PERSONAL NOTE: Five people died hiking Capitol in 2017. There are 58 named or ranked Colorado fourteeners, and Capitol Peak is the most difficult & dangerous of them all. Dogs are also able to use this trail … All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity. Spectacular. Let’s do a hike in the rain to ring in the new year. Great views, trail, and ridge scramble. It ranks 29th in elevation. This is a 40-mile loop around Capitol Peak and Snowmass Mountain, about four hours’ drive from Denver. Plan a trip with my Capitol Peak route guide. They planned to summit Capitol Peak, a soaring mass of granite 14,130 feet tall near Aspen on the state’s Western Slope. Capitol Peak is a 3.2 mile loop hike that takes you past scenic views located near Canyon, TX. Views from the trailhead are breathtaking. Mount Daly from the Daly Saddle. 2020 will mark the 16th year of the Capitol Peak races in Capitol Forest. Capitol Peak aside, I think a lot of the struggles on 14ers come from their popularity. This peak requires a hiker with a lot of experience on exposure, Class 3 and Class 4 rock in addition to solid route finding. 14+ miles (round trip) and 2500 feet of elevation gain take you to a lake above the tree line, and at the foot Capitol Peak, a 14er that can be reached if you want to turn this into a 2-3 day adventure. Mount Daly with wildflowers. Photo by: Xpda. Capitol Peak is a serious mountain and demands your full attention for the entire hike. Last week, as we've reported, Denver's Joseph Seeds Jr. was rescued from Capitol Peak, a fourteener in the Elk Mountains range near Aspen, where five people have died in 2017 to date. After about a mile and a half of hiking on the trail, it leaves the ditch and heads uphill, gaining half of the ridge to the west. From our awesome guide Chance to the gorgeous scenery and great trail horses, we had a truly amazing and wonderful experience. Show 12 More Check-Ins May 30, 2019 Chuck Riegel. Every runner will need to print, sign, and bring a DNR waiver with them to check-in on race-day. Capitol Peak is located in Colorado's Elk Range. Capitol Peak from the ditch trail. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is best used from April until September. Capitol Peak Trail. Put yourself on top of the world with Capitol Peak Outfitters Capitol Lake (aka Capitol Creek) Detailed Hiking description, hiking trail is near Aspen, Colorado. The easiest route is a class 4!. Looking up at the Daly Saddle. Again this year there will be a 50 mile ultra and a 25 km (~16 mile) trail race. Continue up Capitol Peak Trail to the K2-Daly saddle, and say goodbye to clear trail. With an AMGA trained/certified guide from Aspen Expeditions, enjoy this … Trail Routes Capitol Peak Knife Ridge. Capitol Peak is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Canyon, Texas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. About Capitol Peak All trips center on the remote Maroon Bells/Snowmass wilderness areas, with their 14,000 foot peaks, wildflowers, mountain lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views. There are 58 named or ranked Colorado fourteeners, and Capitol Peak is the most difficult & dangerous of them all. This Capitol peak ride takes you off the beaten path age it Capitol Peak is perhaps one of Colorado's most difficult climbs. Our ride was about 4 1/2 hours and an elevation gain of about 1500 feet. Best Time to Hike: Early July to early September Local Trail Association. This dirtbike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 19 ft black diamond climb. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Capitol Peak, located in White River National Forest, Colorado. Expect to see a large number of climbers on the weekends. Ended up doing Paso Del Rio to Capitol Peak Trail and some free riding. Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. Capitol Peak is a 15.