Capitol Peak is a high and prominent

mountain A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited summit area, and is usually highe ...

summit in the Elk Mountains range of the

Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, also known as the Rockies, are a major mountain range and the largest mountain system in North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch in straight-line distance from the northernmost part of western Canada, to New Mexico ...

of North America. It is the 52nd highest mountain in North America. The fourteener is located in the

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Maroon ( US/ UK , Australia ) is a brownish crimson color that takes its name from the French word ''marron'', or chestnut. "Marron" is also one of the French translations for "brown". According to multiple dictionaries, there are vari ...

White River National Forest White River National Forest is a National Forest in northwest Colorado. It is named after the White River that passes through its northern section. It is the most visited National Forest in the United States, primarily from users of the twelv ...

, east by south ( bearing 104°) of the community of Redstone in Pitkin County,

Colorado Colorado (, other variants) is a state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the wes ...

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

Mountain

Capitol Peak lies on the long ridge connecting the heart of the Elk Mountains with

Mount Sopris Mount Sopris is a twin-summit mountain in the northwestern Elk Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent mountain is located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of White River National Forest, north by northe ...

to the northwest. Capitol Peak is notable for its impressive vertical relief, rising 7500 feet above the

Roaring Fork Valley The Roaring Fork Valley is a geographical region in western Colorado in the United States. The Roaring Fork Valley is one of the most affluent regions in Colorado and the U.S. as well as one of the most populous and economically vital areas of th ...

. Additionally, it rises nearly 6000 feet above Snowmass Village in just under 9 miles. Capitol Peak is one of the most difficult of Colorado's fourteeners to climb. The only non-technical route, the Northeast Ridge, requires crossing the famously exposed "Knife Edge," the northeast ridge of Capitol. Fatalities have occurred on this route. Other routes require technical rock climbing, for example, the Northwest Buttress Route ( Grade IV, Class 5.9). These routes have significant

rockfall A rockfall or rock-fallWhittow, John (1984). ''Dictionary of Physical Geography''. London: Penguin, 1984. . is a quantity/sheets of rock that has fallen freely from a cliff face. The term is also used for collapse of rock from roof or walls of mi ...

danger due to a great deal of loose rock; however, the rock is substantially more solid than on the more famous

Maroon Bells The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, separated by about half a kilometer (0.3 miles). The mountains are on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, Colorado, United States, about s ...

or on Pyramid Peak. Capitol Peak CO arete

Capitol Peak Trail

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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking and is best used from July until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Camping

There is primitive camping near trail head in a designated site. No fee is required, but restrictions may exist. There are several campsites near Capitol Lake. As of September 2022 all campsites in heavily impacted areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness require permits obtained in advance.

Daly Pass

At the trail head, at an altitude of 9,400 feet, following several switchbacks for half a mile will lead you to Daly Pass. Daly Pass is the first point of interest on Capitol Peak. This pass is recognized for its saddle-shaped ridge reaching 12,480 feet.

K2

K2 is known for often being confused by hikers with the Capitol Peak summit. Many hikers will go around K2 on the North side where it is most exposed, though climbing over K2 has become a popular alternative route.

Knife Edge

The Knife edge (pictured right) is famous for its 150-foot length with 2,000 foot drops on both sides. It is regarded as the crux of the route due to the exposure.

Summit

The view from Capitol Peak's summit includes Pierre Lakes in the huge cirque to the east. To the south is Snowmass Mountain, another Fourteener, at the end of a long shattered ridge. Farther to the east are red-striated peaks, including the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Castle Peak. The long ridge of the Continental Divide is to the east.

Climate

Historical names

* Capital Peak *Capitol Peak - by Hayden Survey who thought it looked similar to the U.S. Capitol building

References

External links

*
Capitol Peak Peak Trip Report
from Mountainouswords.com

* ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYEOq3lKSlw Video - Hiking the North East Ridge from the trailhead* * {{Colorado Mountains of Colorado Mountains of Pitkin County, Colorado White River National Forest Fourteeners of Colorado North American 4000 m summits