Born from the Wild.
Built for Explorers.

From a single backpacking trip to a global community of adventurers, this is how SummitX came to life.

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Two Friends, One Trail

SummitX wasn't born in a boardroom. It started on a rugged trail in the Pacific Northwest in 2013. Alex and Jordan, lifelong friends and avid backcountry enthusiasts, realized how difficult it was to find safe, authentic, and sustainable adventure experiences.

After navigating permit nightmares, unreliable gear rentals, and overly commercialized tours, they made a pact: they'd build something different. Something that put safety, nature, and genuine human connection at the center of every journey.

"We didn't just want to show people the mountains. We wanted to help them find a part of themselves up there."
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Our Mission

To responsibly connect people with the natural world through safe, expertly guided, and transformative outdoor experiences. We strive to make wilderness accessible while leaving every trail better than we found it.

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Our Vision

A future where every generation has access to sustainable outdoor adventures. We envision a world where exploration fosters conservation, and every step on the trail strengthens our bond with the planet and each other.

Miles Along the Trail

Key moments that shaped who we are and where we're headed.

2013

The First Steps

SummitX founded in Portland. Launched with 3 local day hikes and a single 4x4 shuttle.

2016

Crossing Borders

First international expedition to the Swiss Alps. Partnered with local mountain guides.

2019

10,000 Adventurers

Celebrated our 10Kth guest with a community cleanup across 12 national parks.

2022

Carbon Neutral Pledge

Offset 100% of trip emissions and transitioned to zero-waste camping equipment.

2024

50+ Destinations

Expanded to every continent except Antarctica, maintaining our core values at scale.

What We Stand For

These principles guide every trip, every partnership, and every decision we make.

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Safety First

Certified guides, rigorous protocols, and premium gear on every expedition.

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Sustainability

Leave No Trace is our baseline. We actively restore and protect wild spaces.

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Community

Small groups, shared meals, and lifelong friendships forged on the trail.

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Expertise

Decades of combined field experience in navigation, first aid, and ecology.

Authenticity

No commercial shortcuts. Just real nature, real challenges, real growth.

Meet the Founders

The passionate explorers who turned a trail-side conversation into a global adventure company.

A

Alex Mercer

Co-Founder & CEO

A former search-and-rescue volunteer and certified mountaineer, Alex brings relentless attention to safety and logistics to every expedition.

"The mountain doesn't care about your schedule. It rewards patience, preparation, and respect."
J

Jordan Ellis

Co-Founder & Head of Experience

A naturalist and former documentary photographer, Jordan designs itineraries that balance challenge with awe, and adventure with education.

"We don't just guide people to a summit. We help them carry the wilderness home with them."

Our Footprint in the Wild

1.2M+
Trees Planted
48,500
Lbs of Trail Trash Removed
14
Conservation Partners
100%
Carbon Offset Since 2022

Ready to Write Your Chapter?

Join our community of explorers. Whether you're stepping onto a trail for the first time or chasing your peak, we'll be there to guide the way.

Explore Upcoming Trips ➜