Mount Princeton

full-limited Icon
4.6/5 (26 reviews)
Buena Vista, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Last Updated: 10/29/2023
Trail Types
Scout Route
Full Trail Guide

Preview Trail Icon
Preview Trails
easy
moderate
difficult
severe
extreme

Limited Trail Icon
Upgrade to Unlock
Limited Access/All-Access
Scout Route
Start a 7-day Free Trial

Trail Information

Highlights

Mount Princeton (14,196') is the most majestic and popular of the Collegiate Peaks, and the Princeton Chalet road takes you well above timberline on the southern slope of the mountain. The trail is in such close proximity to Buena Vista that you can look up at the mountain from downtown and then two hours later you can be looking down on the valley below giving you views of nearly the entire county. The road will certainly test the nerves of even the most experienced drivers as it switchbacks its way up the mountains and then traverses to the south crossing a large avalanche chute before ending on a ridge below Tigger Peak (13,300'). A chalet built by Young Life in the 60s still stands at the end of the road and is used by hikers and mountaineers during their adventures.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (26)
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
40300
Impassable
Visited: 10/29/2023

Winter has fallen on the Colorado Mountains, closing the trail for the season.
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
40300
Open
Visited: 07/18/2023

Trail is fully open for the summer season!
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
1700
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fully open to the chalet. Didn’t run into too much traffic. A number of large vehicles had parked at the top where the hiking trail begins, which made it difficult to get around and up to the chalet
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
40300
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/22/2023

Clear to waypoint 5. Deep snow past that point and travel not recommended due to shelf road and no turnaround.
Trail Review: Mount Princeton - Marcus Trusty
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
34400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/15/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This was my first time to drive up Mt. Princeton, and it was totally worthwhile. The road is narrow, too narrow for passing traffic in most spots, but there are switchbacks and other spots where one can pull out. These spots seemed more numerous at lower elevations--fewer up high. The stone chalet is a gem--remarkably good condition (please help keep it that way!) Views from the top are spectacular, especially to the SW towards Mount Antero. Just an incredible view!
Trail Review: Mount Princeton - Tracy Barker
Trail Review: Mount Princeton - Tracy Barker
View More Images

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial