Felicia Brower
The countdown is officially on! Next Saturday, August 1st, mountain enthusiasts across the state will lace up their boots for Summit 2026. This ambitious, statewide simultaneous summit initiative—coordinated by Colorado Mountain Club, the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, and the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry and sponsored by The VF Foundation—will place teams on all of Colorado’s 14ers on the same morning in celebration of this historic 150th Colorado Day.
For months, this monumental event has lived in planning documents, maps, and spreadsheets. Next week, it will live in the legs and lungs of our dedicated trip leaders and participants. Final teams have been chosen, logistics have been cross-checked, gear has been packed, and participants have been preparing to represent their organizations across Colorado’s highest ground.
As every experienced outdoor enthusiast knows, setting grand goals requires an equal measure of humility and risk management. Early August in Colorado means sudden afternoon storms, lightning exposure on open ridges, and the ever-present reality of active wildfires, smoke, and seasonal closures.
While our dream is to stand together atop peaks across the state, the safety and well-being of everyone attempting this feat is our top priority. If high-altitude lightning, poor air quality, or fire risks present undue danger, our teams will pivot without hesitation. The mountains will be there tomorrow, and they’ll be just as special as they would be on the 1st.
If safety concerns or local fire conditions mean a specific high summit is off-limits on Colorado Day, the celebration will simply shift elevation. Should a summit attempt be called off, our teams will transition to alternative adventures. Colorado offers countless outdoor pursuits that embody the spirit of the day just as deeply as a 14er crest.
If you are planning your own backcountry outings for August 1st or following along with Summit 2026, remember that local conditions change rapidly. Always check the U.S. Forest Service and local ranger district updates for specific peak access, fire restrictions, closures, and parking rules before heading to any trailhead.
At CMC Basecamp, we’ll be hosting an Alpine After Party where you can compete in trivia for gear and prizes, hear from people who participated in the summits in 2026 and in 1976, enjoy food trucks, drinks and snacks, and a DJ.
Whether you’ll be taking in impeccable views from a 14,000-foot summit or sharing a trailside lunch with a friend beside a mountain stream, August 1st is about celebrating the wild places we love and the community that explores them. Check your gear, review your route forecasts, and let’s make Summit 2026 an unforgettable Colorado Day!
Check out our Instagram for details about the teams summitting and for day-of photos and videos, and visit our event calendar to find ways to celebrate Colorado by enjoying the outdoors all year long.