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The Next Summit (Alex Derr)
@thenextsummit.bsky.social
390 followers 280 following 440 posts
Hiking, camping, and bagging peaks across the Colorado Rockies while sharing Leave No Trace and safety tips and advocating for public lands, conservation, and recreation access.
Follow me on the trail and discover your next summit! 🥾🏔
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🥶 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
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.
thenextsummit.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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🌿 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...
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.
thenextsummit.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
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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
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
thenextsummit.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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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
Ashcroft Ghost Town: The Complete Visitor Guide (2025) | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog
Discover the Ashcroft Ghost Town near Aspen, Colorado. Explore its silver boom history and ruins. Get visitor info, seasonal tips, and advice in my guide.
thenextsummit.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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Packed snow. Shady switchbacks. Morning ice. Microspikes are the move. Three models that keep you upright all season

thenextsummit.org/best-micro...

#ColoradoHiking #WinterReady
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.
thenextsummit.org
November 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:24 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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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
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
thenextsummit.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
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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
How to Make a Survival Plan for an Unplanned Night in the Colorado Mountains | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog
The sun has set. The wind is picking up. Your trail is gone beneath fresh snow. Tonight, your goal isn’t to reach the summit — it’s to survive until morning.
thenextsummit.org
October 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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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
Easy Fall Hikes in Colorado: 6 Low-Risk Picks After the First Snow | The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog
Easy fall hikes in Colorado’s high country are about smart terrain and timing as much as distance and gain. Work with the forecast, pick routes with forgiving
thenextsummit.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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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
October 19, 2025 at 7:44 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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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
October 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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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...
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 16, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:24 PM
thenextsummit.bsky.social
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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 15, 2025 at 10:00 PM
thenextsummit.bsky.social
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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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🍂 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
October 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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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
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.
thenextsummit.org
October 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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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
October 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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🌲 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. 🥾
October 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM