Capitol Peak: Viewer Recommended Mediocre Approved

Thanks to the handful of people who recommended Capitol Peak in Colorado. It was awesome! Great views, trail, and ridge scramble. Blake couldn't find anything to complain about. We started on the Snowmass side and took the Ditch Trail (upper capitol creek trail) to Capitol Lake then up to K2 then traversed the "knife ridge" to the summit. Colorado is 2/2 for the year when it comes to spectacular amateur adventure. If you guys have any other recommendations just leave them in the comments and we'll check them out. Thanks again!

[@TheMountainMatt]

I think this is the first video I’ve seen where Blake doesn’t get sick from eating crap food the night before😂

[@dalezjc]

After watching multiple videos of people doing Capitol Peak, you guys made it look extremely easy (relatively speaking). Which leads me to: you should put a warning on your videos stating that you guys are extremely experienced and some of these hikes/climbs should NOT be tried by everyone. You made the knife-edge look like a walk in the park. Which it's not. Good job guys.

[@GoGreen1977]

I'm disappointed that these guys did NOT emphasize that this one of the most dangerous of the Colorado 14ners. Experienced hikers have died on this mountain every year! Do not climb Capitol Peak without understanding completely what you are facing. Getting to the top is optional. Getting back down alive is mandatory.

[@YGTWW]

uhhh they literally say you'd die if you fell... not sure where youre getting the definition for walk in the park

[@higler.]

@@GoGreen1977 In all fairness, the sort of people that don't understand the insanely obvious risk of a hike like this will most certainly never made it anywhere near the summit. Those that have made it and died surely understood the risk which is part of the appeal of doing this stuff.

[@henrymackay6724]

I think a lot of people are missing the fact that summiting is not mandatory and you have to turn back when your too uncomfortable. It’s ok to be a little scared but completely out of your comfort zone is another thing altogether

[@TheDonBoston]

As they were doing the traverse they both clearly stated the risks they were currently experiencing.

[@mattbeale9668]

The geology of that final ridge is amazing....

[@prodacro-ik2yw]

The geology of the elk range in general!

[@TheBlueGumby]

Very cool! They walked across the knife edge like they were on a sidewalk going to the mailbox. Truly amazing!

[@kevindenny3607]

Blake is a key component to these adventures. Blake brings the comedy and the common man's prospective to these trips.

[@DerekWarnick]

Given how prolific the Mediocre Amateur adventures are, I never worry about getting lost in the wilderness anymore because I know sooner or later these guys will stumble across me (or my corpse). :) JK, great video and great adventure, keep 'em coming! (P.S. If you're into canyoneering it would interesting to see you document Imlay and Heaps... in A Day.)

[@Studyworld908]

Hmm

[@andromeda121]

Came from another video of Capitol peak, was pissing my pants. you guys made it seem like .. just another day at the office! WOW!

[@flipmode8467]

This rocks! I'm most impressed by your ability to escape from you wife and kids for these day trips. Maybe if I take out a massive life insurance policy and present it to my wife she'll be more supportive of trips like this.

[@sherfithasan]

LMAO!

[@KrazyKrzysztof]

dont let a woman stop your dreams

[@tianwang]

Also first i need be fit enough to make a DAY trip possible

[@300hiker]

Tian Wang Yeah my fat ass would still be laying up there!

[@beeclimbing9954]

Hi guys, maybe chose a partner who actually LIKES the outdoors and adventure sports! We do exist. Just depends on whether you can handle a woman being a badass ;-)

[@rob060]

This is why, when I started hiking in the Rockies, I bought some really good approach shoes. The rubber on them is so good for climbing and scrambling and the thick rubber soles let you use sharp rocks as stepping stones on the way down.

[@garethleitner9547]

Loved how you underplayed this! Excellent camera work and I especially appreciated the lack of a fisheye lens. And Little Debbies are worth bringing along!

[@RomanticAnalog]

I get sweats almost watching you guys on the ridge and just prancing around on that knife edge. Seriously scared of heights but I love the mountains. You guys are animals. Thanks for the amazing views!!

[@christinerolle3876]

You rock guys!! I'm glad you brought those hiking poles. Love watching you do all this adventure.i feel like i'm with you.!!!

[@michaelkniephof2959]

Fantastic. You guys always get the coolest shots and footage...which I know takes a lot of work. Great stuff. Great recommendation by fellow Mediocre fans!

