OverviewCapital butte is one of the highest summits in Sedona with fantastic views. It offers multiple challenging 4th Class routes to the summit. The most common routes are either straight up the south facing deposition or the east facing drainage that is also on the south side. The two routes meet on the south face below the ridge that descends west from the summit. The route to the summit runs near this ridge. Both Routes involve 3rd class boulder hopping with intermittent human and animal trails. The route up the south deposition has an unprotected 4+ class move onto the face with moderate exposure. The east facing south drainage is a bit les technical than going up the south deposition only for that one move. Higher up on the mountain you will find a 4th class mantle up through a chimney. No ropes are needed to make this climb. The east summit block is slightly higher. Be advised some route finding skills are required. Be able to down climb anything you ascend. Climbers have gotten stuck and required rescue.
Getting ThereThe closest trailheads are in West Sedona on Andante Dr. and Buena Vista Dr.
Buena Vista Trailhead:
From the intersection of 89A and 179 go west on 89A 2 miles to Coffee Pot Dr. and take a right. Go .5 miles to Sanborn Dr. and take a left. Take your 1st right on Arbuckle Dr., then your 1st left on Maxwell House Dr. then your 1st right on Caswell Dr. to Buena Vista Dr. the parking lot is on the north side of the street across from Caswell.
Andante Trailhead:
From the intersection of 89A and 179 go west on 89A 2.5 miles to Andante Dr. and take a right. Go 1.25 miles to Sky View Ln. and take a left. Parking is on the right.
Red TapeThe $5 Parking Passes are sold at the Brewer Rd. Ranger Station, most hotels, gas stations and vending machines on many of the trail heads.
Capitol Butte in a "Wilderness" and should be respected as such.
When To ClimbSpring and fall are the most popular times to climb. Lightning can pose a threat in the summer afternoons.
CampingNo camping is allowed on the mountain or in Sedona.
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