The Next Summit (Alex Derr)

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness: 9 Warning Signs | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness is important. Here's a guide on how to identify mild, moderate, and severe altitude sickness.

Feeling off at 13,000 feet? Don’t brush it off.

Altitude sickness can hit fast—and ignoring the signs can lead to serious consequences. Learn to recognize the 9 most common symptoms before your next hike.

🔗 Read the guide: thenextsummit.org/symptoms-o...

Winter Hiking in Colorado: 7 Tips for Great Winter Adventures | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Learn how to get outside in the snow and stay safe with these seven tips for winter hiking in Colorado.

Love quiet trails? Winter hiking can be magical, but also unforgiving if mistakes are made.

Get 7 essential tips to stay warm, safe, and stoked all season (don't become a news story!): thenextsummit.org/winter-hik...

#ColoradoLife #WinterHiking

The Ten Essentials: Be Ready for Anything on the Trail | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog The ten essentials are the most important gear and supplies you need to stay safe and survive in the backcountry. Here's a complete guide to all ten.

Headed for the high country? The Ten Essentials can turn a mishap into a manageable situation. From navigation and illumination to first aid and emergency shelter, here’s the checklist every Colorado hiker should carry.

Read the full guide → thenextsummit.org/the-ten-es...

#CO14ers #LeaveNoTrace

How To Prevent, Recognize, and Treat Hypothermia | Wilderness First Aid 101 | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover how to prevent, identify, and treat hypothermia during outdoor activities, with real-life examples and actionable tips, in my new first aid guide.

Hypothermia can sneak up fast during fall in the mountains

Learn the signs (umbles!), how to prevent it, and what to do if it hits on trail: thenextsummit.org/prevent-re...

#ColoradoAutumn #Hypothermia #WildernessFirstAid

Hiking 14ers in November | Tips for Safe & Successful Summits | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Temperatures on the fourteeners range from 40 F to -10 F in the month of November. It's one reason why hiking 14ers in November is so unpredictable.

Hiking a 14er in November? Expect ice, wind, and short daylight.

Here’s how to plan, what to pack, and when to turn around safely: thenextsummit.org/hiking-14e...

#Colorado14ers #HikingSafety

Best 7 Fourteeners to Climb in the Fall | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog As the snow begins closing trailheads and increasing avalanche risk, here are 7 fourteeners to climb in the fall that remain accessible and safe.

Planning a fall summit? These are the 7 best 14ers for crisp temps, golden views, and safer conditions. Pick your peak wisely and go prepared: thenextsummit.org/best-7-fou...

#Colorado14ers #HikingSafety

🍂 Fall in Colorado means sunshine one minute, icy wind the next. The secret? Layering.

Base = wick sweat

Mid = stay warm

Outer = block wind/rain

Pack smart, swap layers as you go, and don’t forget an extra puffy for when the sun dips. 🥾🌄

#HikeSmart

Colorado Pine Trees: Identifying, Enjoying, and Protecting Colorado’s Iconic Evergreens | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover the beauty of Colorado pine trees with this guide. Learn to identify key species, their role in the ecosystem, and how to protect them.

Not just background scenery — Colorado’s pines define our forests. 🌲 Learn how to ID them (and protect them) here:

thenextsummit.org/colorado-p...

#PineTrees #LeaveNoTrace

Happy Friday, friends! ☀️⛰️

The weekend is almost here! Where are you heading to get outside? Hitting a 14er? Chasing fall colors? Or just soaking in some fresh air close to home?

#Colorado14ers #OptOutside #TheNextSummit #WeekendWarriors

🌲 Why should hikers care about the Roadless Rule? It protects 60M acres of National Forest from roads and logging—including 1.6M in Colorado.

No roads = more wildlife, cleaner water, peaceful trails, and true wilderness experiences. When we keep these areas roadless, we keep them wild. 🥾

Judd Falls Trail Near Crested Butte: Ultimate Hiking Guide | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Comprehensive guide to Judd Falls Trail with route details, safety tips, camping options, and FAQs for a safe and enjoyable hike.

The Judd Falls Trail is a fall classic near Crested Butte. Short, family-friendly, and lined with aspen groves that explode in gold this time of year.

This trail guide covers parking, directions, and tips for making the most of the season.


Get the Guide: thenextsummit.org/colorado-h...

❄️ When should you start packing microspikes? Right about now. Early-season ice patches make Colorado trails treacherous fast.

🧊 Even without deep snow, microspikes can prevent dangerous falls. Trekking poles help too.

✅ Don't wait for winter - fall conditions can be just as dangerous!

15 Beautiful Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado for Your Next Adventure | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover 15 of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado, ranging from short family-friendly hikes to challenging high-elevation climbs and adventures.

Alpine lakes + fall colors = the perfect Colorado hike. 🏔️🍁
15 trails to explore this season:
thenextsummit.org/15-beautif...

#ColoradoHiking

Mount Elbert Winter Guide: Resources for a Successful 14er Ascent | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Planning on a Mount Elbert winter ascent? Prepare yourself with my 14er route guide, descriptions, topographical maps and photos.

Thinking about tackling Colorado’s highest peak this winter? Mount Elbert is doable, but not without preparation. My guide covers:
✅ Gear for subzero conditions
✅ Route advice for snow & ice
✅ Safety considerations for short days

Start planning:
thenextsummit.org/mount-elbe...

#WinterHiking #14ers

Best Hiking Near Idaho Springs: My 12 Favorite Trails with Stunning Views | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover 12 stunning trails for hiking near Idaho Springs, from easy nature walks to rugged 14ers. Read my complete guide to hiking in Clear Creek County.

Looking for quick mountain getaways within an hour of Denver? Idaho Springs has you covered.

From mellow lake loops to summit scrambles, here are 12 of the best hikes near Idaho Springs!

👉 Explore the full list:
thenextsummit.org/best-hikin...

#HikingColorado #IdahoSprings

Wilderness Navigation 101: How to Find Your Way in the Backcountry | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Master the fundamentals of wilderness navigation, including using topographic maps, a compass, and planning a route.

Navigation isn’t a luxury; it’s safety. ⛰️

Map + compass + terrain reading > over-relying on GPS alone.

Read the full guide: thenextsummit.org/wilderness...

#TrailSkills #BackcountryNavigation

Most lightning “tips” hikers know are wrong. ⚡

Forget the crouch. Forget tents. Forget the myths.

✅ Start early
✅ Watch storms up to 10 mi away
✅ Get to lower ground + even tree cover

Stay smart, stay safe.

Altitude Sickness 101 PDF Guide | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Altitude sickness affects 1 out of 2 people who climb a 14er, and 1 in 3 people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn how to prevent altitude

Hiking high this fall? 🏔️ Altitude matters.

Grab my Altitude Sickness 101 Guide to learn how to prep, recognize symptoms, and stay safe:
thenextsummit.org/altitude-s...

Where’s your next high-elevation goal?

#Colorado14ers #AltitudeSickness

"Success in the mountains isn’t luck; it’s preparation." 🏔️

Next Summit Members get exclusive content, skill-building courses, & coaching to help you #HikeSmart and stay safe on Colorado’s 14ers. Plus, you support outdoor education & public land advocacy!

Join today: thenextsummit.org/membership

14er Backpacking Trips | 7 Great Fourteeners for Overnight Adventures | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Most 14ers can be climbed in a single day - but it's a lot more fun and exciting to backpack them overnight. Here are 7 great 14er backpacking trips to take.

Want to turn your 14er into an overnight memory? 🏕️

Here are 7 incredible overnight backpacking 14ers to sleep under the stars:

thenextsummit.org/14er-backp...

What’s one you’re itching to do? #Colorado14ers #backpacking

How to Adjust Your Colorado Hiking and Camping Plans for Shorter Fall Days | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Learn how to adjust your Colorado hiking and camping plans for shorter fall days. Tips on early starts, proper gear, layering, and weather preparedness.

Shorter daylight + colder nights = Fall is here. 🏕️ If you're heading out soon, don’t skip this:
thenextsummit.org/how-to-adj...

Gear tips, layering advice, and weather prep so your hike stays fun even when the sun sets early.

#ColoradoAutumn #FallColors

🏔️ Wilderness First Aid Tip: Scene Safety & Patient Assessment

Before you treat, make sure YOU are safe. ⚡Then check the basics:

✅ Airway
✅ Breathing
✅ Circulation
✅ Disability
✅ Environment

Stay calm. Stay systematic. Save lives.

#WildernessFirstAid #HikeSmart

Comprehensive Hiking Gear List: 17 Essentials for the Trail | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Get ready for your next mountain adventure with our comprehensive hiking gear list. Don't leave home without these 17 essentials.

Fall on the trail means gear matters more. 🍂

From boots and layers to navigation & protection, here are 17 essentials every hiker needs:
thenextsummit.org/comprehens...

What’s your must-have item this season? #HikingGear #LeaveNoTrace

Half the Forest Service budget now goes to wildfire suppression. 🔥

That leaves fewer staff & funding for trails, wildlife, research, and conservation work.

We need proactive management + smarter policy. It starts with us recreating responsibly.

🌲 Keep it safe out there. #PublicLands #Wildfires

Best Mountain Hikes Near Denver: 13 Epic Trails and Summits | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover these 13 epic mountain hikes near Denver, Colorado. They are perfect for your next adventure, with spectacular views and plenty of wildlife.

Need a mountain fix close to home? 🏔️

Here are 13 epic hikes near Denver — all packed with views, variety, and adventure:

thenextsummit.org/best-mount...

Which one’s your favorite trail escape?

#DenverHikes #ColoradoFallColors

Blisters end more Colorado hikes than altitude sickness.

Hack: Pre-tape your hotspots (heels/toes), wear a thin liner sock under your hiking sock, & use heel-lock lacing on descents.

Friction happens fabric-to-fabric, not skin-to-boot.


#ColoradoHiking #BePrepared

What mountain or trail is still on your bucket list?

#Mountains #BucketList

Leave No Trace Ethics for 14ers | Protecting Popular Peaks | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Be a good steward to Colorado's fourteeners as you hike and climb them. Here's advice for practicing leave no trace ethics for 14ers.

Colorado's 14ers give us:
✅ Wild views
✅ Solitude
✅ A challenge

What do they ask in return? Respect.

7 simple Leave No Trace rules keep our summits intact 🌄 thenextsummit.org/how-to-cli...

Which one do you see broken most often?

#LeaveNoTrace #14ers

What’s the scariest moment you’ve had on a hike or climb?

#Hiking #Climbing

Elk rut season = extra wildlife on Colorado trails & roads! Bulls are bold & unpredictable right now. Stay safe:

- Don’t get close for pics — use zoom!
- Give them 100 yards of space
- Leash your dog (elk may charge if provoked)
- Stay quiet, avoid stressing them out

#ElkRut #Colorado