Some videos are just plain fun to watch. This video shows how much fun it is to bring your family out into the backcountry.

The Crestones are among the most challenging mountains to climb in Colorado, the Needle being a bit harder than the Peak. They are also among the most popular with folks who like technical climbs. All of them can be reached by a forest service road leading 5 miles in to the South Colony Lakes area, southwest of Westcliffe. This road is also reputed to be an axle breaker, surpassed in its’ ability to do damage only by the Lake Como Road going up Mt. Blanca.

There’s some 3,600 feet of elevation gain between South Colony Lakes and the summit of Crestone Peak. You can hike/climb for several miles around the mountains to get there or you can go straight to the 2,000 foot rock wall and have some fun.

There are also trails leading from the Crestone area on the west side of the Sangres that make certain climbs easier. Private property is a problem to be respected in this area. Most of the 14ers here are in the San Isabel National Forest, although the summits of Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point are on the Baca Grande, which is now owned by the National Park Service. The photos on this page were taken on the western side of the range.

“In July, 2009 we ventured deep into the Colorado mountains for climbing and camping at South Colony Lakes in the Sangre de Cristo range. The trip was extra special and included our 2 and 4 year old sons on their first big Colorado camping trip. Also along were 9 great friends mostly from Kansas. It was a real backpacking adventure! The video shows our camp and the climb of Crestone Needle, one of Colorado’s more tricky 14ers. This peak seems to claim someone’s life every year, yet we left early, had great weather and no difficulties. My wife and I have now climbed 44 of the 54 Colorado high points and can’t wait to get out there and climb again.”

This video was shot by Vimeo User: Kyle Arnold

I really enjoyed this video. Hope you do to.