MOUNT PRINCETON Trail

Hiking & Hot Springs

MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

MOUNT PRINCETON 14,197 FEET.

HIKING MOUNT PRINCETON.

Mount Princeton rises dramatically from the upper Arkansas River valley, its 14,204-foot summit a stately sentinel over the land below. The mountain is one of a dozen fourteneers – mountains over 14,000 feet tall – found in Chaffee County. Mount Princeton carries many distinctions, both historic, geological and recreational. The mountain is a stunner, and many a driver coming over Trout Creek Pass has been left open-mouthed by the sudden sight of Mount Princeton towering over the valley. In the morning, alpenglow bathes its flanks in the rose-colored sunlight of early dawn. As the sun sets, the mountain is illuminated from the west, rays of light beaming from behind its backlit crags.

One of Mount Princeton’s most striking geologic features are the Chalk Cliffs, sheer walls of white-gray rock that contrast with surrounding forests on the mountain’s southeast slopes. The cliffs do indeed appear to be made of chalk. However, they are actually comprised of kaolinite, a soft, chalk-like rock formed as hot springs carry heated water through faults in the mountain. Today, 65 million years after the Sawatch Range was formed, hot springs continue to flow from the mountain, soothing visitors who travel near and far to enjoy the healing waters.

Mount Princeton is among the Collegiate Peaks, a group of fourteeners named for Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Oxford and Columbia. Originally named Chalk Mountain, the peak’s name was changed to Mount Princeton following 1870’s expeditions led by Ivy League surveyors. A subsidiary point on Mount Princeton, Tigger Peak, is named after the university’s mascot.

It was around that same time that prospectors struck it rich, mining gold and silver on precariously steep terrain. St. Elmo, now a ghost town, bustled with activity from the nearby Mary Murphy Mine. The ruins of the Mary Murphy Mine are still standing, if at a marked tilt. Other mining ruins are also visible in the area, including the Lucky Mine and Latchaw Mine on Mount Princeton.

Today, it is not miners but hikers who climb Mount Princeton’s slopes. Dozens flock to the mountain during summer weekends, taking in sweeping views of the valley from the trail. In the summer, wildflowers bloom amid tufts of fragile alpine tundra, marmots and pikas scamper among the talus, birds fly high above. Whether you’re viewing Mount Princeton at a distance or up close, it is truly a majestic peak.

The allure of Mount Princeton draws many hikers to its 14,204-foot summit, one of a dozen fourteeners gracing Chaffee County. On any given summer weekend, dozens can be seen winding their way to the top of the Collegiate Peak. The steep, rocky climb rewards travelers with expansive views of the Upper Arkansas River Valley to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west.

Trailhead

The standard route approaches Mount Princeton from the east. The two-wheel-drive trailhead is at the end of CR 322; high-clearance vehicles can continue to the radio towers. The road offers few opportunities to turn around, and becomes much rougher after the radio towers.

Directions

Follow CR 322 east, staying on the main road. Continue on the road as it leaves treeline after the radio towers. The footpath to the summit begins on the right of CR 322, and is marked by rock steps and a cairn. Follow the trail over alpine tundra, approaching the top of a ridge. From here, the trail winds through talus, eventually climbing left to more stable rock on the ridge crest. Continue upwards along the ridge to Mount Princeton’s summit.

Distance 13.25 miles round trip from the two-wheel-drive trailhead; 6.5 miles from the radio towers.
Difficulty Strenuous, especially when departing from the lower two-wheel-drive trailhead.
Elevation gain 5,400 feet from the lower trailhead; 3,200 feet from the radio towers.
Hiking time Allow for one mile per hour, though this may vary greatly depending on physical fitness and altitude acclimation.
Best months May-September, depending on snowpack

Tips

Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. Hikers should plan to depart the summit by noon at the latest. Many leave the trailhead at dawn to avoid storms.

PHOTO GALLERY HIKING.

SAWATCH RANGE FOURTEENERS

(Peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation)

Mt. Elbert 14,433
Mt. Massive 14,421
Mt. Harvard 14,420
La Plata Peak 14,336
Mt. Antero 14,269
Mt. Shavano 14,229
Mt. Princeton 14,197

Mt. Belford 14,197
Mt. Yale 14,196
Mt. Tabeguache 14,155
Mt. Oxford 14,153
Mt. Columbia 14,073
Missouri Mountain 14,067
Mt. Huron 14,005
Mountain of the Holy Cross 14,005

10 Hiking Essentials

Water (1.5 Liters per person per 5-6 hours)
Snacks (Beef Jerky, nuts, power bar)
Navigation (map and compass and/or GPS)
Sunscreen
Extra clothing (hat, socks, gloves)
First aid supplies
Light (headlamp or flashlight)
Fire starter and matches/lighter
CD Rom or mirror, whistle, mosquito repellant
Emergency shelter (Biffy Bag)

LOCAL HIKES.

12 popular trailheads in the Nathrop area with hikes for all abilities and age levels. Surrounding areas have additional options for exploring our beautiful valley.

Independence Lake

Kroenke Lake

Lost Man Lake

Ptarmigan Lake

Pass Creek Lake

Upper & Lower Stout Lakes

Willis Lake

MT. PRINCETON.

MT. YALE.

ST. ELMO.

WRIGHTS LAKE.

COLORADO TRAIL SOUTH.

Trail Etiquette

Care For Colorado

The Etiquette of Poop

Colo-Ready

Trash The Trash

COLORAO TRAIL APP

Respect Wildlife

Surrounding Towns

Buena Vista, Colorado

Buena Vista, Colorado is just 9 miles from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. This unique mountain town is located on the Arkansas River. There are many shopping opportunities along with restaurants, a brewery and a distillery. LEARN MORE

Salida, Colorado

Salida, Colorado is 21 miles from the resort. This is Colorado's largest National Historic District. Dine on the banks of the Arkansas River and explore the many art galleries in this historic downtown. This area was named Colorado's first Creative Arts District. LEARN MORE