Jasper Mayor Josh Gates has joined one of the most exclusive clubs in the world — fewer than 500 people have completed the Seven Summits, and he’s one of them.

June 30 marked the final leg of Gates’ quest, posing with seven fingers up at the 18,510-foot summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia.

“Completing the Seven Summits feels incredibly rewarding because it represents the completion of something I started years ago,” Gates told Yellowhammer News.

“Along the way, I climbed many mountains beyond the original seven, met incredible people from all over the world, and experienced places I never imagined I would see. Finishing the Seven Summits wasn’t about checking a box. There was something deeply meaningful about finally completing a goal that had required years of commitment.”

The challenge spans Mount Carstensz, Mount Vinson, Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Denali, Aconcagua and the most infamous, Mount Everest — which Gates summited in 2024, becoming just the third Alabamian to ever do so.

“People often ask about Everest because it’s the climb everyone recognizes. The reality is that the summit is only one small part of the process,” Gates said.

“Preparing for Everest meant years of progressively more difficult climbs, developing technical skills, and gaining the experience needed to make good decisions in a very unforgiving environment. When I reached the summit in 2024, it was rewarding because of everything that had gone into getting there. It reinforced the idea that worthwhile accomplishments are almost always earned long before anyone sees the final result.”

That mindset likely traces back to Gates’ time in the U.S. Army, where he served as an Airborne Ranger before later working in international security operations — experience that instilled the same discipline and preparation he’s carried into both his mountaineering pursuits and his time in public office.

Even while chasing peaks across the globe, Gates made sure to credit his team back home in Jasper.

“While I was away completing Mount Elbrus, I was reminded once again how fortunate I am to work alongside an outstanding team at the City of Jasper. We have employees who care deeply about this community, who solve problems every day, and who keep the work moving forward. That’s a reflection of the culture we’re continuing to build, and it gave me tremendous confidence knowing the city was in such capable hands,” he said.

Gates was also quick to credit the people closest to him.

“None of this would have been possible without my family. Talia has always been incredibly supportive, and we’ve always tried to support one another’s goals and passions. Our boys have grown up knowing that these climbs are important to me, and I’ve always hoped they’ve seen that pursuing difficult goals requires commitment, preparation, and perseverance. Having that support at home has made every expedition possible.”

So, what’s next for the mayor who’s already stood atop the world? Right where he says he should be, focused on Jasper, the opportunities ahead and building a city that will make future generations proud.