The first time I attempted Mount Princeton I miscalculated a late start and timing of incoming storms during an active monsoon season. Being above treeline on a ridge is not the spot to be during a lightning storm. On that attempt the clouds consolidated above the summit as we approached and made the call to turn around with a handful of other people. The week before someone lost their life being struck by lightning on a popular nearby 14er summit. We weren’t taking that risk.

When we returned we decided to take a different route from the standard and hike over Tigger Peak and take the ridge over to Princeton. This was a smart decision and I highly enjoyed this route. The hike up and over Tigger Peak is aesthetically pleasing by comparison to the standard talus slog that is the standard route. 

There were a bunch of old mine shafts along the ridge that are rumored to be occupied by mountain lions as dens. We didn’t stick around too long to find out. 

Sunrise over Tigger Peak was stunning and we quickly walked the ridge over to Princeton before most of the crowds would come up the standard route. We took some photos and relished in the views before making the trip back along the ridge.

I’m glad we chose this route and enjoyed the ridge walk! 

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Buena Vista is quite possibly my favorite mountain town in the Sawatch range. The people, the culture and the vibe are all excellent. I always make a point to stop in BV, usually Eddyline my favorite brewery in Colorado. Highly recommend stopping or staying in Buena Vista.

Local spots: Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up, House Rock Kitchen, Eddyline Brewing.

Make sure to stop for a soak: Princeton Hot Springs