Capitol Creek TH #1961
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
The Capitol Creek Trail descends steeply, losing 600 feet in elevation in the first 1/2 mile. The trail crosses Capitol Creek and bears to the right, paralleling the creek most of the way up the drainage. A sign marks the West Snowmass Trail on the left at about 4 miles. At the 6 mile point the trail switchbacks to a double log crossing. In another 1/2 mile, the trail crosses the stream again. In the fir stands on the right, 1/3 mile from this crossing, are the last campfire sites. Stove sites can be found on the knolls to the right about 50 yards before the Mt. Daly Trail. Camping is not allowed in the meadows or within 200 feet of Capitol Lake. Continue on the trail to Capitol Lake. To reach the pass and Avalanche Creek Trail, follow the trail along the west side of the lake.
SAFETY: Remember climbing is dangerous, even deadly!
Check out Colorado Fourteeners Initiative YouTube Channel to learn more.
General Information
A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov.
For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.
Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place:
- Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
- Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave.
- You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.
- Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others
Getting There
Elevation
11,600 feet (3536 m)
Directions
From Aspen, CO drive 14 miles on Highway 82 to Old Snowmass and turn left onto Snowmass Creek Road next to the Conoco gas station. Continue 2 miles to the "T" intersection. Take the right turn and continue 5 miles until the pavement ends. Follow the dirt road about 3 miles to the trailhead. The last mile is on a 4WD road. If you don't have 4WD, park at the Bureau of Land Management meadow on the right, approximately 2 1/4 miles below the trailhead. The road continues past the Capitol Lake Trailhead and climbs very steeply to the Hell Roaring Trailhead. The road is slick when wet.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