[@devonbailiff]

I aspire to be as efficient, competent, and confident in the mountains as you all! Thank you!

[@StMark-no2lu]

This is my favorite Capitol video ever. Great channel.

[@seatrouter79]

I was all stoked on Capitol Peak until that ridge, sketchy for sure. I love these vids! Keep up the good work!

[@Judd97]

This almost feels like made-to-order MA content. Super quick turnaround. Awesome vid, as always!

[@johnr7895]

Awesome climb guys !! This was my 1st 14er so thank you for your channel to put different peaks on my radar.

[@MediocreAmateur]

We'll keep looking for you as long as we can.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great stuff, and enjoyed the commercial for Saucony pure grit. 😜👍🏽👣👣👣👣👣🏔

[@shutterbugZoe]

Thank you for your awesome videos! KZbin recommended your Wheeler Peak summit, since we recently vacationed in the area and I had watched a ton of videos of the area before the trip. I'm hooked! I was born with a collagen disorder that affects all my joints, and I've never been able to do this kind of hiking, even though I've wanted to. Your videos make me feel like I'm there too.

[@ForzaMonkey]

you should also check out Adventure Archives. I'm sure you'd love them too!

[@WarlordBlade]

Great choice leaving the valley route and hitting the ridge sooner! Next time I do that I think I want to try the full ridge - I'll bet it's faster! But yeah - way to avoid dropping those monster rocks. Nice work!

[@shawnwalden2669]

awesome! always waiting for more lol thanks for sharing.

[@desviz]

Man...the backcountry skiing potential in this episode is off the charts! SO MANY lines!

[@victor.randolph]

My palm sweat and foot tingle levels were almost as high as watching Russian teenagers climb skyscraper spires. Great video and well done!

[@jimmyzee2011]

I too hope to run into you guys on the trail some day. awesome vid as always

[@sangrammore6749]

I did this last month. And that knife edge is terrific. And you made it look so easy 🙌

[@jeffcruzan4978]

Hands down (or on the knife edge), this is the best YT video of the Capitol climb. You all did a nice job.

[@MediocreAmateur]

Thanks.

[@clarkligon9863]

I’ve watched this like 3 times my favorite vid of you guys

[@jamesbadham228]

Nice one. The Knife's Edge actually looks doable (for me) here, because of your technique, which was not to walk standing up on the top, but to put your hands on the edge and your feet below. Looked pretty solid. Every other video of this makes my head swim.

[@rickb5946]

As awesome as usual!!! Respect!

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Beautiful as always!

[@ticklefritz5406]

Exceptional video fellas, job well done on all fronts. To all the grippers out there, this is how Capital Peak is climbed via the standard route

[@MediocreAmateur]

Thanks!

[@gilligansisle6914]

That looked sweet! Eye candy all over! bit sketchey if it was raining near the top. Thanks again for the awesome video!!!

[@CountMondego]

Love your videos Danny! I just wish you put the mileage and other details of each trail you smash. Keep it up man!!

[@mohammadyaseenlone104]

Excellent bro. Ur doing a great job 👍👍

[@638Benj]

I love you guys keep pushing ❤

[@Hamsterkibble6]

Great channel! Thanks

[@JaySilver72]

You guys interested in a route that has a glacial lake, snowfield traverses, an abundance of 4th class scrambling, challenging route-finding, glacier travel, AMAZING views, a 5th class rock climb up the final summit pyramid, and multiple rappel pitches to get back down? Check out Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route... but maybe not in a day. Be safe out there!

[@yawninggreyhound]

Gobsmackingly amazing. Always heard talk of CP. Do Crestone Needle....if you haven't, that is. Crestones and Capitol, shiver me timbers!

[@morganshields2739]

that ridge looked epic

[@Kelly_Explores]

LOL- I had the same experience camping at Capitol lake the night before. “It wasn’t hard to wake up this morning because I was already awake.” Exactly 😂

[@lcb9807]

This is the stuff to "binge" on!! Rockstars!!!!

[@14erfinisher52]

Your Video makes me want to reclimb Capital Peak. I saved it for my final CO 14er. Great footage!

[@TomAllnatt]

You guys make this seem like the standard route up Grays Peak. Hahaha. Bravo gentlemen!!

