Overview
This mountain is seen to the left (south) of Mount Princeton from Buena Vista, CO and looks like a sweet place to be. Climbing Mt. Princeton from the Mt. Princeton Road Trailhead near the ranch on the east side, the trail begins at the end of the road to the summit of Tigger Peak. After summiting Mt. Princeton, it is hard to pass this peak by and not summit it on the way back down. It requires a different route than the standard but it ends up on the same 4WD road from before.
| New to SP | Tigger Peak | 13,300 ft | (aka) Pt. 13,300 |
Getting There
Basically the eastern most trailhead to Mt. Princeton is the best place to start. The easiest way to get there is to turn west at the Buena Vista stop light, off of U.S. 24 onto Chaffee Co. Rd 306 (West Main Street), and go not quite a mile to a right (south) on Rodeo Road which is Chaffee County road 321. Drive 7 miles south on this road and take in the beautiful view along the way of the peaks on the right. Turn right on Chaffee Co Road 322 and head on up the gravel road to the ranch but stay to the right, passing though the parking lot and then go under the sign for Mt. Princeton. Be sure to have 4-wheel drive since this turns to a dirt 4WD road and climbs a few switch- backs with steep drop offs and uneven ground to the radio towers. It's helpful to use 4WD Low on the way up and back down. The road is also narrow so passing other vehicles is limited.
Red Tape
No fees or permits needed to climb here or camp. Need 4WD to get to 11,000 feet and not recommended travel on this road in snowy conditions. Road gets steep and isn't very smooth.
When To Climb
This mountain is climbed the easiest in the summer out of the snow, between early June to late August. In the winter conditions there is snow on the peak and the 4WD road is less likely to be open. Be AWARE of LIGHTNING STORMS and rain/snow storms since the climb could be slippery.
Camping
Camping is available near the radio tower of the 4WD road and at the top of the 4WD road. Camping is also available on the mountain along parts of the trail if you can find a flat spot. Heavy winds and hail possilbe at night so be sure to use all you stakes and rain-fly..
Mountain Conditions
WEATHER for Buena Vista, CO
People Pictures
External LinksImages
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Sawatch Range
