Learn How To Reach Your Next Summit Safely & Sustainably

The Next Summit takes a digital approach to educate the public about leave no trace and mountain safety. We support the outdoor recreation community with policy research and advocacy and collaborate with a network of partners. Learn more about our work or explore our resources below to tackle your own next summit.

Learn to Explore America's Mountains!

Welcome to The Next Summit! Get started by exploring my recent posts, or try searching for a topic that interests you.

Recent Mountain Breaking News:

Strengthening Colorado’s Outdoors: The Latest Update from the Fix CRUS Coalition

December 3, 2023

Colorado Braces for Up to 18 Inches of Snow This Weekend: Snowstorm Alert

November 30, 2023

Avalanche Danger in Colorado: Increased Activity Raises Concerns

November 29, 2023

Strategic Greenhorn Mountain Rescue: Family of 5 Safely Evacuated

November 26, 2023

Colorado Braces for Thanksgiving Snowstorm: Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers

November 23, 2023

About The Next Summit

My name is Alex Derr. I started The Next Summit in 2019 to provide better resources for those new to the mountains. We leverage digital media strategies and tactics, like blogs, webinars, SEO and social media, to educate the public about leave no trace and mountain safety. We also work with a network of partners to fundraise, conduct research, and work on joint projects.

Today, we’ve reached more than 1,400 people with our training webinars, provide resources to more than 350,000 people, and have 75+ supporters and members who help make it all happen.

Collaborating for the Mountains

We are a proud member of numerous coalitions and partnerships to promote Leave No Trace and preventative search and rescue best practices, while protecting outdoor recreation access in Colorado. Meet some of our partners below.

Explore our Resources

Resource Library >

We’ve published more than 150 different articles, infographics, and how-to guides in The Next Summit Blog. Start exploring or search for a topic you’re interested in learning more about.

Webinar Archive >

We have 7 different on-demand webinars you can watch at any time. Topics include backcountry navigation, climbing a 14er, altitude sickness, avalanche awareness, and more.

Route Guides >

I have route guides for hiking and climbing dozens of peak in Colorado and California. Find the right mountain and route for you and start planning your next adventure with The Next Summit.

Hear From Our Supporters:

This is a great place for people looking to get started in mountaineering, hone their skills, or look for new ways to enjoy the great outdoors. It has lots of great resources to look through and plenty of things I never even thought to consider when planning my trips. If you're into the outdoors, definitely check this out!

"I really appreciate that this blog is focused on inspiration and advice. Even for people who are experienced, Alex's approach is a welcome perspective on mountaineering, without all the self glorifying lists of accomplishments. Highly recommend his resources."

"The Next Summit has provided me with invaluable advice on how to improve my mountaineering game. It contains useful information for mountaineers of all ages, skill, and interest levels. When I need advice on all things outdoorsy and adventure, I go read The Next Summit! 5/5!"

"Stumbled upon Alex's blog while prepping for a 14er and now it's my new go-to for all things hiking in Colorado. The information provided is incredibly detailed and helpful and laid out in an easy-to-read format. I even reached out to Alex via his email with additional questions and he responded within a few hours. Look no further for a guide to your next hike!"

"Alex is creating a community of inclusion. There is so much helpful information here that hikers and mountaineers at any level can access and utilize. 10/10, 2 thumbs up and 5 stars for The Next Summit: A Mountaineering Blog! Also worth checking out is the connected community group."

We Screwed up so You Don’t Have To: 14er Tips from the Veterans:

Thinking about climbing a Colorado 14er? It isn’t easy, but with the right preparation, it’s definitely possible to do. Instead of making the mistakes we’ve

April 1, 2020 2 Comments

The 4 Best 14ers for Beginners in Colorado

Colorado is home to over 50 impressive 14ers, mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. If you’re keen to tackle these stunning giants but

January 1, 2020 No Comments

What is the Easiest 14er in Colorado? Complete Mt Sherman Guide

Colorado is famous for its 58 mountain peaks that soar above 14,000 feet, affectionately known as “Colorado 14ers.” These mountains offer a variety of challenges

April 13, 2023 No Comments

Mountain Safety Guide: 9 Critical Best Practices

Mountain Safety:The Complete Guide In the face of unpredictable weather conditions, altitude changes, and diverse wildlife, thorough preparation is non-negotiable. This guide is meant to

May 23, 2023 No Comments

Colorado 14ers Ranked by Difficulty: Ultimate Guide

Colorado’s 14ers range in difficulty from easy class one day hikes to overnight class four climbs. This article includes all fifty-eight of the Colorado 14ers

February 2, 2020 No Comments

What are the Classes of 14ers? 5 Easy Descriptions

One of the best things about Colorado’s 14ers is the range of difficulty they present. But what are the classes of 14ers? You’ll find peaks

October 7, 2020 2 Comments

More Articles & Resources

9 Spectacular Colorado Ski Resorts Near Denver (By a Local)

December 5, 2023 No Comments

Are you planning a ski trip near Denver and overwhelmed with choices? Denver’s proximity to some of the best ski resorts in Colorado makes it

Strengthening Colorado’s Outdoors: The Latest Update from the Fix CRUS Coalition

December 3, 2023 No Comments

As a founding member of the Fix CRUS Coalition, The Next Summit has been at the forefront of a pivotal movement to reform Colorado’s recreational

Colorado Braces for Up to 18 Inches of Snow This Weekend: Snowstorm Alert

November 30, 2023 No Comments

DENVER, COLORADO – Colorado is on the verge of experiencing a significant snowstorm, with forecasters predicting heavy snowfall from Thursday night through Sunday, impacting travel

Preventative Search and Rescue: The Solution to the SAR Crisis

April 29, 2022 No Comments

Being a search and rescue (SAR) volunteer in Colorado these days isn’t easy. The state’s 2,800 volunteers respond to more than 3,600 rescues every year…

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Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about mountain hiking, camping, and climbing, we cannot guarantee the safety of individuals who choose to use this information. The mountains are inherently unpredictable, and individuals must take full responsibility for their safety when entering the mountains for recreation. The Next Summit LLC, and its authors, are not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur. It is the individual’s responsibility to check conditions, know before they go, follow basic safety precautions, ensure they are legally allowed on the routes they are visiting, and follow Leave No Trace ethics at all times.

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