- Capitol Peak, Colorado, is 14,130 feet high in the Elk Mountains
- Many consider this Colorado's most difficult and dangerous 14,000-foot peak
- Excellent hiking and fishing in area
Overview
Though there is no easy way to Capitol's summit, those experienced enough to stand on the top of this peak are rewarded with some of the best views in Colorado. The hike to Pierre Lakes and to the base of Capitol Peak is also very beautiful and offers spectacular views.
Located in the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area in the Elk Range, Capitol Peak and its surroundings are accessible for hikers, climbers, mountaineers and backcountry skiers. Capitol rises to a height of 14,130 feet, making it one of the 30 tallest mountains in the state.
From Capitol Peak, Colorado, there are magnificent views of the Pierre Lakes Basin. For those carrying on to summit Capitol, Pierre Lakes is ideal for camping to get that good night's rest with an early start the next morning.
Location/Directions
From Old Snowmass (Different from Snowmass Village) on Highway 82, take Snowmass Creek Road, turn right at Capitol Creek Road at 1.7 miles and stay left at 1.9 miles and left again at 3.2 miles. Stay right at 4.7 miles and 5.9 miles. Pass guard station and take rough, narrow road. Trailhead is at 9.5 miles.
Season
Hiking and camping in summer and early fall, skiing in early spring and winter.
Activities
Climbing
The massive 1,300-foot North Face offers several technical rock routes with the most popular being the Northwest Ridge, rated at 5.7. Even the easiest route on Capitol Peak is still a class 4 scramble with more than enough exposure to satisfy the adrenaline fix and requires a long approach.
Fishing
The Pierre Lakes are home to very big trout, so it might be a good idea to bring that fishing rod with you, especially if you are planning an overnighter. Pierre Lakes Basin is six miles in with a gain of 3,000 feet.
Skiing
Winter provides opportunities for experienced ski mountaineers to test themselves in some of Colorado's most challenging terrain.
Camping
Camping in the wilderness area is prohibited within 100 feet of any lake, stream, national forest system trail, or any "No Camping" or "Wilderness Restoration Site" sign or; within a quarter-mile of Copper Lake, Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capital Lake, and Thomas Lakes, except at designated campsites.
More information
There are no fees to enter the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest, but one member of each party is required to register at the trailhead and carry a copy of that registration. See White River National Forest website for additional regulations.
