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- Mount Princeton
14,204 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Princeton
Mount Princeton is a 14,204 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Slopes: 7 mi, 3,320 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Princeton at a glance
- Elevation14,204 ft4,329 m
- RouteEast SlopesClass 2
- Distance7 mi3,320 ft gain
- Time5 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the East Slopes
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take County Road 162 west toward the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Turn onto the Mount Princeton Road and continue to the trailhead. The rough upper road requires high clearance. The east slopes route has strong sun exposure with little shade. The trail is direct and steep with loose rock in sections. Hot springs at the base make for an excellent post-hike soak. Start early for afternoon weather. Class 2 terrain throughout. One of the more accessible Sawatch 14ers. Great views of the Chalk Cliffs from the summit. Popular weekend destination.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Low visibility
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
Mount Princeton on Yak
Climbers have shared 24 climbs of Mount Princeton on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Princeton
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Princeton
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Princeton?
Mount Princeton is 14,204 feet (4,329 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Princeton rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,204 feet, Mount Princeton is the 19th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Princeton?
The East Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 3,320 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Princeton?
Most people take 5 – 8 hours round trip on the East Slopes, covering 7 miles with 3,320 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Princeton?
The East Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 7 miles with 3,320 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Princeton?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Princeton reaches 14,204 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Princeton?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Princeton?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Princeton?
The East Slopes starts at about 10,840 feet, roughly 3,364 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Princeton with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list