PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO — Two 19-year-old hikers from North Carolina were airlifted off Capitol Peak early Wednesday morning after becoming stranded on the mountain’s dangerous north face while attempting a shortcut descent, according to a press release from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
The hikers, both of whom had summited the 14,130-foot Capitol Peak earlier on June 24, called 911 around 8:20 p.m. after descending off-route and getting stuck at approximately 13,000 feet. The pair had deviated from the standard descent route in search of what appeared to be a quicker path down—an unfortunately common mistake on this notoriously treacherous fourteener.
Capitol Peak, located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness about 14 miles west of Aspen, is considered one of Colorado’s most challenging 14ers. Known for its extreme exposure, crumbling rock, and false leads that appear to offer easier ways down, it has claimed multiple lives in recent years, including five in 2017 alone.
The climbers were uninjured but unable to safely ascend or descend further. Rescue coordination began that night with Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) and Pitkin County Sheriff’s deputies. The decision was made to wait until daylight to conduct the technical rescue.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
At first light on June 25, a Blackhawk helicopter from the Colorado Army National Guard’s High-Altitude Aviation Training Site (HAATS) in Gypsum picked up two MRA hoist-rescue technicians at Sardy Field in Aspen. The mission was briefly delayed by lightning and snow, but rescuers successfully located the hikers—despite their dark clothing—and hoisted them to safety one at a time from the steep slope.
After being transported back to Sardy Field, the teens were evaluated by Aspen Ambulance medical personnel and released.
Not a one-off: A pattern of short-cut taking
This incident underscores a growing concern among rescuers and local authorities about the repeated misjudgment of Capitol Peak’s terrain. Despite warnings, some climbers continue to attempt alternative descent routes, lured by seemingly gentle gullies that often terminate in impassable cliffs or extremely loose rock.
“If there were a safe shortcut down the north face,” the Sheriff’s Office noted, “it would be the standard route.”
MRA and other experts stress that Capitol Peak is not a hike—it’s a technical climb that requires precise route-finding and alpine experience. Straying from established routes can have fatal consequences.
Lessons Learned & Safety Reminders
This rescue highlights several critical safety takeaways for those venturing into Colorado’s high peaks:
Stay on the established route. On peaks like Capitol, alternative routes often become deadly traps.
Wear bright-colored clothing to improve visibility for rescuers.
Carry a communication device, such as a satellite messenger or emergency beacon.
Be prepared for changing weather, especially on high peaks.
Know your limits. Class 4 routes are not suitable for beginners.
For more information on safely planning a 14er climb, visit my mountain safety guide.
Support Colorado’s Volunteer SAR Teams
MRA and many other SAR teams are volunteer-based and rely on public support. You can help by:
Purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) Card.
Buying a Keep Colorado Wild Pass when registering your vehicle.
These programs fund essential training and equipment for the teams that put their lives on the line to rescue others.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
