Mt. Princeton

Difficulty

Difficult

Distance

7.5 mi / 12.1 km

Elevation

14,196 ft

Elevation Gain

3,400 ft

Mt Princeton is one of the famous fourteeners located near Buena Vista, Colorado. Standing at an elevation of 14,197 feet, it is a challenging hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The total elevation gain is approximately 3,400 feet, making it a moderately difficult hike. The best time of the year to hike this peak is from June to September when the weather is favorable, and the trails are clear. The hike is not dog-friendly, so it’s best to leave your furry friends at home. Hikers can expect to encounter other hikers, bikers, and wildlife on their journey. The length of the hike is approximately 7.5 miles round trip.

How to get to Mt. Princeton

Start at the center of Buena Vista
Drive west on County Road 306 for 0.7 miles
Turn south onto CR 321 for 7 miles
At the fork, bear right onto CR 322
Drive under a mile to the next fork
Turn right towards Mt. Princeton
Park at 8,900 ft if you are not equipped to drive on narrow, rocky roads
If you would like to continue one, drive 3 miles up to find radio towers with limited parking around 10,800 ft. Be warned that there are no turnarounds until you get to the tower area
From the upper trailhead hike away from the towers on CR 322A
Continue for about 1.5 miles on CR 322A
Turn right onto Mt. Princeton Trail at 11,800 ft, just after the tree line

Get directions from Google Maps here.

What people like about Mt. Princeton

Overall, hikers seem to appreciate the combination of challenging terrain, stunning views, and accessible location that make Mt. Princeton a popular hiking destination.

Stunning Views: Many hikers appreciate the incredible views from the summit, including panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Challenging Hike: Mt. Princeton is a challenging hike with steep sections, loose rocks, and a significant elevation gain. For experienced hikers, this is a great opportunity to push their limits and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the summit.
Well-Maintained Trail: The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with clear signage and markers. This makes the hike feel safe and accessible, even for less experienced hikers.
Wildlife: Some hikers report seeing wildlife on the hike, including marmots and bighorn sheep.
Accessible
Location: The trailhead is easy to access from Buena Vista, and there are plenty of other hikes and activities in the area for those who want to make a day of it.

What people don’t like about Mt. Princeton

Some hikers complain about the steep and relentless climb to the summit, which can be challenging for less experienced hikers. Others note that the trail can be crowded during peak season, making it difficult to find a parking spot and causing congestion on the trail. Some hikers also report encountering loose rock and scree on the trail, which can be treacherous in certain sections.

Crowds: As a popular 14er, Mt. Princeton can get crowded, especially during weekends and peak hiking season. Some hikers may not enjoy sharing the trail and summit with a large number of people.
Loose rocks and scree: The trail, particularly in the upper sections, has loose rocks and scree that can make hiking difficult and increase the risk of injury. Some hikers may find this terrain frustrating or challenging to navigate.
Exposure to the elements: The trail’s exposed sections leave hikers vulnerable to the elements, such as strong winds, sudden weather changes, and the sun’s intensity at high altitudes. This can make the hike more difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared hikers.
Route finding: Some parts of the trail may not be well-marked, which can lead to confusion and difficulty in route finding. This can be particularly challenging in the higher sections where the trail becomes fainter.
Long and strenuous: The hike to the summit of Mt. Princeton is long and strenuous, requiring a significant amount of elevation gain. Some hikers may find the hike too challenging or exhausting, especially if they are not well-prepared or acclimatized to the altitude.
Limited parking: The trailhead parking area may fill up quickly during peak hiking times, making it difficult for some hikers to find a parking spot.