[@harrisonaero]

What a nice trip. No drama just great Type 1.2 fun.

[@chauncemaster]

Love your videos! If you are looking for more recommendations it would seem like doing kings peak in a day from henry's fork is similar to some other routes you have liked. You'd probably prefer going up the direct chute to Anderson's pass rather than taking Gunsight and if you really want to murder your legs you can always add in South Kings or even Gilbert Peak but at that point it may move out of the realm of "enjoyable" and be more like punishment.

[@MediocreAmateur]

chauncemaster Both Danny and I have done Kings Peak but we never filmed it. Maybe we need to go back

[@scottfulton267]

Great video! I hope to make it out to Colorado for some 14ers, but probably not Capitol. though it looks awesome. And I love any brand or flavor of those packaged pies. Hostess, Little Debbie, apple, cherry, lemon, berry....they are all like rocket fuel on long hikes.

[@reservedSuperHero]

man.. my hands got sweaty on that knife ridge cross lol

[@isaacjamesbaker]

Same!!

[@MountainHobbler]

Proud to say I am a mediocre fan! Great climb

[@desviz]

You guys would enjoy the Enchantment Traverse in the North Central Cascades in WA - it takes a permit but for trail runners, its OK to just go. Very scenic. For more crazy, do the Bailey Range Traverse in the Olympics, again in WA.

[@ceciliajoylee]

omg my dad does crazy hikes and runs and stuff like you guys, and he also loves little debbies, that part made me laugh so hard

[@awd2272]

Danny you are nothing but an amazing mountaineer. good luck man and thanks for filming and sharing👍✌ by the way, why do you guys run for climbing and descending??? isn't it harmful for knees specially carrying stuff along???

[@WoodsTrekkinAdventures]

Awesome!

[@normiewoo787]

I love you guys.

[@SolaceEasy]

Always knew I wouldn't climb it. Plenty of other fish in the barrel. And I have climbed multiple Class 3-5 mountains. Over 400 peaks.

[@14ercooper]

There's a lot of cool routes to climb up Little Bear peak in Colorado as well. It's an awesome one to do.

[@MB-ln9nv]

Second time watching this one, and I’ve watched almost all of these videos. But I realized these videos are if wes Anderson made mountaineering movies.

[@jasonthomas16]

I’d love to hike capital one day. The exposure is intimidating for sure. Wouldn’t want to be on the Knife Edge and have any bad weather coming.

[@alehax27]

The subtle unexpected humor is so funny

[@Theninjaonthemountains]

Best Capitol video I ever watched!! Loved that you guys were running and not hiking like most do. I will be tackling this bad boy next summer. how long did it take round trip?

[@MediocreAmateur]

Strava says the elapsed time was about 8 hours. It was an awesome peak I'm sure you'll enjoy it (weather permitting of course)

[@Theninjaonthemountains]

@@MediocreAmateur wow 8hrs even with you guys running a good bit. ok thanks

[@Studyworld908]

What a amazing view literally I liked it.....😙

[@hoganwarlock1430]

You guys should try Snowmass Peak. IMO it's just as interesting, varied, and fun as Capitol Peak (especially if you bring your skis.). It wasn't quite as extreme as Capitol with exposure, but the views are just as killer.

[@Youe458]

Awesome adventure, When can we expect "mediocre amateur" merchandise. A cap or a T-shirt would be cool.

[@abnr0103]

I second that!

[@RockyMtnLady11]

Come on boys...Merch...pleeeze???

[@djohnson24]

I would love to see you guys do Sneffels

[@MediocreAmateur]

Just looked it up. Way cool! Just added it to the list of summer trips. Thanks for the heads up.

[@thepageboys8830]

Danny B's hat collection is money.

[@lolista]

great ridge walk

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

And that's why I watch videos of this mountain and that's good enough for me. With my luck and body weight I'd be on it when one of those slabs decides to come loose.

[@JamieMiles_southmainmuse]

Holy cow. I’m sure it’s the way you’re holding the camera that makes it look so terrifying. Bravo.

[@brandynking8480]

You guys need to do the 7 Devils in Riggins Idaho and summit all 7 Devils

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Blake is a legend.

