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.

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 1,200 people with our free training programs, help more than 300,000 people each year with our resources, and have 70+ member supporters who help make it all happen. Learn more about our work below.

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.

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Check Out Our Favorite Resources

The REI Anniversary Sale is here but not for long!

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Don't Miss My Next Free Webinar: How to Climb a Fourteener in the Autumn

September, October, and November are great months to hike and climb 14ers, with fewer people crowding the trails. However, the weather is more variable, and there’s a greater risk. In my next webinar, I’ll share everything you need to know to have a safe and successful ascent during the Fall. Save a seat today!

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Download My FREE Fourteener Trip Planner

It's a great tool for planning each of your 14er hikes and climbs. Get a copy as our free gift when you subscribe to our newsletter.