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Mount Princeton
Buena Vista,
Colorado
(Chaffee County)
Last Updated:
10/29/2023
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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
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Trail Reviews
Impassable
Visited: 10/29/2023
Winter has fallen on the Colorado Mountains, closing the trail for the season.
Open
Visited: 07/18/2023
Trail is fully open for the summer season!
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
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.
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!
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