Capitol Peak - Campground #4 to the Summit

Climbing Colorado’s “Most Dangerous” 14’er
7/21/24 - We broke camp at 5:42 AM, reaching the top of the Saddle in 30 minutes. We descended into the talus field, navigating steep switchbacks and multiple snow crossings. Thankfully, the well-formed path and deep footprints made the snow crossings manageable without micro spikes.
At the base of K2, my dad decided to turn back, leaving me to attempt the summit solo. Contrary to reports, scrambling up and over K2 was not as challenging as anticipated. The exposure on the knife edge was thrilling, and the minimal wind made for perfect conditions. I encountered two hikers on my way to the summit: one descending and one slowly ascending.
I reached the ridgeline slightly farther south than expected, but the panoramic views were spectacular. As I summited, a helicopter circled below, hovering above the Daly Saddle and Capitol Lake. Alone on the summit, I basked in the perfect weather before beginning my descent.
Check out the next video documenting the descent and trek to the trailhead.
Numbers at the end of the bookmarks coincide with the route photos on 14'ers.com: www.14ers.com/...
1:12 - Daly Saddle (#11 )
2:47 - Talus Field Below Cliffs (#13)
3:44 - Headed up the Talus Field (#15
3:57 - Near 13,000 ft close to K2 (#16)
4:24 - K2 (#17)
7:10 - K2 Summit (#18)
11:12 - West Side of K2 (#22)
12:54 - Ridge Walk Before Knife Edge (#23)
15:10 - Going Around Ridge Line Obstacle (#24)
16:41 - The Knife Edge (#25)
21:24 - Continuing Along the Ridge (#28)
23:40 - Still on the Ridge (#29)
26:22 - Upper Face (#30)
31:28 - Crossing the Wall (#33)
50:04 - Summit of Capitol Peak (#38)
‪@kuhl‬ ‪@HyperliteMountainGear‬ ‪@CostaSunglasses‬ ‪@GoPro‬ ‪@BlackDiamondEquipmentLtd‬

[@mwmilling]

Loved the video and congrats on your summit. This is on my bucket list.

[@KobraKlimbs]

Thank you! I'd definitely recommend it!

[@mstrickler400]

Thanks! Best Capitol video I've seen. Ten years ago in my 60s I got to about 13,000 feet on Capitol and had to turn back. Old age caught up with me before I could go back to complete it, so I have to be satisfied with others' videos. I did get high enough to see what a spectacular and challenging peak this is.

[@KobraKlimbs]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. My dad had a similar experience to yours on this trip; he is hoping to get back out there for another attempt in the near future. Capitol Peak is an incredible place!