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Dispersed Camping near Mt Princeton

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:35 am
by Michele
I have heard that the Mt Princeton area is nice and am looking to spend a few days out there, camping in the Sportsmobile. It doesn't have 4WD (wasn't in the budget) but good tires and ground clearance. I am not familiar with the area, but am hoping to do some scrambling and hiking while there. With that in mind, are there any nice spots to camp independently in the area? If not, where would be another good place to go? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 12:05 pm
by MtnHermit
Mineral Basin

Mineral Basin is directly behind (west) of Princeton, between Cottonwood and Tincup Passes. It has no road over the CD so much less traffic. The FS has recently improved the road so you can get to ~11,500 w/o problems. The dispersed camping starts ~1-mile west of the Cottonwood Lake CG and follows the road, FR344, all the way to MB. The higher you go, the fewer the people.

If you get a chance, hike the new CD trail, goes from Cottonwood Pass to Emma Burr Mtn. There are no signs and few access routes, but it is worth the bushwhack. It varies from 11,900 to 12,800 just below the ridge, amazing trail engineering. Just go west from 344 and you'll stumble upon the trail. At the north end of MB, the CD trail crosses over to the Gunnison side of the CD, spectacular. Look for goats on the ridges.

Re: Dispersed Camping near Mt Princeton

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:41 pm
by Michele
Thank you for all that great information. That is exactly the type of camping I was looking to do and the CD trail sounds beautiful. Thank you, again.