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A rocky trail from talus field to ridge to summit on a classic collegiate 14er.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.3

KM

Point to Point

14,131' 4,307 m

High

11,841' 3,609 m

Low

2,290' 698 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

21%

Avg Grade (12°)

75%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly As one of the easier Sawatch 14ers, this makes for a safe intro to "mountaineering" for younger kids.

County Road 322 is extremely narrow and rough. I made it in my Subaru, but it was very sketchy, and I wouldn't do it again. This road is closed in the winter, and conditions are variable year-round.

Description

For driving directions, see featured hike Mt. Princeton.

Turn off the 322A Jeep road (right for this trail). The beginning of this trail remains class 1 but is absurdly steep. The grade relents after about 200 vertical and the trail continues below the Tigger-Princeton ridge. It's class 2 from here on out. Talus hop cautiously before continuing up some switchbacks to reach the ridge at 13,100 ft. There's an old trail below the switchbacks, but it more or less dead-ends below the ridge.

Once on the ridge, don your wind protection and continue toward the summit. Cross along some flat areas by some rock features until you reach 13,500 ft, after which the grade cranks up. Continue up some excellent class 2 trail to reach the summit - it's just a short stretch from here.

Flora & Fauna

While one would expect marmots and pika, I didn't see a single creature this entire hike.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#8

in Buena Vista

#28300

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#8

in Buena Vista

#2,371

in Colorado

#28,300

Overall
3 Views Last Month
978 Since Jun 24, 2015
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Photos

Mt. Princeton summit. Altitude has been shown to contribute to absurdity.
Jun 24, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Hikers along the ridge, just a little above the switchbacking trail.
Jun 24, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
The turnoff for Mt. Princeton can be seen to the right, with the Jeep road continuing to the left. 13er Tigger Peak is dead ahead. The route goes below and to the right of this mountain.
Jun 24, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Mt. Princeton on 7/17/19.
Jul 18, 2019 near Alpine , CO
Mt. Princeton Summit view of Tigger Peak
Jul 23, 2017 near Alpine , CO
Hiking Mt. Princeton
Jun 26, 2015 near Buena V…, CO

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All Clear 85 days ago
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