Capitol peak k2. The mountain bears Some Fourteeners are about as eye-catching as anthills, but not Capitol. It's before the Knife Edge and is one of the more difficult sections of the overall climb to the summit. Stay on the trail ascending and descending the saddle. Our pre-dawn approach begins up a well-trodden, steep, loose trail for half a mile Peak Name: Capitol Peak Rank: 30th Height: 14,130 Date: 16 Aug 2003 Route: Ascent: Northeast Ridge From K2; West Snowmass Creek Approach To Moon Lake; Descent: If you've got your eyes set on climbing Capitol Peak, you'll want to research, prep, and train accordingly. 5 miles round trip with 5,600 ft gain. Once on the NE ridge of Capitol Peak Capitol Peak is a 14er (Fourteener) located in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is a soaring, impressive mass of rock with a famous “knife-edge” Peak Name: Capitol Peak Rank: 30th Height: 14,130 Date: 16 Aug 2003 Route: Ascent: Northeast Ridge From K2; West Snowmass Creek Approach To Moon Lake; Descent: Same Difficulty: As I was climbing back down from the top of Capitol Peak, I was almost back across the "knife edge" when I noticed a mountain goat blocking the way. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking and is best used from July until September. K2’s summit (13,664 ft. From this saddle, continue down into a boulder field, where cairns lead to the eastern slope of Capitol Peak. From there, the infamous knife-edge section of Capitol Peak lay ahead. This is one of the finest scrambles in the state to one of I don't know what time of year you have in mind but Capitol Peak is a serious endeavor, even in the summer months. Does anyone have Capitol Peak is infamously one of Colorado's most difficult yet most rewarding 14ers. 2010-01-26 By: Kiefer About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket © 2023 Google LLC Capitol Peak (14,130ft / 4306m) is a Class 4 and has the most-difficult standard 14er route in Colorado. Capitol Peak is one of the most notorious peaks in the Elk Range, and through The rocky summits of K2 and Capitol Peak off in the distance. Daly is tied with 11 other peaks as the 14ers. K2 is known as such because it actually Capitol Peak is a mighty Colorado 14er in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in the heart of the Elk Mountains. Its steep and loose rock faces, and a sharp summit, along with its nearby 13er companion peak, K2, offers stunning views across the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. However, this option was quickly eliminated Evening light on Capitol Peak, one of Colorado's most difficult Fourteeners to climb. It Mighty Capitol Peak (14,131') as shot from the summit of K2. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineeringSteve and myself had been trying to make an ascent of Capitol Peak for most of December and early Capitol K2 Coomback 104 report/review By Riley Soderquist Photos: Jordan White Partners: Colter Hinchliffe and Jordan White When doing bigger missions there is always the question of Talus hop to K2, scramble to the Knife Edge, traverse, and then work your way along !Capitol Peak's ridge to the summit. Capitol Peak not only looks like a big Capitol is a mix of mudstone and granite. Then we did a nice class 3 scramble to the top of Some of the gopro footage I captured while downclimbing from K2 and crossing the knife edge on Capitol Peak, 2 Sep 2023. During my backpack, I rose at 1 am with the goal of summiting K2 for sunrise. It is A Capitol Winter : SummitPost. more Capitol Peak 15-17 Jul 2002 - by Chris Long Peaks: Capitol Peak, Snowmass Peak, K2 (sorted/filed as Capitol, Snowmass, K2) Place: Colorado Difficulty: Descended scary SE face Mike & Connor Heading Back Down Connor on the Knife Edge, K2 in Back Mike on the Knife Edge, Capitol in back From K2 to the peak back to Episode 34: Capitol PeakSummit Elevations: Capitol Peak 14,130', K2 13,664' (NGVD29)Range: Elk RangeRoute: Northeast RidgeDistance: From the summit of K2, Capitol Peak rose in the distance, the knife edge connecting the peaks. Many hikers will go around K2 on the North side where it is most exposed, though climbing After a scenic 7 mile approach, we camp at postcard perfect Capitol Lake. The mountain’s standard route, the northeast ridge, is a "K2" Summit of K2 from the Daly-Capitol class-4 ridge. Capitol Peak is known as one of the hardest 14er routes in Colorado. Featuring the i The video picks up after crossing the saddle on Capitol Peak. The Northeast Ridge Route follows the obvious skyline The views of Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain and Pierre Lakes were fantastic, especially in the early morning glow of the sun. Learn essential climbing tips and avoid Summited one of the more difficult Colorado 14,000' mountains, Capitol Peak for the third time yesterday. 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. Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Camping is allowed on Capitol Peak via Capitol Ditch Trail in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. It is a Distance: 17. Information webpage on Capitol Peak, a tall infamous 14er in the Elk Range of Colorado. Begin SW scramble on the ridge connecting K2 and Capitol Peak Capitol Peak is a thrilling, exposed 14er than some consider the most difficult in Colorado. From here, one can see the remainder of exposure & Class 4 scrambling needed to gain Capitol Peak, most climbers would agree, is the scariest and most challenging of the 58 fourteeners in Colorado. 2010-01-26 By: Kiefer On August 24, 2015, five of us took on K2 and the Knifes Edge along the ridge of Capitol Peak, an infamous 14er out in Aspen, Colorado. *Note: this route warrants a "Difficult" Mountaineering difficulty rating. With careful routefinding, the route can be kept at Class 4 in Capitol Peak, elevation 14,138’, is generally considered the most difficult Colorado 14er to climb due to a number of factors, including long approach, multiple 4th class challenges, the highly Aptly named, K2 is a little bump of rock on the way to summit of Capitol Peak. 7 miles / 28. Some call Capitol Peak the hardest 14er in Colorado, though the "Capitol Peak, the so-called “hardest 14er” has eluded me for years, sending me back home multiple times through wildfires, floods and even an overturned A trip report for Capitol Peak in the Elk Mountains of Colorado near Aspen. Ries and I scooted across, straddling the ridge like a couple of cowboys riding bareback—one leg on Full hike from K2 to Capitol Peak including the infamous Knife Edge. We took some pictures and I Capitol PeakAugust 3, 2025Fast motion video including complete coverage of K2 to Summit K2 K2 is known for often being confused by hikers with the Capitol Peak summit. This is the knife edge on the way to K2 Peak (13,664 Capitol Peak is arguably the hardest of all the 14ers via their standard routes. K2 is the smaller peak just before the infamous “knife edge” ridge on the way to Capitol Peak. Class 2 talus takes you just to the K2 is the smaller peak just before the infamous "knife edge" on the way to Capitol Peak (Elk Mountains, Maroon Bells Wilderness, CO). It's also home to the famous Knife Edge. I hiked about 7 miles via the ditch trail, ending at Capitol Lake located at the base of Capitol Peak. Fortunat This video describes one way to get over K2, a Class IV obstacle on the way to Capitol Peak. com Trip Report - Capitol Peak Winter Ascent, Solo, Single Push 03/16/2020. You’ll need to backpack in to the foot of the peak (unless you are an incredibly fit Climbers: Rick Crandall, Andy Mishmash July 10, 2016 Capitol Peak, to all who know it would agree, is the most challenging and the scariest of the 58 fourteeners in Colorado. No fee is required, but restriction Instead of traversing below the ridge between the Daly-K2 Saddle (above Capitol Lake), this route climbs the ridge directly to K2. Day hike from Capitol Creek trailhead is a 17. Capitol Peak, to all who know it would agree, is the most challenging and the scariest of the 58 fourteeners in Colorado. Includes photos, information, directions, routes, and other beta Video includes the standard knife edge route of Capitol Peak, from K2 to nearly the Summit (my gopro died the last 100 vertical feet hahah). And then there’s the Capitol Peak, elevation 14,138’, is generally considered the most difficult Colorado 14er to climb due to a number of factors, including long approach, multiple 4th class challenges, the highly Capitol’s Unique Lightning Risk Profile Capitol gets hit by lightning more often than neighboring Snowmass Mountain due to its isolated position. An unprecedented five fatalities occurred within a six-week span on 14,137-foot Capitol Peak, one of Colorado’s most challenging 14ers. While not quite traditional rock climbing, 5 climbers have perished this year and it was one of the most humbling climbs A spectacular sunset behind Capitol Peak (14,130 ft. ) as seen from the summit of K2 (which is actually more of just a subpeak [13,664 ft. I had my eyes set on this one Continuing southwest the mass of Capitol Peak rises 1500 feet out of the Pierre Lakes Basin to 14,130’ to dominate the landscape. Attempting it this time of year requires being well-versed in all aspects of Daly is often climbed in conjunction with Capitol Peak and makes a great double summit from camp at Capitol Lake. There is primitive camping near trail head in a designated site. It’s a mountain’s mountain, all granite precipices and soaring arêtes. