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14,137 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
Capitol Peak
Capitol Peak is a 14,137 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Via Capitol Ditch Trail: 16 mi, 5,154 ft of gain, Class 4.
Capitol Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,137 ft4,308 m
- RouteVia Capitol Ditch TrailClass 4
- Distance16 mi5,154 ft gain
- Time10 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the Via Capitol Ditch Trail
From Aspen, Colorado, take Snowmass Creek Road south for about 10 miles to the Capitol Creek trailhead. The approach hike is 8 miles to Capitol Lake where most parties camp overnight. The standard route involves the famous Knife Edge, a narrow Class 4 ridge with extreme exposure on both sides. Only suitable for confident, experienced climbers comfortable with significant exposure. Helmets are essential due to loose rock. Start the summit push very early (2-3am) to avoid afternoon lightning. The traverse across the Knife Edge requires careful, deliberate movement. One of Colorado's most dangerous 14ers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Whistle
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Rockfall
- Low visibility
- Knife-edge ridge
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Route-finding difficulty
Capitol Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 11 climbs of Capitol Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Capitol Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Capitol Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Capitol Peak?
Capitol Peak is 14,137 feet (4,308 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.
How does Capitol Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,137 feet, Capitol Peak is the 31st highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Capitol Peak?
The Via Capitol Ditch Trail is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 5,154 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Capitol Peak?
Most people take 10 – 14 hours round trip on the Via Capitol Ditch Trail, covering 16 miles with 5,154 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Capitol Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Capitol Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Via Capitol Ditch Trail is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Capitol Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Capitol Peak reaches 14,137 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Capitol Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Capitol Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Capitol Peak?
The Via Capitol Ditch Trail starts at about 9,480 feet, roughly 4,657 feet below the summit.
Climb Capitol Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list