Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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 exposed Knife Edge traverse, and loose rocks throughout the upper route where multiple fatalities happened over the years. We have been preparing for this summit over this summer by climbing Kelso Ridge, Maroon Peak, among others, and patiently waited for an optimal weather window. Finally 8/27/2024 looked to be the day with near perfect weather and we were fortunate enough to be able to summit without a hitch. Capitol’s reputation as the crown jewel of CO 14ers is well earned. The approach trail to Capitol Lake was nicely graded and very pleasant, surrounded by beautiful flowers and dense Aspen groves, with view of Capitol most of the way. After setting up camp, we hung out at Capitol Lake to watch a beautiful sunset that lit up this majestic mountain. The climb of Capitol was challenging and fun. There were several 4th class crux sections, including the up and down climb of “K2”, the Knife Edge, the ledge traverse and steep climb during summit push which IMO is the crux of the whole route. We left camp around 5am and summited around 9am. On the summit we were treated with views of the nearby Elk mountains, and many beautiful lakes down below. The descent was uneventful and we were back at the car around 4pm. Total stats from trailhead: 17.5 miles with 5200’ elevation gain
Music:
‘Effervescence' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Sun Awakening, by Futuremono
End of the Line, Rise, and Restabilized, by Punch Deck
Peace of Mind, by AK & Liam Thomas
0:00 Approach and Capitol Lake
04:38 Summiting “K2”
09:00 The Knife Edge
13:30 Final crux and Capitol summit
#14ers
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 exposed Knife Edge traverse, and loose rocks throughout the upper route where multiple fatalities happened over the years. We have been preparing for this summit over this summer by climbing Kelso Ridge, Maroon Peak, among others, and patiently waited for an optimal weather window. Finally 8/27/2024 looked to be the day with near perfect weather and we were fortunate enough to be able to summit without a hitch. Capitol’s reputation as the crown jewel of CO 14ers is well earned. The approach trail to Capitol Lake was nicely graded and very pleasant, surrounded by beautiful flowers and dense Aspen groves, with view of Capitol most of the way. After setting up camp, we hung out at Capitol Lake to watch a beautiful sunset that lit up this majestic mountain. The climb of Capitol was challenging and fun. There were several 4th class crux sections, including the up and down climb of “K2”, the Knife Edge, the ledge traverse and steep climb during summit push which IMO is the crux of the whole route. We left camp around 5am and summited around 9am. On the summit we were treated with views of the nearby Elk mountains, and many beautiful lakes down below. The descent was uneventful and we were back at the car around 4pm. Total stats from trailhead: 17.5 miles with 5200’ elevation gain
Music:
‘Effervescence' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Sun Awakening, by Futuremono
End of the Line, Rise, and Restabilized, by Punch Deck
Peace of Mind, by AK & Liam Thomas
0:00 Approach and Capitol Lake
04:38 Summiting “K2”
09:00 The Knife Edge
13:30 Final crux and Capitol summit
#14ers
