The Next Summit (Alex Derr)

How have you gotten outside already in 2026? Share a pic of your favorite moment so far!

#OptOutside #WinterAdventures

Still working on your New Year resolutions? Here's one tip: Get outside. 🌲

Hiking, biking, or camping reduces stress, improves sleep, & fights anxiety. Plus, you'll have energy to crush your goals.

My 2026 resolution? Spend more time outside. The benefits will follow. 🏔️

What's yours? #2026goals

Do you rely more on GPS, paper maps, or instinct when navigating alpine terrain?

#trailnavigation #colorado14ers

📍 Redcloud Peak, San Juan Mountains

What’s the most overlooked Leave No Trace principle on busy trails?

#ColoradoHiking #LeaveNoTrace

Colorado is boosting funding for its volunteer search and rescue teams with the first BSAR fee increase in nearly 40 years.

Here’s a full breakdown of what the shift means for safety and sustainability: thenextsummit.org/colorado-q...

#SearchAndRescue #14ers #ColoradoSAR

GPS Devices vs. Smartphone Apps: Which is Better for Trail Navigation? | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Learn the pros and cons of GPS devices and smartphone apps for hiking navigation. Discover which tool is best for safely exploring Colorado’s backcountry.

Handheld GPS or smartphone app: which is your best go-to on the trail for navigation?

Dive into the pros & cons here 👉 thenextsummit.org/gps-device...

#NavigationGear #HikingSmart

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.

Headache, dizziness, nausea above the tree line?

Know the 9 warning signs of altitude sickness before you summit. 👉 thenextsummit.org/symptoms-o...

#AltitudeSafety #HikingSmart

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.

🥶 November on the 14ers = beauty + danger.
Cold, short days & icy trails mean it’s time to hike smart.
Get prepped with “Hiking 14ers in November” from The Next Summit
👉 thenextsummit.org/hiking-14e...

#Colorado14ers #MountainSafety #WinterReady

What Are Public Lands? An Introduction to Public Lands in America | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog What are public lands in the US? Get an answer and learn the difference between national parks, forests, and other types of public lands in our guide.

🌿 Ever wondered exactly what “public lands” actually are, and how we can help protect them?

Check out “What Are Public Lands?” from The Next Summit. I explore different land types, stewardship, and how you can recreate responsibly while making a difference.

👉 thenextsummit.org/what-are-p...

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

Visiting or climbing high this week? Start with prevention. This clear guide explains symptoms, acclimatization, and what to do if trouble starts. Grab my one-page PDF and keep it on your phone.

Read and download: thenextsummit.org/altitude-s...

#AltitudeSickness #ColoradoHiking #SaferSummits

3 Best Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: The Ultimate Guide | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover the 3 best hot springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: historic Glenwood Resort, serene Iron Mountain, and unique Yampah Vapor Caves.

Need a recovery day after hiking or skiing? These Glenwood Springs hot pools deliver everything from classic big pool vibes to quiet river views. I shared pros and tips for each spot.

Pick your soak: thenextsummit.org/3-best-hot...

#HotSprings #GlenwoodSprings #ColoradoTravel

Step into Colorado silver boom history at Ashcroft near Aspen. Visitor tips, a short history, and what to look for on the loop, so you get the most from your stop.

Plan your visit: thenextsummit.org/ashcroft-g...

#GhostTowns #ColoradoHistory #RoadTripColorado

Best Microspikes for Hiking in the Snow: Top 3 Suggestions | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Discover the best microspikes for hiking through challenging terrains. We've narrowed down the top 3 options for you to consider for your next adventure.

Packed snow. Shady switchbacks. Morning ice. Microspikes are the move. Three models that keep you upright all season

thenextsummit.org/best-micro...

#ColoradoHiking #WinterReady

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.

Ten Essentials, but make it usable. This guide shows what changes for a short day vs an overnight so your kit matches your plan

thenextsummit.org/the-ten-es...
#TrailSkills #ColoradoHiking

9 Snow Stability Tests for the Backcountry | Avalanche Safety 101 | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog These 9 snow stability tests are the best way for beginners to determine the avalanche risk in the snowpack before entering dangerous terrain.

Build better snow sense with nine stability tests you can practice this season. Guide: thenextsummit.org/9-snow-sta...
Forecasts and education still come first.

#AvalancheAwareness

How to Stay Safe When Hiking in Winter Conditions | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog Winter hiking offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of snow-blanketed landscapes. However, the colder temperatures, shorter days, and

Early season snow is here. Start with the basics for safer winter hikes: layers, traction, light, navigation.

Full guide: thenextsummit.org/how-to-sta...

#WinterHiking

One wrong turn or a broken buckle and daylight slips away. A simple survival plan turns a scare into a story you learn from. Here is a clear checklist to prep today

thenextsummit.org/how-to-mak...

#BackcountryBasics #Colorado

First snow in the forecast. Try one of these low risk Colorado hikes that still bring big views. Guide here: thenextsummit.org/easy-fall-...

#ColoradoHiking #FallHikes

Sunrise on the road to Missouri Gulch.
Looks quiet. But further up, the road eats low-clearance cars for breakfast. 😬

Before heading to any trailhead: check the road, know your clearance, and don’t wing it. The hike starts after the road ends. Plan ahead.

#Colorado14ers #MissouriGulch #TrailTips

9 Winter Driving Tips: How to Travel Safely in the Mountains During Snow Season | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog These are critical winter driving tips for safe travel in the mountains. We cover vehicle preparation, navigating icy roads, emergency measures, and more.

Driving I-70 in a storm? Been there, done that.

It's not fun; especially if you're not sure what you're doing.

These 9 winter driving tips will get you to the trailhead and back safely when roads get slick: thenextsummit.org/9-winter-d...

#ColoradoDriving #WinterSafety #i70

Summit crushed Grays Peak this month—on leash the whole way. 🐶⛰️

The myth that dogs need to be off-leash to enjoy the mountains? Yeah… no. Every sniff, every breeze, every muddy paw was joy on a string.

Leash = love + safety + LNT.

#DogsOn14ers #LeaveNoTrace #ColoradoDogs #GraysPeak #AdventureDog

Crampons vs Microspikes for 14ers | What's the Best Choice? | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog During Colorado winters and spring, traction is key for hiking and climbing 14ers. Here's what to consider when deciding on crampons vs microspikes.

Microspikes or crampons? Which is right, and when?

Choosing the proper traction for early-season ice and consolidated snow is essential if you plan to do any hiking this autumn.

Breakdowns + recommendations inside: thenextsummit.org/crampons-v...

#Colorado14ers #HikingGear #Traction

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