back tracking and setting up your camera for the videos. My question is how many big boy camera batteries did you have to bring along. I've done some time lapse videos and it's a battery eater. Climbed Bighorn Peak a few years ago and boulder hopping is not for the faint of heart. Thanks again for the enjoyment of the trip.
Really glad you enjoyed it and followed along with a map. Gives you some good perspective of the route. I usually bring 2 20k anker batteries to charge everything. You are right, Timelapse’s are a battery eater but I really enjoy making them. Thanks again for watching reaching out! I really appreciate it!
Hello, when did you do this trip - August 2022? Think my group passed you on your first day, just after your 4 minute mark. We were going East bound to Hunter. You would have probably been about 7-8 miles into your day.
No kidding? I do think it was end of august. That’s cool!
@SoloSchmitty
There was a group of us that did this exact same route in late August 2021. I thought we were the only ones to do this route! Where are you from?
Sorry for the slow reply, for some reason youtube hid this comment? I just used google earth and it looked doable and then I found a small amount of information on Exit Pass which was helpful. I would do that part again for sure but not the boulder hop I did the following day! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just moved to WY and my dad sent me this video because I was talking about different hikes I want to do. Loved watching this and seeing everything! Can’t wait to get out there this summer.
Do you have a gear list for what you bring?
Really glad you enjoyed it! Cool your dad sent it to ya! Thanks for reaching out. I don’t have a gear list handy but am planning to do a load out video soon for a trip I got coming up. Probably next month or so. Happy to answer any questions. Headed to the wind river range for a big hike this summer! Congrats on living in a beautiful place.
@@SoloSchmitty awesome! Look forward to seeing both of those!
Thanks so much for posting this! You did a fantastic job! I’m going to the Bighorns this summer for a few nights and to summit cloud peak. It’ll be my second backpacking trip ever. It might end up being my first solo, if my son can’t come with me. How did you store food while you were sleeping? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. 😊
Thx for watching! I used an Ursack for food storage and tied it to a tree. I think the cloud peak summit usually comes through misty moon lake area. Trails should be easy to follow as that is a popular area to camp. I used my phone for all navigation. Good luck on your summit!
Do you think trekking poles are necessary for Cloud Peak?
@@michellebrazee8280 I dont use any but I think they can be helpful for sure. I am always holding a camera so I need my hands free.
What time of year did you hike this? I am working on planning a small backpacking trip in the Bighorns! Such a beautiful video, I can't wait to get back out there!
Thanks so much for checking it out! I appreciate it!. This was end of August/Early September. The perfect time for the mountains in my opinion. Hope you have a great trip. Reachout if you have any questions.
Great video. I lived in Sheridan as a child and went to the Bighorns with my family. I would like to go back as an adult for a solo trip like yours. Btw, what kind of tent did you use?
Thanks for watching. What a great place to spend time as a kid! I use a Lanshan 1 tent. It’s been great for me. Hope you get that trip in!
Curious when you were there. I'm guessing late August to mid Sept??? Thanks for sharing.
Yes, last week in august to first week in September. Thx for watching!
@@SoloSchmitty it's so hard to find a smoke-free window that time of year. I'm hopeful my timing will be right for spending most of summer 2023 in Montana and Wyoming.
@@jmkats sounds like quite an opportunity to spend that much time there. I hope to do that someday. I have been lucky with the smoke on my recent trips.
Hey, I'm 16 and hoping to do a solo backpacking trip. I am from Wisconsin and been outside all my life but haven't been to the mountains. I am planning on going to the BigHorn mountains. Any tips? Great video!
Thanks for watching! You will love the Big Horns! For solo tripping I would recommend a garmin inreach or similar device to communicate and in worst case scenario get help. Also, make sure someone knows your general route before you go just in case. For your first solo its always good to get in an overnight or two before going on a big trip. Make sure you are comfortable and your equipment is good to go. I would recommend not taking on too big of a trip on your first solo. I think its great you are going to do your first solo! Its not for everyone but I personally love it for a variety of reasons! Feel free to email me if you have any other questions, if you have a general route or need ideas I would be happy to help. tschmitt2925@gmail.com
Could you tell me what was the music you used? It was just right for the whole wonderful video.
Thanks for watching! New Slang - the shims
What flys do you use. Colorado backpacker just getting into fly fishing
@@Kyle-jg9zl hey, thx for watching. I’m pretty novice on the fly fishing myself. I just like to throw dry flies. I have had success with parachute Adam’s. Seems to work for most situations I have been in on the Alpine lakes and streams.
Was that a cemetery at 0:43?
And how did you prepare for grizzlies ?
Firearms or bear spray ?
Yes it was a cemetery for two men. No grizzlies in the big horns so just brought some spray. There are some lions. My Montana trip I carried and spray. Thx for watching!
Maybe I missed it, but what Route did you take? What Trailhead did you start & finish?
Thanks for checking out the video. It’s all in the video description. Holler if you have any questions. Thanks!
👍👍😊😊
What time of the year did you go?
1st week in September. Thx for watching!
Any issues with bears ?
I didn’t see any sign of bears when I was there.
This area is "grizzly free"... correct?
Yes it is. Thanks for watching!
@@SoloSchmitty Not 100%. There have been reports for years and one had to be put down near Greybull. Always pays to expect them. Not very common but there is a possibility.
Nice vid. Pro tip. Ditch the camera gear and the backtracking. Take more food.
Haha, OK
I really like the video content but that song is going to be stuck in my head for a looonnnggg time…!
Lol, thanks for watching!
Are you allowed to carry a firearm on your person on this trail?
Yes you can. Hunters use the area.
@@SoloSchmitty thanks bro