Princeton conditions

[Corey17]

Hey guys, I'm planning on doing Mt. Princeton on Saturday, 6/14, via the standard route and was wondering if anyone has any idea as to the conditions on that mountain. I'm hoping to need nothing more than some microspikes for traction, and I can certainly deal with some snow. I just am hoping to have some idea before I get out there! Thanks for any help.

Also, regarding the road, I drive a 2010 Civic with 6.1' of clearance. I'm fine with it getting a few bumps and bruises along the way, and we've taken that thing to the upper S. Elbert TH, the Grays/Torreys TH, and the lower Yankee Boy Basin TH. I know the Mt. Princeton road is dry, TH update from 5-10 days ago says that much. I am hoping to drive up to the radio towers with a Civic, and I hear that the road is tricky to turn around along if I get a little too much for the Civic. Has anyone here been able to get a passenger car up to the radio towers?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys provide!

[Nelson]

That is a very nasty road.

[peter303]

Both times I've climbed it its needed high clearance in the first mile. My civic could not do it.
You either double the walk mileage adding the forest part or get a hitchhike.

[GreenHorn]

I'm not sure I would recommend that road for a passenger car, but it has been done.

http://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?st ... =7&t=31981" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Roald]

I remember that thread. One of my favorites of all time.

[spiderman]

I also own a Civic (manual transmission) and can attest that, at least last Fall, it was possible to make it to the radio towers. I've taken my car to worse places than that TH. The manual transmission is key to success. That said, I regretted the choice. It is only 1.5 h stroll up to the TH from the good 2wd parking lot and less than an hour to walk back down. The additional exercise is beneficial for the character.

[GeezerClimber]

The road could be in poor condition right now----hard to predict. I have seen a couple of 2WDs up there in the past. One had parts hanging off. The other had a petrified looking driver. There is maybe two turnaround spots for a civic between the bottom and radio towers. If you are unsure the courteous thing to do is to leave it at the bottom and not risk trapping other vehicles above or below you.

Dave

[SolarAlex]

I'm going to give princeton a try on saturday and probably will have room in my tacoma...aiming to be at the lower trailhead about 515-530. You are welcome to hop in with us and spare your car the abuse.

[duncanmil]

Hi. I climbed Princeton last Saturday, June 7. Other than a few hundred yards of snow, the route was clear all the way up to the top. Because the snow area is not a severe slope, everyone was able to get past without any trouble at all and without special equipment. Actually, it was a nice relief from the sharp rocks you are on for most of the climb past the road. I have a civic and I would not want to put it on that road. I really think there are some places it would not make it past the humps and dips. In my jeep I had it in low low gear. Of course, that was five days ago. I have no idea how the conditions are now. Of my 19 peaks climbed so far, this was my least enjoyable because of the rocks, but the most spectacular from the top. They views are worth it.

[Corey17]

Thanks guys for the awesome replys guys, it helps a lot. There will certainly be no taking the Civic up the Mt. Princeton road, the lack of bailout points really seals the deal, the last thing I want to do is to ruin another group's day. My 14ers partner and I are discussing if we want to walk the road, or take SolarAlex's immensely generous offer, as thats already the time frame we were planning on being down there. The conditions sound ideal, and we'll definitely be out there and looking forward to some ideal-looking weather. Thanks again guys for the updates!

SolarAlex, I'll send you a PM as to the prosepcts of a carpool. We hugely appreciate your offer, and look forward to seeing you somewhere on the mountain this weekend. Hope you have a great climb!