Peak of the week No. 6: Capitol Peak (14,141 feet)
Elevation rank: 29th of 54 Location: Elk Range
Directions: Take Interstate 25 north to Denver. Take I-70 west to Glenwood Springs (exit 116). Go about 27 miles on Colorado Highway 82 to Snowmass Creek Road. Turn right and drive 1.8 miles to a junction. Turn right on Capitol Creek Road and the road turns to dirt in less than 5 miles. The trailhead is 3.5 miles ahead.
Capitol Peak is the premier fourteener in Colorado. It stands as the northernmost fourteener of the Elk Mountains in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness area.
From the trailhead, Capitol’s dramatic north face is visible, serving as a warning to all who attempt to hike this remote summit.
The long approach through alpine meadows and tall stands of aspens serves as an appetizer for what lies ahead. Shortly after breaking treeline, most hikers take the short detour to visit or camp at Capitol Lake.
Set beneath the imposing north face, this lake marks the end of the gentle walk in the woods. From this point, the mountaineering challenges grow increasingly difficult. A steep set of switchbacks leads to a scramble through a talus field that ends at the sub-peak named K2.
Standing atop K2, you will get your last chance to decide if you’re up for the final challenges of Capitol. From this vantage point, you look down upon the infamous Knife Edge ridge. Though only a couple of hundred feet long and not very technical, the Knife Edge has dramatic exposure on either side, and the name is well-earned.
The Knife Edge comes to such a point that it has cut holes in many a hiker’s pants who have elected to cross with the sit-and-scoot option with one leg on either side of the ridge. While not the most expeditious method (and tough on the ego), many opt to use it.
After successfully completing that task, the hardest climbing still remains. The last pitch to the summit will test your diligence. The climbing becomes class 4, and while most of it is splendidly solid when compared with the rest of the Elk Mountains, there are some tricky loose sections.
My brother stepped on a rock the size of a Mini Cooper that came loose under him. He jumped off in time to watch the rock as it fell and shattered into Pierre Lakes basin, more than 1,000 feet below.
The final steps onto the summit of Capitol are on a small piece of flat ground.
You may have to say to yourself “I’ve done it” a few times before it sinks in.
Bring some indulgence for this summit. A Red Bull and a few slices of cheese are my personal favorites. You’re undoubtedly going to be in a celebratory mood.
—
Friesema is a Colorado native who’s scaled each of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks. He’s been a member of Teller County Search and Rescue since 2003. Read about his high-country adventures at hikingintherockies.com.
