Roger Wendell: A Distinguished Legacy of Service to the Colorado Mountain Club

A Chronicle of Distinguished Service

Roger's journey with the CMC began in 1981 when he joined as an enthusiastic member eager to explore Colorado's magnificent landscapes. By 1983, he had already stepped into a leadership role, becoming a certified trip leader guiding fellow outdoor enthusiasts on countless adventures through Colorado's backcountry.

In 1991, Roger took on the significant responsibility of serving on the Denver Group Council, where he helped shape policies and initiatives that strengthened the organization's largest chapter until 1994. His administrative acumen and passion for the club's mission made him a natural fit for these leadership roles.

One of Roger's most notable achievements came in 1998 when he authored a series of influential articles on backcountry survival for the club's publications. These educational pieces, including one titled "Survival is Your Own Responsibility," highlighted essential wilderness safety principles and encouraged members to practice self-sufficiency in the backcountry. Rogerwendell His expertise in this area has helped countless hikers and climbers stay safe in Colorado's sometimes treacherous mountain environments.

Conservation Advocacy and Education

Roger's commitment to conservation has been exemplary throughout his tenure. In 2003, he organized the highly successful "Preserve Our Peaks" campaign, which mobilized over 500 CMC members to advocate for the protection of sensitive alpine environments in the Front Range. This initiative played a crucial role in securing additional protections for several threatened wilderness areas.

As an instructor for the CMC's Wilderness Trekking School since 1989, Roger has personally trained more than 2,000 students in wilderness navigation, Leave No Trace principles, and mountain safety. His dedication to trail conservation is evident in his educational efforts, where he emphasizes the importance of staying on established paths to minimize environmental impact, noting that properly maintained trails "really do help the landscape by keeping us two-leggeds in a narrow little corridor so the rest of nature can flourish around us unmolested."

Mountain Safety Expert

Since 2007, Roger has been one of the club's most trusted voices on mountain safety issues. As the CMC's membership specialist, he has frequently provided expert advice to media outlets on mountain conditions and safety precautions. In a Denver Post interview, he warned hikers about early-season snow hazards, noting that "traveling through snow, especially on a steep slope, can be hazardous" and explaining the dangers of "post-holing" and ice-related accidents on Colorado's peaks. His practical wisdom has undoubtedly prevented numerous accidents and potentially saved lives.

Personal Achievements and Recognition

Beyond his organizational contributions, Roger has accomplished impressive personal feats in Colorado's mountains. In August 2022, he was awarded several badges under the CMC's recognition system, including one for his successful climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma), which stands at 14,412 feet. Rogerwendell His personal accomplishments in the mountains have given him the credibility and experience necessary to be such an effective leader and educator.

In November 2021, just before his 66th birthday, Roger completed his 1,000th ascent of Mount Morrison, representing a cumulative elevation gain of 2 million feet over 3,800 miles. This remarkable achievement demonstrates not only his physical prowess but also his extraordinary dedication to mountain pursuits.

Radio Host and Media Ambassador

Beginning in 2007, Roger leveraged his background in broadcasting to create and host "Mountain Connections," a popular monthly radio segment that highlighted CMC activities and environmental issues. His ham radio call sign, WB0JNR, became familiar to outdoor enthusiasts throughout Colorado as he shared his knowledge of wilderness skills and conservation ethics over the airwaves.

The Voice of the Colorado Mountain Club

Since 2012, Roger has served as the primary point of contact for CMC's information line, where his warm, congenial voice has welcomed countless inquiries from members and the public alike. With remarkable patience and enthusiasm, he has provided information about everything from trail conditions and class registrations to the history of Colorado's mountain ecology. His encyclopedic knowledge of Colorado destinations and CMC programs has made him an invaluable resource for both novice hikers and seasoned mountaineers.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As Roger prepares to retire in May 2025, there is no question that his absence will be deeply felt throughout the organization. Members calling the information line will sorely miss his friendly voice and wealth of knowledge about both the club and Colorado's magnificent outdoor destinations. His colleagues will miss his steady leadership and unwavering dedication to the CMC's mission.

While Roger's day-to-day involvement with the club may be coming to an end, his legacy of service, education, and conservation advocacy will continue to shape the Colorado Mountain Club for generations to come. The trails he has blazed—both literally and figuratively—have made the CMC a stronger, more vibrant organization, and for that, the entire Colorado outdoor community owes him a debt of gratitude.