Capitol Peak Trip Report 09/03/2015

Peak(s):	Capitol Peak - 14,138 feet
Date Posted:	09/03/2015
Date Climbed:	08/23/2015
Author:	jgar15

Capital Peak all about the knifes edge
Capital Peak was amazing and everything I was hoping for. This is the trip report with intent of helping people with their trip. The full story of the hike can be found at freeoutside.com Starting from the parking lot there are two options for trails. I took the gulch trail which seems to be the most popular. It is a pretty flat trail all the way up the the cutoff to climb the saddle by Mt. Daly. I would recommend this trail but be prepared to physically have to move some of the cows out of the way to get by. The hike is very straightforward most of the way until a few miles in when you have to cross a small creek. There was not much option other than to get the shoes wet at first, but then I found a narrower spot down stream a little ways and was able to jump across and stay dry. The trail rejoins the second trail option from the parking lot here. Continuing on this trail it winds through the forest and then makes its way up to the large meadow in which one trail turns left and one goes straight. It is a very sharp turn and almost doesnt seem right, but the trail up to capital peak is the one that turns sharply left. Climbing the switchbacks up to the top of the ridge it is boulder hopping all the way to K2. Then there is some real climbing mixed in along with a lot of loose rock. There are all skill levels on Capital (especially on a weekend) so be patient and be prepared to hit a traffic Jam at the knife edge. It is an amazing view so just take it in. From here it is tough to route find but there are enough cairns placed to be able to come up with a semi standard route. Overall it is much easier to stay pretty high as you traverse across to the final ascent. The real danger is someone else knocking a rock down on you so keep your head on a swivel. The top is amazing! The climb back down is much the same with a few sections of a couple critical down climbing moves. Take it slow and you should be find. It is a great mountain! Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Capital Peak all about the knifes edge

Capital Peak was amazing and everything I was hoping for. This is the trip report with intent of helping people with their trip. The full story of the hike can be found at freeoutside.com

Starting from the parking lot there are two options for trails. I took the gulch trail which seems to be the most popular. It is a pretty flat trail all the way up the the cutoff to climb the saddle by Mt. Daly. I would recommend this trail but be prepared to physically have to move some of the cows out of the way to get by. The hike is very straightforward most of the way until a few miles in when you have to cross a small creek. There was not much option other than to get the shoes wet at first, but then I found a narrower spot down stream a little ways and was able to jump across and stay dry. The trail rejoins the second trail option from the parking lot here. Continuing on this trail it winds through the forest and then makes its way up to the large meadow in which one trail turns left and one goes straight. It is a very sharp turn and almost doesnt seem right, but the trail up to capital peak is the one that turns sharply left. Climbing the switchbacks up to the top of the ridge it is boulder hopping all the way to K2. Then there is some real climbing mixed in along with a lot of loose rock. There are all skill levels on Capital (especially on a weekend) so be patient and be prepared to hit a traffic Jam at the knife edge. It is an amazing view so just take it in. From here it is tough to route find but there are enough cairns placed to be able to come up with a semi standard route. Overall it is much easier to stay pretty high as you traverse across to the final ascent. The real danger is someone else knocking a rock down on you so keep your head on a swivel. The top is amazing! The climb back down is much the same with a few sections of a couple critical down climbing moves. Take it slow and you should be find. It is a great mountain!

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

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