Mount Princeton Trail

The Mount Princeton Trail offers a direct and rugged ascent up the eastern slopes of Mount Princeton, a prominent 14,197-foot peak in the Sawatch Range. Starting from Chaffee County Road 322 at an elevation of approximately 11,820 feet, the trail begins with a steep climb before transitioning to Class 2 hiking as it traverses below the ridge connecting Mount Princeton and Tigger Peak. The path crosses challenging talus fields before climbing switchbacks to reach the main ridge at 13,100 feet. From the ridge, the route continues toward the summit, crossing exposed terrain and several flat sections interspersed with rock features. At 13,500 feet, the grade steepens again, requiring careful footwork over loose rock and talus. The final stretch follows a Class 2 path to the summit, rewarding hikers with expansive views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River Valley.