Handies Peak Brings People Together on Colorado’s Public Lands for Summit 2026

Aug 14, 2026

Lake City, Colo. – Bureau of Land Management employees and partners joined hikers at Colorado’s Handies Peak on Aug. 1 for Summit 2026, a statewide effort to climb all 58 of the state’s fourteeners in one day.

The event celebrated America’s 250th anniversary, Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the Freedom 250 initiative while showcasing the role public lands play in connecting people with the outdoors.

The Handies Peak climb included hikers from the Colorado Mountain Club, Outdoor Afro and BLM. Together, the group experienced one of Colorado’s iconic public land landscapes while celebrating the partnerships that help make these opportunities possible.

Two people stand on a rocky summit holding a flag reading "Summit 2026" — At the summit, Jacobs raised banners recognizing Summit 2026 and Outdoor Afro. The moment marked the statewide climbing initiative while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, Freedom 250 and Colorado’s 150th anniversary.

“Days like this are a good reminder of why we do this work,” said Connie Jacobs, Colorado National Conservation Lands Program Lead. “People come to public lands for all kinds of reasons. They come to challenge themselves, spend time with friends and family, or just enjoy being outside. Our job is to help make those experiences possible while taking care of these places for the future.”

Jacobs reached the summit with longtime Colorado Mountain Club member Linda Lawson, who has climbed Handies Peak several times. It was only after the hike that Jacobs learned Lawson was in her 80s.

“After I found out how old Linda was, I realized I had no room to complain about being tired or too old to climb a fourteener,” Jacobs said with a laugh.

Lawson has spent decades volunteering with the Colorado Mountain Club, teaching avalanche safety, backpacking and other outdoor skills. She now leads hikes for fellow octogenarians.

Group selfie of five hikers in front of a trailhead sign — Everyday public land management looks a lot like helping people experience these places while encouraging responsible recreation and protecting the landscapes, wildlife habitat and cultural resources that make them special.

While the climbing group made its way toward the summit, other BLM employees and partners were helping visitors connect with the celebration from below.

Keith Carson, outdoor recreation planner with the BLM Gunnison Field Office, and Melanie Hardin with the San Juan Mountains Association welcomed visitors at Burrows Park near the Alpine Loop. They shared information about Summit 2026, provided portable oxygen canisters for high-elevation hiking and distributed wag bags to help reduce impacts on the alpine environment.

Throughout the day, Carson and Hardin made more than 200 visitor contacts, answered questions, supported the hiking team and remained at the trailhead until everyone safely returned.

A message left in the Handies Peak trail register captured the spirit of the day: “BLM Rocks!!”

Helping Americans experience their public lands is a priority for the Trump administration and the Department of the Interior. Recent initiatives, including the EXPLORE Act and the Make America Beautiful Again Commission, emphasize expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and access to public lands.