[@summitsparrow]

very cool

[@MichaelSnyder1776]

What time did you leave from there trailhead and how long did it take you? Great video I stopped at k2 last year Capitol is gnarly

[@sorentrexler3688]

Would be really cool if you checked out the other 3 of Colorado's great 4 traverses. Little Bear - Blanca, Crestone Peak - Crestone Needle, Wilson - El Diente, and you already did the bells. Honestly I think you chose the least enjoyable of the 4, LB - Blanca is awesome

[@higler.]

oh little bear up the hourglass would be so cool

[@randelldarky3920]

I have nothing too match that. Good hike.

[@chuckvanderbildt]

The climbing is one thing, but being funny as shit at the summit is a whole other game. Excellent.

[@shawnwalden2669]

back after 4 years to re watch this again, seems this mountain has claimed a few lives last year. Wish you would all get together and do a hike =)

[@flowlines1198]

So I guess most people 'don't' die on the descent...Ha Ha. Great video:)

[@joshuamathews5507]

I guess my biggest question is how do you guys stay hydrated? Those are pretty tiny packs for such a long hike

[@MediocreAmateur]

There's water along the way and each of us carries a katadyn water filter/bottle. We filter water along the way and then usually fill up all our containers before the summit push if we think water will no longer be available. Those packs can fit large water bladders in the back and a bottle or two up front.

[@Manoj17Patankar]

@@MediocreAmateur I love the fact the those are called 'katadyn' water bottles.. reminds me of Mt Katahdin which is home to another superb knife edge :)

[@drp3223]

You guys should have done the ridge direct route!

[@darrinheinz152]

Great video! Besides the gopro, what camera did you use, it looked awesome?

[@captainkielbasa5471]

stay on the trails boys.

[@robmills7611]

Wow! It did look like the sound of music!

[@JB-rt4mx]

Nice..You should do the El Diente - Mt Wilson Ridge Traverse..down by Navaho lake Telluride 🌲🏞🏕

[@pyore2614]

Come to NC & do the trail from Sam's Gap to Big Bald. 6 1/2 miles one way on the Appalachain Trail

[@bradleylinemihler]

the exposure is unreal

[@Nick-yn2uz]

Granite Peak, MT!

[@lcarus42]

8:30 that is my fear. The mountain Im on just lets go entirely, a rock slide is not on my bucket list.

[@dadestarmysteries255]

Mediocre Amateur: Great video. How much of a sharp dropoff is that on that final ridge at the end? It looks like a sheer dropoff on both sides but I can't tell for sure in this.

[@erichamilton4512]

Kings Peak

[@NoOne-yt6yf]

Yay! Frolicking!

[@chrisbenitez6548]

what's your camera set up? Cuz I see you doing vlogging shots while having the go pro on your person. I'm asking, because I'm thinking of incorporating a similar set up to get climbing shots: i.e. a mirrorless camera AND a go pro to get smoother action shots

[@madmanswhispers]

"It was like the Fourth of July and my Birthday" Confirmed: Danny is America

[@timothylogan4208]

Still missing Blake. Wish he'd pop in for an adventure.

[@jeffmerrill6241]

When you guys made this climb, what was the day/month. I'm planning a climb for June 8th and was curious if that is too early in the year

[@enigma9548]

I had an old friend lose her life this past weekend on Capitol Peak, she was crossing the knife edge when a rock she was holding onto gave way. This mountain was on my bucket list, but now i'm not so sure. rip Sarah

[@ArkansasGamer]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm debating doing Capitol Peak also, but I might hire a guide if possible.

[@nathanperry1505]

how about a vid on the Ellingwood Arete, Crestone Needle

[@georgesheffield1580]

Try the north face of the Wetterhorn or the face of Half Peak ( yeah , its only a 13er, 800ft headwall, 5.10 continous )

[@shelbynjakesdad]

Where’s Blake these days? We want more Blake!!!

[@mike13runs]

I've been wondering as well

[@ChrisPBacon-wy5ry]

@@mike13runs according to his insta, he’s had knee problems for the past two years or so and his job got more demanding on top of that.

[@mike13runs]

@@ChrisPBacon-wy5ry yup, for sure. I started following him on IG a bit back

[@TruthHasSpoken]

definitely want to have some good shoes.

[@brianmead6053]

Awesome video and an amazing hike. My question is do you think some with relatively little mountain experience could complete this hike? I'm in good shape and did Half dome last year, but something this gnarly looks so intriguing to me. What an incredible experience. If I completed some other 14ers could I knock this one down you think?