The Capitan Wilderness has been closed since the May/June 2004 fire. According to the Forest Service, hunters will likely push for its reopening in the Fall.
Fire destroyed this area years ago. Made the mistake of trying this trail last week, but conditions are still dry. Many trees fallen along trail as well. Decided to turn back after about a quarter mile into it. Went to find another trail elsewhere.
The trails in the Capitan Wilderness remain in poor condition. My son and I attempted a loop from the trailhead at Pine Lodge, up to Capitan, across the Summit Trail, north on T66, and then back to the trailhead on T65. About two miles west of Capitan, we lost the trail for good, and the hike ended up as an orienteering exercise. Definitely a challenge given the number of rock fields and downed trees. Until the condition of the trails improve, plan on taking three times as long as normal to cover any distance.
wbass - Sep 3, 2004 3:01 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThe Capitan Wilderness has been closed since the May/June 2004 fire. According to the Forest Service, hunters will likely push for its reopening in the Fall.
ndalum2002 - Apr 1, 2013 9:52 am - Hasn't voted
Don't Waste Your TimeFire destroyed this area years ago. Made the mistake of trying this trail last week, but conditions are still dry. Many trees fallen along trail as well. Decided to turn back after about a quarter mile into it. Went to find another trail elsewhere.
phytap - May 27, 2015 11:44 am - Hasn't voted
2015 UpdateThe trails in the Capitan Wilderness remain in poor condition. My son and I attempted a loop from the trailhead at Pine Lodge, up to Capitan, across the Summit Trail, north on T66, and then back to the trailhead on T65. About two miles west of Capitan, we lost the trail for good, and the hike ended up as an orienteering exercise. Definitely a challenge given the number of rock fields and downed trees. Until the condition of the trails improve, plan on taking three times as long as normal to cover any distance.