Capitol Ditch Trail (#1963)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There are no established bathrooms at the Capitol Ditch trailhead.

Drive the semi-rugged dirt road to the very end of Capitol Creek Rd. where you'll hit the trailhead as well as ample room for parking (high clearance vehicles recommended but not mandatory). On the west end of the parking area the Capitol Ditch Trail starts and winds moderately along the ditch for a little over a mile. After leaving the ditch it continues through aspen and fir stands for another mile and then begins to open up in expansive meadows where you'll be met with jaw-dropping views of the north face of Capitol Peak and the famed "Knife Edge" ridge. The trail descends down to Capitol Creek where you can either turn around and reverse course to the trailhead, continue for a few more miles up to Capitol Lake, or take the Capitol Creek Trail down the east side of the creek (many choose to take this trail and make their hike a loop). If camping in the Capitol Creek valley you'll begin to find great spots here to establish a camp underneath the old growth conifers.

Deer, elk, bear, and marmots.