14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Capitol Peak (14er)
Route:	Northeast Ridge
Range:	Elk
Posted By:	Marshall
Date of Info:	08/30/2020
Date Posted:	08/31/2020

Details
It rained/hailed/snowed a good amount on my hike out, so it might be wise to look for a more up-to-date report. The (ditch) trail was in very good shape the whole way to the saddle. I went along the ridge from the saddle up to K2 and tried to stay on top of the ridge as much as possible. Definitely some really exposed stuff this way, but there were options here and there to circumvent the most challenging parts. The rock was mostly solid, and it was apparent where it wasn't going to hold. From K2 to the summit I stayed on the ridge as well after initially following cairns through looser stuff below. Give me the solid ridgeline over the loose rubble any day. I came off K2 through the gully and only stepped on snow for about 20 ft. No traction needed. Times (I hiked quickly, went at a normal speed on the ridges): 1:50 to the lake 2:20 to the saddle 4:20 to summit Pictures are parts of the ridge from saddle to K2. Photos (click for slideshow):

Details

*It rained/hailed/snowed a good amount on my hike out, so it might be wise to look for a more up-to-date report.* The (ditch) trail was in very good shape the whole way to the saddle. I went along the ridge from the saddle up to K2 and tried to stay on top of the ridge as much as possible. Definitely some really exposed stuff this way, but there were options here and there to circumvent the most challenging parts. The rock was mostly solid, and it was apparent where it wasn't going to hold. From K2 to the summit I stayed on the ridge as well after initially following cairns through looser stuff below. Give me the solid ridgeline over the loose rubble any day. I came off K2 through the gully and only stepped on snow for about 20 ft. No traction needed.

Times (I hiked quickly, went at a normal speed on the ridges):

1:50 to the lake
2:20 to the saddle
4:20 to summit

Pictures are parts of the ridge from saddle to K2.

Photos (click for slideshow):

Comments or Questions

greenonion	Spice O Rama! 08/31/2020 09:54 Love seeing photos of that ridge. Often mentioned but rarely seen on 14ers.com. Thanks, and well done! And fast!
Marshall	Pics 10/09/2020 17:41 Thanks! I felt the same about the absence of pictures. It doesn‘t help that Roach basically says, ‘it‘s there; you can do it.‘ Although that‘s all the guidance needed, really.
KDinCO	Nice! 08/31/2020 11:05 Considering the ridge for my trip so thanks for the info! Have friends attempting Cap today so was wondering about the rain/hail/snow.