Connects: Capitol Creek Road (CR 9), Nickelson Creek Trail, Upper Capitol Creek Trail, Avalanche Creek Trail, West Snowmass Trail, Capitol Lake (11,600 ft)
Old Snowmass, CO – Hard – 6.5 Miles – Hike, Run, Horseback Ride, Dog Friendly – Dirt
Capitol Creek Trail #1961, also called Lower Capitol Creek Trail, is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. This is a 6.5 mile trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Old Snowmass, CO. The upper section of the trail is Upper Capitol Creek Trail #1963, also called Capitol Ditch Trail.
To get to the trailhead from Aspen, travel down valley on Highway 82 toward Old Snowmass. At the Conoco gas station and traffic light turn left onto Snowmass Creek Road. Follow the road to a 3 way intersection. Turn right onto Capitol Creek Road (CR 9). The trailhead is on the left in 8 miles. The road is paved for the fist 5 miles and then turns to dirt. The last mile before the trailhead is particularly rough.
Distances:
Trailhead to Nickelson Creek Trail – 2.45 Miles
Trailhead to Upper Capitol Creek Trail (Capitol Ditch Trail) – 3.3 Miles
Upper Capitol Creek Trail (Capitol Ditch Trail) Intersection to Capitol Lake (11,600 ft) – 3.2 Miles
More information about Capitol Creek Trail can be found at:
White River National Forest – Capitol Creek Trail #1961 (Hiking)
White River National Forest – Upper Capitol Creek Trail #1963 (Hiking)
Old Snowmass, CO – Hard – 6.5 Miles – Snowshoe, Classic XC Ski, Dog Friendly – Snow
Capitol Creek Trail #1961 is a difficult winter trail you can snowshoe and classic cross-country ski that is dog friendly. This is a 6.5 mile snowy trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Old Snowmass, CO. This is not a groomed nordic trail.