Hiking – Mount Princeton

Please keep in mind that if the 4wd parking is full OR if at least one other participant doesn't have a capable 4x4 vehicle they are willing to drive in addition to mine, we will instead start from the 2wd trailhead.  This will change the total distance to 13.25 miles and total elevation gain to 5,400 feet.  If this contingency plan is outside of your physical abilities, please do not sign up for this hike.

While this may be a "short" or "easy" 14er hike in terms of distance and elevation gain if we are able to leave from the 4wd trailhead, it is still a strenuous high altitude hike.  Please be respectful of other participants and do not sign up if this is outside of your abilities, or if you haven't been at high elevation yet this year.  CMC hikes are a team sport.  We finish together or turn around together.

We will meet at City Market in Buena Vista at 0545 in the morning for a no later than 0600 departure for the trailhead.  We will consolidate into no more than two vehicles.  The parking at the 4wd trailhead is very limited, so we will do our best to be respectful of others and not take all the space.

I will be coming from Summit County (or more likely camping in the area the night before).  

While I highly recommend staying in the Buena Vista area the night before so you are well rested and fresh, for folks coming from Denver the morning of, I suggest a carpool meet-up location of Twin Forks PNR off 285 at 0350 for a 0400 departure to arrive in Buena Vista by 0545.

For folks coming from Colorado Springs morning of, I suggest a carpool meetup location of the Safeway in Old Colorado City at 0350 for a 0400 departure to arrive in Buena Vista by 0545.

Weather for Mount Princeton.