OverviewLocated in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Mount Daly is the most prominent peak as seen from Snowmass Village, Colorado. It's elevation is 13,300 ft. One of it's most distinguishing features is a broad diagonal layer of rock running through the mountain's east face.
There are two routes to the summit. The South Ridge and The East Face Direct.
The South Ridge is followed from the saddle between K2 and Mt. Daly. This saddle is gained from either Capitol Lake on the west or Moon Lake on the east.
The East Face Direct Route from the east. Gain the Obvious "Grass Ramp" and then start climbing where the stripe terminates on the north end. Climb up the loose gully and gain the "notch" near the summit and then take the summit.Getting to the summit. . .There are two Trailheads: Capitol Creek Trailhead and Maroon Snowmass Trailhead.
Capitol Creek Trailhead
Roundtrip: Approx 16 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx 4,300 ft
Est. Time: 12-15 hours
Seasons: Summer or Fall. Spring or Winter (if you like snow and danger)
Capitol Creek Trailhead
From Glenwood Springs, Colorado: follow US 82 for 28 miles south to the town of Old Snowmass (nothing to do with Snowmass Ski Resort) and take a right onto Snowmass Creek Road. Follow this road for 1.7 miles and turn right at the T intersection onto Capitol Creek Road. Stay left at 1.9 and at 3.2 miles. Then stay right at 4.7 and 5.9 miles where the road turns to dirt just beyond. Pass the cattle guard taking the narrower left road (a multiuse sign marks this spot) and continue to the trailhead at 9.5 miles. To be on the safe side, 4WD is recommended beyond the cattle guard. (Taken from Capitol Peak's page)
Hike Capitol Creek Trail to Capitol Lake. From the lake, gain the saddle to the east of the lake and follow the saddle ridge north to the summit. Descend the same route.
Maroon Snowmass Trail
Roundtrip: Approx 14 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx 4,980 ft
Est. Time: 10-12 hours
Seasons: Summer or Fall. Spring or Winter (if you like snow and danger)
Maroon Snowmass Trail
From Snowmass Village, Colorado: Drive up Brushcreek rd and turn right onto Divide Rd. at the top of Divide Rd, continue straight onto a gravel road that winds down underneath Campground chairlift and down toward Old Snowmass. Once down in the valley go straight at the T intersection and park at the end of the road (Maroon Snowmass Trailhead.)
Hike on Maroon Snowmass Trail for approx 1 mile and then turn right (west) onto West Snowmass Trail. You will need to cross the stream without a bridge but there is also an option to use the beaver dams in this area. Go through the cow pasture and through an entry gate.
Follow this trail up to the meadows at 10,000 ft. From here you have multiple options. For the East Face Direct Route follow the defined rightmost trial, which is the main trail of West Snowmass Trail, once the Grass Ramp starts to go out of view. Take an unmarked sparse trail from the main West Snowmass trail off and head toward "The Grass Ramp". (See the blue route on the images)
Map of area with routes |
Grass Ramp Pictured and labeled |
For the South Ridge Route via Moon Lake (red route on image) or the East Face drainage variation (Maroon color on image): From the cow pasture at 10,000ft, where the trail splits, it is very important to find the unmarked difficult to find trail because it...well it's important. This is the easiest way to find the start of the trail to Moon Lake and the East Face drainage of Daly, Go to the middle of the cow pasture (100 yards from the trail junction) and look directly at Mt. Daly and you will see a grassy hill that is part of the pasture you are standing in, the trail (red on the map image and in the photo) starts here.
Trail to Moon Lake boulder field and Drainage |
This is a good trail but hard to find at times stay with it, it will save you a lot of time and bush whacking.
Drainage Variation |
Red TapeAs far as I know there is no red tape. Wilderness Area rules apply. CampingCamping is not necessary for this peak because it can be done in a day, a long day. However, if you do want to camp, there are a couple of options.
From the Maroon Snowmass Trailhead: There are spots near the East Snowmass Creek Trailhead just west of the road near the bridge. If you hike in, there are a horse camps in the meadows between 9,600 ft and 10,000 ft. The first are in the woods (off the main trail 100 yards to the East) and the other is in the main pasture where the trail junctions. This Pasture could house an army.
Camping is also available near the lakes below Moon Lake around 10,170ft. Follow the red route on the map image and the sites are marking in Pink on the map.
Routes and Campsites. Camps are marked in Pink |
Site at "middle lake" |
Best camping near the falls and first lake |
Capitol Lake has camping available near the northern shore. Use preexisting sites only.
Wilderness Area rules apply. Pack in/pack out. Be helpful and courteous to other campers and climbers. Don't be loud at night while camping. This is black bear habitat so hang your food and practice safe food and cooking techniques.Essential Gear!!For the Summer: Helmet, Rain Gear, Food, Water, Boots, leather gloves.
For the Winter and Spring: Ice axe, rope, skis, skins, crampons, and a bridge to cross Snowmass Creek (Joke). Images
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Elk Mountains
