The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has started relocating the Copper Creek wolf pack after a series of livestock attacks in Grand County. This decision has ignited controversy, with ranchers claiming they've done everything possible to stop the depredation using non-lethal means. However, CPW reports that some ranchers repeatedly refused to use these methods—even when funding was offered to cover the costs. Read the full story to dive into the conflicting perspectives and the challenges of balancing wildlife restoration with ranching interests. 🐺👇 🔗 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gNP9ew4J #WolfReintroduction #ColoradoWolves #WildlifeManagement #Conservation #Ranching #CPW #WolfConflict

🌿 Leave No Trace Reminder: Pack Out ALL Waste, Even Food Scraps! 🍎 Did you know that even biodegradable food waste can harm the environment? Apple cores, banana peels, and other food scraps don't just disappear – they can take months or even years to decompose, attracting wildlife and altering their natural diets in the meantime. Next time you're out on the trail, remember: - 🎒 Pack it in, pack it out – ALL of it! - 🍽️ Plan your meals to minimize leftovers - 🗑️ Use resealable containers to store food waste until you can dispose of it properly Let's work together to keep our wild spaces truly wild. Every small action counts! 🌎 #LeaveNoTrace #PackItOut #OutdoorEthics #ProtectNature #TheNextSummit

🚨 New iPhone SOS Feature: Know Before You Go 🚨 Grant County SAR Team in New Mexico has been on several missions lately where people used the new iPhone SOS feature via satellite. They shared great tips on what you need to know: 1. Pre-defined Messages Only: Free-form texting isn’t available yet, which means the info you send might not trigger an immediate search. Update your medical info in the Health app to help speed up response times. 2. Emergency Contact: Make sure your emergency contacts aren’t in the backcountry with you! This info helps searchers reach your loved ones for critical details. 3. Pointing at Satellites: Remember, unlike other devices, you need to actively point your phone at the satellites to send and receive messages. Don’t miss important follow-up texts! 4. Learning Curve: This tech is brand new—make sure you know how to use it before heading out. It could save your life! 5. Use Proven Devices: If you have an InReach, Spot, or similar device, stick with it for now. They are more reliable than this emerging iPhone tech. 6. Always Be Prepared: Carry the essentials, bring a physical map and compass, and let your emergency contact know your plan before heading out. Stay safe and enjoy the backcountry responsibly! 🏞️ #OutdoorSafety #SearchAndRescue #iPhoneSOS #BePrepared #BackcountrySafety

What started as an office retreat turned into a nightmare for one hiker—left behind by coworkers, falling 20 times, and enduring a night in freezing rain on the mountain. 🏔 Against all odds, he was rescued when he was miraculously found a cell signal the next morning. He called 911 and shared his location in a gully on the other side of the mountain. This incredible story of survival and the SAR rescue is a must-read. 🙌💪 https://zurl.co/XHZu #News #Colorado #14ers #SearchAndRescue

🐾 Happy International Dog Day! 🐶 As we celebrate our furry friends today, let's remember to be responsible pet owners, especially when enjoying the great outdoors together. Here are some tips for recreating responsibly with your four-legged companion: - 🦮 Keep your dog on a leash in designated areas to ensure their safety and respect for wildlife and other visitors. - 💧 Always bring plenty of fresh water for your pup to stay hydrated during outdoor adventures. - 🚮 Pack out what you pack in - this includes cleaning up after your dog to preserve our natural spaces. - 🌡️ Be mindful of hot surfaces like asphalt or sand that can harm your dog's paws. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws! - 🏞️ Research pet-friendly trails and parks before heading out to ensure a smooth experience. Remember, a happy dog is a well-cared-for dog. Let's make every day as special as International Dog Day by being responsible pet owners! Share your favorite outdoor moments with your furry friend in the comments below! 📸🐕

🎉 Happy Birthday to America's Best Idea! 🏞️ Today, we celebrate the 108th anniversary of the National Park Service! On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the NPS, entrusting it with the care of our nation's most precious natural and cultural treasures. To mark this special day, all National Parks are offering free admission! It's the perfect opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history preserved in our parks. Whether you're planning a visit to iconic parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon, or discovering a hidden gem closer to home, remember that these lands belong to all of us. Let's cherish and protect them for future generations. Share your favorite National Park memory or photo in the comments below! And if you're heading out to a park today, don't forget to practice Leave No Trace principles. 🌿 #NationalParkService #NationalParks #FindYourPark #AmericasBestIdea

Mountain Rescue Aspen rescued an injured hiker on Saturday along the Thomas Lakes Trail near Mount Sopris when he fell and received significant non-life-threatening injuries. Read more about the rescue and lessons learned from the incident 👉 https://zurl.co/t2or #News #SAR

🍁 Autumn in the Rockies: A breathtaking adventure awaits! 🏔️ But remember, with great beauty comes great responsibility. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, throwing sun ☀️, storms ⛈️, rain 🌧️, snow ❄️, and even sleet your way - often without warning! 🎓 Ready to conquer the shoulder season? Join our mountain skills webinar on September 18 at 7pm MT! Learn how to stay safe and prepared from September through November, no matter what curveballs the weather throws. 💪🏼🌤️🌨️ 🔗 Register here: https://zurl.co/MLNW #ShoulderSeason #MountainSkills #TheNextSummit #OutdoorSafety #StaySafe #AdventureSmarter 🏞️🎒

Hundreds of people get lost every year in the mountains of Colorado. If you end up off route, and you can't find your way back after an attempt or two, what should you do? Remember the acronym: STOP ✋ S: Stop and Stay Calm - Sit down for a bit. Take a deep breath and avoid panicking. That will only make things worse. T: Think - Assess your situation and resources. Think through how you got here and if you passed any landmarks. O: Observe - Look for familiar landmarks or signs of the trail. Look at your map or GPS to figure out your general location. P: Plan - Make a decision based on your observations and stick to it. That includes the option of staying put if you’re not confident your route is right. Being prepared is key to staying safe in the mountains. Always carry a map, compass, and GPS device, and know how to use them. Tell someone your plans before you go, and consider carrying a satellite communication device for emergencies. Stay safe out there, adventurers! 🏔️🧭 #HikingSafety #ColoradoMountains #OutdoorPreparedness #STOP

🚨 UPDATE: Firefighters are close to fully containing the Goltra Fire burning on Lookout Mountain near Golden! 🔥 The fire, sparked by lightning on Tuesday night, has burned 204 acres but is now 60% contained. 🙌 No evacuations are expected, and crews are hopeful they'll "put this fire to bed for good" today. High winds remain a concern, but the community can breathe a sigh of relief. Read the full story for the latest details: https://zurl.co/Ep6i #GoltraFire #LookoutMountain #WildfireUpdate #ColoradoNews