Capitol Peak/NE Ridge (Colorado)

From Glenwood Springs, take CO-82 for 26m to the Snowmass Creek Rd, then 1.7m to a right turn onto Capitol Creek Rd following that to the TH a further 8 miles or so.  2WD vehicles may have to walk the last mile. Can use either Capitol Creek trail or Capitol Creek Ditch trail to Capitol Lake. (The ditch trail avoid gaining and losing elevation so most folk use that).  Suggest camping at Capitol Lake (11500) for acclimatization (permits required).

From the lake, gain the saddle between Mt Daly and Capitol Peak with a maintained trail.  From there descend on a climbers trail to the east of the ridge.  Follow cairns towards a sub-peak K2 from where the remainder of the route can be seen. Take a deep breath and continue across the knife-edge ridge.  Falls here have serious consequences and it would be a good place to assess the lightening potential before proceeding.  Towards the summit, the route drops onto the eastern face of the ridge.

This is a committing, high-altitude route. Strongly suggest intermediate level climbers with prior high altitude rock experience.  Do take a few days prior at altitude before attempting this climb!

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
• Seasons: June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering Climb
• Length: 17.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,300 ft
• High Point: 14,138 ft

• Land Manager: White River National Forest
• Parking Permit Required: America the Beautiful Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12