Historic 14er Climb: Summit 2026 Teams Announced

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America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission Announces Climbing Teams for Historic 14er Climb: Summit 2026 Initiative

Organizations and individuals from across Colorado unite for signature initiative celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary

Press Contacts:

Philosophy Communication

Grace Markley, (720) 421-9633, [email protected]

Jamie Resnik, (810) 444-9303, [email protected]

David Thomas, (720) 985-7447, [email protected]

DENVER, Colo. (July 22, 2026) — The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission today announced the 58 official climbing teams selected to participate in 14er Climb: Summit 2026, the Commission’s signature initiative taking place on Colorado Day, August 1, 2026. In partnership with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) and sponsor The VF Foundation, climbers representing communities from every corner of Colorado will honor the state’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary atop Colorado’s iconic peaks.

The response to 14er Climb: Summit 2026 exceeded expectations, with hundreds of Coloradans applying to join climbing teams through a public lottery. After a careful review process focused on risk management, experience, and responsible recreation, volunteer leaders have assembled teams across all 58 Colorado fourteeners, marking an unprecedented statewide effort to celebrate Colorado Day.

“Summit 2026 is about far more than reaching a summit; it’s about bringing Coloradans together through a shared love of our outdoors,” said Nathan Richie, Co-Chair of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. “The overwhelming response from volunteers, community organizations, outdoor leaders, and climbers reflects exactly what this commemoration is meant to inspire: people coming together to celebrate our history while creating new memories that will last for generations.”

The initiative brings together a remarkable cross-section of Colorado’s outdoor community in partnership with the Colorado Mountain Club, whose experienced volunteer trip leaders will guide climbers across all 58 peaks. Teams include nonprofit organizations, conservation leaders, Indigenous representatives, veterans, educators, and community groups working to expand access to Colorado’s public lands.

Among the participating organizations is Latino Outdoors, whose team will summit Torreys Peak, reflecting the organization’s mission to inspire and connect Latino communities to the outdoors while celebrating culture, leadership, and belonging.

Another team will feature SOS Outreach on Mount of the Holy Cross, highlighting the organization’s commitment to mentoring young people through outdoor experiences that build resilience, confidence, and leadership.

The climb also showcases Colorado’s leadership in inclusive outdoor recreation through organizations like Adaptive Adventures, whose team will summit Quandary Peak, demonstrating that outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone regardless of physical ability.

“What makes Summit 2026 so special is the community behind it,” said Conor Hall, Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “Each team represents a unique story, organization, or community working every day to connect people with Colorado’s outdoors. Together, these climbers remind us that stewardship, accessibility, and shared experiences are what make our outdoor recreation culture so strong.”

Every climbing team will be led by experienced volunteer leaders committed to responsible recreation, Leave No Trace principles, and participant safety. Inspired by Colorado’s historic 1976 Centennial Fourteeners Climb, Summit 2026 reimagines that statewide tradition for a new generation—building on the vision of those who celebrated Colorado’s 100th anniversary while emphasizing stewardship, inclusivity, and responsible recreation.

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Colorado Mountain Club continue to monitor wildfire activity and mountain conditions leading up to August 1. Out of an abundance of caution, the Mount Massive climbing team has been canceled in support of the Lake County community and ongoing public safety efforts. Additional updates will be reflected on Am250CO150.org.

Click here to view the complete list of 14er Climb: Summit 2026 climbing teams.

Find Your Own 14er

While official climbing teams have been selected, the Commission encourages everyone to take part through the Find Your Own 14er campaign.

The Centennial State is full of amazing places. Whether it’s hiking a local trail, visiting a state park, fishing, paddling, camping, or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends, every Coloradan is invited to celebrate Colorado Day by finding their own outdoor adventure and reflecting on how lucky we are to call Colorado home

Coloradans can also continue celebrating throughout the commemorative year by exploring the statewide events calendar at Am250CO150.org, featuring hundreds of community events, festivals, exhibits, performances, and outdoor experiences taking place across Colorado through December 2026.

About the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commemoration

The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is leading Colorado’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026. Established by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, the Commission brings together leaders from across the state to guide this historic milestone. Through its campaign, “The View From Here,” the Commission invites all Coloradans to reflect on our shared history and imagine the future, recognizing Colorado’s unique legacy as the only state founded on the nation’s 100th birthday in 1876. Working alongside state agencies, regional Advisory Panel members, and local communities, the Commission will showcase signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits, and community-led events to inspire engagement statewide. For more information and ways to get involved, visit Am250CO150.org.

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