Monarch Pass to Mount Princeton

This 35-mile point-to-point backpacking route along the Colorado Trail (CT) connects Monarch Pass to Mount Princeton Campground, offering a scenic and varied traverse through Colorado’s Sawatch Range. The trail winds through subalpine forests, wide-open ridgelines, and sweeping meadows, with opportunities to summit Mount Princeton and explore hot springs near the end. This section of the CT is a great option for anyone looking to link high-country scenery with access to trailheads, towns, and classic Colorado peaks.

The route begins at Monarch Pass, right off Highway 50. There’s a large parking area and vault toilet, and the trail is well-signed. You'll head south on the Monarch Crest Trail and then east on the Colorado Trail (CT), starting in high alpine terrain with beautiful ridgeline views. The early miles follow a gentle grade, skirting the Continental Divide with expansive vistas of the Collegiate Peaks and rolling timberline meadows. Wildflowers bloom along the trail in late June through early August, look for Indian paintbrush, blue columbine, and lupine. The route ends at Mount Princeton Campground, where there is parking, restrooms, and easy access to Highway 162.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs isn’t far from the Mount Princeton Campground and while it's not on the trail, a detour or shuttle connection makes it easy to access for a post-hike soak.

If you’re looking for a summit bonus, this route offers a potential side trip up Mount Princeton (14,204'), typically accessed via a spur road/trail near the end of this segment. The Princeton summit is steep and exposed, so give yourself a half-day and only attempt it in good weather.

You'll pass through several ecological zones on this trek, from high alpine tundra with hardy wildflowers and krummholz trees, to montane forests with spruce, fir, and aspen. Wildlife sightings might include marmots, pikas, mule deer, black bears or moose. Birders can watch for mountain bluebirds, Clark’s nutcrackers, and hawks riding thermal drafts along the ridges.

PERMITS & ACCESS
No permit is required for this section of the CT unless you plan to camp in specific wilderness areas or near designated hot springs. Dispersed camping is allowed along most of the route.

SAFETY & CONSIDERATIONS

• Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, start early to avoid lightning on exposed ridgelines.

• Water: Several seasonal streams and creeks along the route, but bring a filter and check late-season conditions.

• Altitude: You'll spend a lot of time above 10,000 feet.

• Navigation: The Colorado Trail is well-marked, but bring a GPS and map just in case. Cell signal is spotty to nonexistent.

• Shuttle: This route is a point-to-point and requires a pre-arranged shuttle. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mount Princeton Campground