Most of the time, progress is tedious. Interrupted by periods of elation and feverish activity. Strong, established ways of doing things are questioned, challenged by a new reality and blurry future. Difficult decisions must be taken, which may not produce the best outcome for all parties involved. And the chances to course-correct may be preciously limited.
The preceding paragraph describes hiking Colorado's toughest fourteener (14er). And inside capitols worldwide.
Only five minutes after starting the Capitol Ditch Trail-one of two options from the trailhead-Capitol Peak is presented through left-side clearings. But its unforgiving attributes remain indistinct. From almost six-mile away, deep gullies and sheer cliffs become shallow, inconsequential wrinkles, while the famous, jagged northeast "Knife Edge" ridge disguises as a gentle, straightforward jaunt.
The ditch trail eventually terminates/intersects with the Capitol Creek Trail, which continues to Capitol Lake. The route-occasionally supported by a spirited running-water soundtrack-alternates between dim, forested covers and open fields. During many of those transitions into refreshing sunlight, the sudden sights of Capitol grow larger and more defined. Summitters only realize their daunting undertaking once at the lake, under the enormous northern slope.
Fittingly, their first task-ascending around 1,000 feet in 0.75 mile to a saddle-is immediately bested by complicated scrambling through an ocean of talus. With the goal being "K2," a small prominence that is often suggested to circumvent via climber's right, despite requiring utmost alertness per loose, sliding rock that can cause disastrous outcomes.
And now, behold the fearsome ridge walk, where those willingly confronting the exact crest are always one mistake away from the ultimate cost-for death is near certain when falling hundreds to thousands of feet. It is smart to strategize every handhold, every step. Yes, social trails exist that are safer, but the exposure is still to be respected.
A final challenge separates the summit: traversing across successive gullies on the southeast face. The most efficient line steadily angles upward while both not getting onto the ridgetop itself and dipping too far below via inviting trails. And, related to that latter point, beware of false descent chutes which have led to deadly incidents on the mountain.
Photos: photos.app.goo...
Route: Capitol Ditch Trail-Capitol Creek Trail-Capitol Peak Route
Type: Out-And-Back
Distance: ~17.0 mi.
Elevation Gain: ~4,845 ft.
Location: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, Colorado, USA
Date/Time: 2022-08-01 0720; 2022-08-02 0826
My Thoughts:
I despised the cows. Constantly having to herd them and avoid being trampled should not be in my hiking narrative. Two parties are solely accountable for this unnecessary, preventable failure: the Forest Service and cattle owner(s). In fact, I would recommend approaching via West Snowmass, to skip the literal shitshow altogether.
But back to the video: I made certain decisions that should be clarified. Starting out, I chose the ditch trail to not lose substantial elevation (as with the Capitol Creek Trail). Yet, from the saddle, I did descend into the rock basin because it was the recommended route. At "K2," I filmed both contouring around (on the approach) and going over (on the exit), since they seemed to be equally preferred by hikers. Likewise, I showed how to follow the entire "Knife Edge" crest and completely avoid it by using lower trails. Attentive viewers might figure out that I was not sporting a helmet, as the whole trip could be kept class 4.
Frequently advertised as the hardest of statewide 14ers, this achievement signified a crucial milestone for my ongoing mountaineering journey. Like graduating with a degree and stepping into the wider world. From here, the risks would only intensify. The responsibilities multiplied; the uncertainty was certain. I volunteered myself to be in this position, yes, unlike elected officials. But our actions could have outsized consequences, all the same.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace
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