The John Cappis

The John Cappis

The John Cappis is a mountaineering peakbagging jaunt near Silverton, Colorado. The course aims to summit several peaks around Silverton and is largely off-trail on an unmarked route for which a GPS track is provided. The route is approximately 50k with about 19,000 ft of elevation gain, with high points reaching at least 13,300 ft and low points near 9,300 ft. A time cutoff is enforced - typically 19 hours, though some past editions have allowed 20 hours - and participants receive credit for the distance they complete within the time limit.

Entry is restricted to members of the Sky Pilots Endurance Navigators who demonstrate suitable mountain experience. The event emphasizes self-reliance: support is minimal and limited to basic calories and fluids at a couple of checkpoints, GPS navigation is strongly advised, and crew access is allowed only at designated points. The course traverses remote, rugged terrain where rescue could take hours or days. Past editions have required additional gear in some years, such as ice axes and traction devices. Due to steepness, altitude, and footing, most participants average about 1 to 2 mph on the course, and historically only about one third of starters complete the full distance within the cutoff. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.