Mt. Princeton Parking

[swegner14]

I'm planning on doing Mt. Princeton's east slopes this weekend, and I'd like to know how bad the parking typically is above the large parking area at 8,900 feet. I have a high clearance 4wd vehicle, but is it worth it to go up the road and risk not finding a parking spot? I'm driving from Colorado Springs early and probably won't get to the TH until 7ish. I know Princeton is a popular mountain and that parking can get filled up quickly on a summer weekend. Any input is appreciated. Thx!

[sheller]

There are quite a few spots for parking even beyond the radio towers. I remember coming down and seeing a number of cars parked at several turnouts. As long as tons of people aren't up there you should be able to find something. The earlier you can get up there the better. There were even some people parking right at the start of the upper trailhead off of the 4wd road.

[trekhunter]

Hiked Princeton Last Saturday. Drove in and camped that the Radio towers Friday night. When we started hiking 6:30 ish Saturday Morn, I was surprised there were not more people parked above the Towers. I think the lack of turn arounds keeps people form trying but there are a half a dozen or so spots there if you don't find any at the towers. I agree with the person who commented before I did, you would have a much better chance at a spot by getting there earlier. Good Luck!

[Lville]

We went on Father's Day - Sunday 6/19/16. Arrived radio towers 6:30am. Pretty full. My parking space was not great. Started hiking and maybe 5-10 mins later found *much* better/roomier space just a little ways up. Ran back to my truck and re-parked. Then continued hiking and was bummed to find lots more spaces - one here, two there, farther up. And even a little room to turn around on wide switchback. If I ever hiked that mtn again - which I won't because it's too much rock hopping and not that scenic relative to some others, I would go past the radio towers. There, the secret is out. Now, I should add, this *was* 6/19 which was somewhat early season.

[GeezerClimber]

I've been up there many times. The best parking where you can still get 3K+ of gain is about a 1/4 mile past the towers switchback. There is a flat area with quite a bit of space on both sides. Even on weekends, there always seems to be space. Some people camp in this area also though there isn't any water.

Dave

[Harvester]

If you're not set on the East slopes, consider the Grouse Canyon route. Did Princeton from Grouse a few Saturdays ago and was the only vehicle at the trailhead when I started and still solo when I returned, also saw zero people on trail until Princeton summit. Its a very nice alternative to the standard, about the same distance but more vertical gain with a lot of ridge scrambling and some 2+ - 3 sections.

I used Roach's description coupled with this old TR by PKR - http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=3363. Its 9 years old, but spot on in every detail. I haven't done the East slopes so can't really compare, but I can say the Grouse Canyon route is one of my more memorable hikes now, I'd do it again just for fun.