Capitol Peak, Mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado, US

Capitol Peak is a mountain in the Elk Mountains that reaches about 4,300 meters (14,130 feet) high. Its most distinctive feature is a narrow ridge on the northeast side that resembles a knife edge and demands serious climbing skills.

Percy Hagerman and Harold Clark made the first recorded ascent on August 22, 1909. The Hayden Survey had earlier named the peak for its resemblance to the U.S. Capitol. From 1947 to 2018, 91% of accidents on the mountain were fatal, and five climbers died within six weeks in 2017.

The Hayden Survey gave the peak its name, seeing in its profile a likeness to the United States Capitol building. The name was recorded in the 19th century alongside the variant Capital Peak. Hikers today still point out the resemblance from the approach trail.

Visitors should come between July and September when conditions are most favorable and snow has melted away. For multiday trips in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, advance planning and proper gear are necessary.

The mountain rises approximately 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above Roaring Fork Valley, creating one of the steepest elevations in Colorado. This extreme height difference makes the view from the valley floor especially striking.