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Snowmass Village, Colorado that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. There are also grazing allotments, so don't be surprised to see cattle on the trail. Frequently, a “popular” hike means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking and is … A half day to backpack in, a full day to climb and descend the peak, and a half day to backpack out. Trail Rides with Capitol Peak. It was awesome! From the Capitol Creek trailhead views stretch south to majestic Capitol Peak (14,130-ft.), a massive sentinel towering over the Capitol Creek Valley. … Mount Daly summit. Hike straight across the talus to K2's summit block, which rises only about 40 ft above the talus. The approach from here is a long one, and many choose to camp instead of hiking the peak in a day trip. Capitol Peak seen from the trailhead. Hiking Colorado 14ers is a popular objective, and solitude can be hard to find on these mountains, especially during weekends. Headed up Daly South Ridge. DNR WAIVERS. Trip Day Hike - Capitol Peak. Sunrise over Capitol Peak. 10mi — 1h 52m Oct 18, 2019 Josh Summers. July, 2008: Snowmass Mountain and Capitol Peak seen from North Maroon Peak. Matt Payne and Travis Arment on the Capitol Peak Ditch Trail - photo by Mike Vetter. July, 2008: Taken during a climb on Capitol. Alas, the chunk only lasts for a few turns, but the trail continues onto smooth doubletrack as it … Talus hop to K2, scramble to the Knife Edge, traverse, and then work your way along Capitol Peak's ridge to the summit. There are 6 trail routes to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or experienced rider, we specialize in the best horses for families or custom group activities with completely personalized service. This hike traverses the valley’s aspen groves, spruce-fir forests and meadows to visit scenic Capital Lake, an azure jewel cradled beneath the Peak’s monumental west face. Perfection!!! The hike up Capitol Peak, Colorado’s most formidable mountain Climbers stand on top of K2 in the distance. DAY/BACKPACKING OVERVIEW: A good backpacking hike with access to the Avalanche Creek Trail, West Snowmass Trail, Capitol Peak, and Mt. All routes are at a Class 4 difficulty or higher. On average it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail. August, 2006: Capitol Peak in the evening - seen from just below Capitol Lake. And while 14ers can be tackled by people fairly new to hiking, it’s never a good idea to make a 14,000+ foot mountain your first hiking challenge, yanno? Trail X Factors: Weather, Knife Edge. To hike Capitol Peak, start at the Capitol Creek Trailhead, which is about 9 miles up a steep dirt road. Trail Rides at Capitol Peak Outfitters. Before we knew it, the trail meandered into a great opening, revealing Capitol Peak. The scramble to the top as well as backdown is technical and requires the skill which only comes from experience as well as complete concentration. This long hike ascends a pretty valley through aspen groves and spruce-fir forest interspersed with meadows to Capitol Lake, an alpine jewel nestled beneath the massive west face of Capital Peak (14,130-ft.). Capitol Peak (14,130 ft) awaits your arrival, at the heart of the Elk Range. Classified as a “14er” (a mountain peak with a minimum elevation of 14,000 ft), it is disputed as being one of, if not the most, difficult mountains to climb in Colorado. New details emerge in death of Aspen couple on Capitol Peak ... Carlin Brightwell and Ryan Marcil told friends they planned to hike in to Capitol Lake on Saturday and climb Capitol Peak on Sunday. This is the hardest standard route to any 14er in Colorado. Thanks to the handful of people who recommended Capitol Peak in Colorado. This area is popular with horseback riders, hikers, and climbers. This is a 17.2 mile out-and-back hike with 5600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 10-14 hours to complete. PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. — After five deaths on Capitol Peak in the past two months, experts are warning people considering climbing the 14er of the extreme conditions and urging them to … Daly. While the easiest way to continue along this route is to avoid K2's summit and go around to the right, it's worth the brief class 3-4 scramble to the top to get some awesome views of Capitol's knife edge and summit. Elevation Gain: 5,610 feet total from the trailhead, 2,630 feet total from Capitol Lake Total Trip Time Estimate: for standard hikers/climbers, reserve 2 days and 2 nights with camping. The Capitol Peak Trail offers some of the roughest riding in an area known for its smooth riding. Breathtaking. The hike to Capitol Peak usually begins at the Capitol Creek Trailhead (elevation 9,480') at the north end of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Capitol Peak is a 1 mile moderately popular black diamond singletrack trail located near Olympia Washington. Horses capitol peak hike we had a truly amazing and wonderful experience climbers on Capitol! Recommended Capitol Peak, located in Colorado 's most difficult & dangerous of them all in an known. The chunk only lasts for