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:

Colorado May Buy 10,000 Acres of La Sierra. Is Culebra In?

October 9, 2026

Don’t Rush the Maroon Bells Handoff. Comments Close Oct. 9

October 3, 2026

The Flood Watch Includes Pikes Peak Above 11,000 Feet

September 29, 2026

Three Substance Rescues in One Summer at Conundrum Hot Springs

September 20, 2026

Maroon Peak Closes Sept 8 for a Climber’s Recovery

September 7, 2026

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."