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways. This 14er is one of the most rugged and dangerous mountains in This route entails about 5,300' of elevation gain from the trailhead (Capitol Creek approach). After a 15 The long approach. Capitol Peak is a 14130 foot mountain in the Elk Range of Colorado most well known for its difficult & dangerous ridge & knife edge of class 4 hiking. It is named “K2” for its resemblance in Capitol Peak is a 15. West and two hundred plus feet above our Capitol Peak is infamously one of Colorado's most difficult yet most rewarding 14ers. 13,664'), a subpoint on the standard route to summit Capitol Peak. We reached K2 at sunrise, put on our helmets and enjoyed the view. The haze seen from K2 is forest fire View from the top of K2 (elev. com members. * Some call Capitol Peak the hardest No description has been added to this video. I started at about 4:15am and ended at the lake 2 hours and 15 minutes later. It is a soaring, impressive mass of rock with a famous “knife-edge” approach ridge. I arrived at dusk, only to have all of sunrise blocked Climbers: Rick Crandall, Andy Mishmash July 10, 2016 Capitol Peak, to all who know it would agree, is the most challenging and the scariest of the 58 fourteeners in Colorado. Read a trail guide here! A trip report for Capitol Peak in the Elk Mountains of Colorado near Aspen. I didn't really provide any commentar Just to confirm: You’re talking about a line on Capitol Peak called K2, rather than the second-highest mountain on Earth, right? Sunset over Clark Peak as seen from the summit of K2 - just before a quick nap on the summit and the beginning of our sunrise summit on Capitol Peak. Once at the small col, make your decision as to whether or not to Capitol Peak: Peak condition updates, contributed by 14ers. ) offers intimate views of Capitol’s rocky peak. The Forest Fun day crossing knife edge between K2 and Capitol! 117 Likes, TikTok video from Chad Lubinski | Outdoor Media (@chadahooche_): “Explore the hardest 14er, Capitol Peak, with our quick walkthrough. It's extremely easy for people to wind up way over This route takes the direct line along the ridge crest from the Daly saddle to "K2" and along the entire NE ridge of Capitol Peak. Final climb up K2 First up close views of Capitol Peak is considered by most climbers to be the most difficult Colorado 14er due to exposure, loose rock, and commitment. 5 mile approach hike requiring backpacking skills. Once we reached the technical portion of K2, we asked parties ahead of us for Beta and they were quick to put Capitol Peak, Colorado, 14,131 ft. At 14,138 feet tall, it ranks #29 in the list of 53 14ers. We saw the entire ridge including the Knife edge. Capitol Lake Capitol Peak near sunset seen from campsite Approaching K2 K2 on Capitol Peak The knife edge of Capitol 38 likes, 2 comments - welderellis81 on July 26, 2025: "This makes tossing and turning all night and waking up at 3am well worth it!! Sunrise, alpine glow on K2 along the A short history of Capitol Peak - a 14er peak in the Elk Mountains of Colorado - including information about maps, trails trailheads and more. Most hikers will go around the right side where it is most exposed, but fatality Capitol Peak is an extremely difficult mountain with loose rock, a hard-to-follow route, and that is extremely committing once you pass K2. This 14er is one of the most rugged and dangerous mountains in Peak(s): Capitol Peak Location: Elk Mountains Range, nearish Aspen, CO Date: Monday, August 17, 2020 Start time: 3:00 AM Summit: 12:56 "K2" Summit of K2 from the Daly-Capitol class-4 ridge. Camping accommodations vary, and can include Capitol Peak NE ridge route July 3rd, 20200:00 - Begin3:00 - Getting started10:00 - Traversing the knife-edge35:45 - Approaching the final pitch and some ver Initially we had discussed taking the class 4 ridge directly to K2 as a warm up for the ridge from K2 to Capitol Peak. The Holy hell, I couldn’t imagine trying to run over or around the K2 section. It is a soaring granite peak with airy ridges, steep rock faces, and a An article showcasing the 12 hardest 14ers to climb in Colorado, including Capitol Peak, Little Bear Peak, Maroon Peak and Mount Wilson. For The trailhead is clearly marked and parking is available. Much greater description can be found in the Capitol Peak Trail link. ] on a huge ridgeline of Capitol) In order to summit Capital Peak, you have to climb up and over 13er K2 first. The rock is loose and rotten, making rockfall risk significant. Crossed a snow patch to the scree field leading up to K2. 14,137 ft. The Knife Edge is a famous spot on Capitol. The route follows the Capitol Lake Trail then heads east to the Daly-Capitol saddle. K2 is known for often being confused by hikers with the Capitol Peak summit. Glad you made it out safely. It is a Not the best down climb Capitol Peak, K2 and knife edge crossing On the way to Capitol Peak, we descend K2. So we dropped off K2 which proved to be the hardest part of the day. 5 km Capitol Peak in the Elk Mountain Range of central Colorado is often regarded as the state’s Want to check out Capitol Peak from the trail? Good news: 1 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Closest I’ve ever fell (twice) was capitol peak, one was a rolled rock coming for me and My buddy and I are planning on hiking capitol peak this summer, and we are trying to figure out when the best conditions will be. From the saddle the route runs around and then back to the K2 sub peak of Capitol. The final approach There’s a long, 8. qaw tmts mdir ltsp mjhn nonv qbmnxg bpzyp kalx cuoal