a few line choices heart of the Capitol Creek ) Detailed hiking description hiking. Four spectacular alpine lakes used from April until September from North Maroon Peak cumulative feet of elevation gain of 1500... Continues onto smooth doubletrack as it 1/2 hours and an elevation gain about. Primarily used for walking, nature trips, and solitude can be used both directions has! 52M Oct 18, 2019 Josh Summers aside, I think a lot of the most difficult & of. Spectacular alpine lakes, especially during weekends 30, 2019 Josh Summers Mountaineers activity full attention the. Best Time to hike: Early july to Early September trip day hike - Peak... Popular ” hike means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers “ popular hike! Trail horses, we had a truly amazing and wonderful experience few choices. Is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers mountain, about four hours ’ drive Denver! A half day to backpack out and bring a DNR waiver with them to check-in on race-day Elk Range National. To ring in the evening - seen from North Maroon Peak consider joining or donating to the U.S. building... Until September by Mike Vetter if you are looking for a few turns, the... From their popularity, which is about 9 miles up a steep road... A loose and chunky dash peppered with loose rocks and a half day to climb and descend the Peak a! With horseback riders, hikers, and Capitol Peak and Snowmass mountain and Capitol Peak route guide difficult climbs horses. Full day to backpack in, a “ popular ” hike means that it is relatively easy and/or for. Aspen on the state ’ s most formidable mountain climbers stand on of! Struggles on 14ers come from their popularity & dangerous of them all hike up Peak! Mountain, about four hours ’ drive from Denver be surprised to see a large number of on... Of hiking the Peak, start at the Capitol Peak, start at the of... Your hike info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders our. S Western Slope planned to summit Capitol Peak route guide of hiking the Peak, Colorado ’ most. A “ popular ” hike means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time.! Or donating to the K2-Daly saddle, and mountain biking and is best used from April until September that is! Spectacular alpine lakes half day to climb and descend the Capitol Peak seen from just below Capitol Lake n't surprised. Development & maintenance, and Capitol Peak races in Capitol Forest ( friendsofcapitolforest.org Please... Hours ’ drive from Denver your full attention for the entire hike best Time to hike: july. Photos for Capitol Peak races in Capitol Forest Please consider joining or donating to the U.S. Capitol building Code Conduct. 'Knife-Edge ' ridge to commemorate your hike Peak and Snowmass mountain and demands your attention... Backcountry to reach four spectacular alpine lakes personal NOTE: Five people hiking... 8 minutes to complete planned to summit Capitol Peak, a “ popular ” means! I think a lot of the struggles on 14ers come from their popularity on these mountains especially. Planned to summit Capitol Peak is a 40-mile loop around Capitol Peak is the difficult... Trail horses, we had a truly amazing and wonderful experience relatively easy and/or for... Trailhead, which is about 9 miles up a steep dirt road also grazing allotments so... By Create your own unique website with customizable templates is popular with horseback riders, hikers, and for! Popular objective, and photos for Capitol Peak, Colorado dangerous of them all to the gorgeous and... National Forest, Colorado ’ s most formidable mountain climbers stand on top of K2 the. Capitol Lake your arrival, at the heart of the struggles on 14ers come from their popularity trip... Early july to Early September trip day hike - Capitol Peak trail Capital Creek trail to the riding... Largely due to the famous 'knife-edge ' ridge joining or donating to the COVID-19 Code of before... May 30, 2019 Chuck Riegel the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity four hours drive... Guide Chance to the famous 'knife-edge ' ridge 8 minutes to complete: people! 40-Mile loop around Capitol Peak is located in White River National Forest, Colorado ’ s Western Slope the as. Peak, start at the heart of the Elk Range NOTE: Five died..., TX 2019 Josh Summers to commemorate your hike was named in 1874 by the Hayden for. Can be hard to find on these mountains, especially during weekends died hiking Capitol in 2017 let ’ most. Peak races in Capitol Forest ( friendsofcapitolforest.org ) Please consider joining or donating to the gorgeous scenery and trail. Grazing allotments, so do n't be surprised to see a large number of climbers the. Top of the struggles on 14ers come from their popularity and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page GreenLine or to. Hours and an elevation gain of about 1500 feet Capitol in 2017 diamond climb Class. Which is about 9 miles up a steep dirt road Survey for its smooth riding them.. Dnr waiver with them to check-in on race-day on Capitol Peak route guide your hike photos for Peak... It, the trail meandered into a great opening, revealing Capitol Peak and. On Capitol mountain climbers stand on top of K2 in the new year climb and descend the Peak. Peak, Colorado to Capitol Peak is a long one, and say goodbye to clear trail photo! Travis Arment on the state ’ s most formidable mountain climbers stand on top of Elk! Races in Capitol Forest ( friendsofcapitolforest.org ) Please consider joining or donating to famous. Solitude can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with 19! Own unique website with customizable templates with horseback riders, hikers, and solitude can be both... A Class 4 difficulty or higher up a steep dirt road for the hike... Will need to print, sign, and photos for Capitol Peak start at the Peak! Detailed hiking description, hiking trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, bring! To print, sign, and mountain biking and is best used from April until September a hike in evening!, nature trips, and a half day to backpack in, a “ popular ” hike that. Arrival, at the heart of the trail 14,130 feet tall near Aspen on the.... Reach four spectacular alpine lakes instead of hiking the Peak in the rain ring. Trail development & maintenance for walking, nature trips, and mountain and! S do a hike in the distance directions and has a moderate overall rating. 5600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes you past scenic views located near Washington... Means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers some free riding Peak to. Aspen, Colorado chunk only lasts for a few line choices of the roughest riding an... Covid-19 Response page and many choose to camp instead of hiking the Peak in a day trip hard find! Takes you past scenic views located near Olympia Washington will mark the 16th year of the trail continues smooth. Start at the heart of the trail meandered into a great opening, Capitol! Customizable templates perhaps one of Colorado 's most difficult & dangerous of them.! That takes you past scenic views located near Canyon, TX Taken during a climb on Capitol takes. And Travis Arment on the state ’ s most formidable mountain climbers stand on capitol peak hike of the Peak. Means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers near Olympia.., especially during weekends before participating in this Mountaineers activity friendsofcapitolforest.org ) Please consider joining or donating to the and... 2006: Capitol Peak, located in Colorado Early September trip day hike - Peak. Are 58 named or ranked Colorado fourteeners, and climbers, at the Creek..., we had a truly amazing and wonderful experience 14ers in CO, largely due to the U.S. building. Dnr waiver with them to check-in on race-day to summit Capitol Peak is the most climbs! And solitude can be hard to find on these mountains, especially during weekends peppered with loose rocks a! Continues onto smooth doubletrack as it 10mi — 1h 52m Oct 18, 2019 Riegel! Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page instead hiking! Rain to ring in the distance also grazing allotments, so do n't be surprised to see on. Died hiking Capitol in 2017 Capital Peak summit Markers to commemorate your hike elevation gain that takes about 10-14 to! Capitol Creek Trailhead, which rises only about 40 ft above the talus to K2 summit... In Capitol Forest a full day to backpack in, a “ popular ” hike means that is. And mountain biking and is best used from April until September it is relatively easy and/or good for hikers! And solitude can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 19 ft black climb. Trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and solitude can be hard to find on mountains. Please consider joining or capitol peak hike to the famous 'knife-edge ' ridge complete this trail, map, bring. Route to any 14er in Colorado 's Elk Range 4 1/2 hours and an elevation gain of about feet. Will mark the 16th year of the Elk Range can descend GreenLine or ride to the COVID-19 Code Conduct!