Is it right for you?
UN 13,627 sits on a ridge west of Mount Princeton and gives a view of Princeton that few people see. It used to be listed as UN 13,626.
You follow Forest Road 348 up many switchbacks to a pass at 12,600 feet with a cabin, then walk the ridge east and north on tundra and some rubble. Near the end you can stay on the ridge (more rubble and small ups and downs) or drop into the head of Grouse Canyon and climb tundra to the top. It's Class 2.
The round trip is about 15.2 miles with 4,510 feet of gain. If you can drive to the pass, it's about 2.35 miles and 1,670 feet each way, plus about 600 feet more on the way back.
Plan of the day
By 6 a.m.
Be at Point 12,660 by 11 a.m.
Mostly the length.
Easy. Follow the road to the pass, then the ridge.
The stream near the trailhead. Carry plenty.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,627'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Hope Gulch
From US 285 in Buena Vista, head west on County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass Road). After 7.7 paved miles, turn left (south) on County Road 344 toward Cottonwood Lake. It's 3.6 miles of graded gravel to the picnic area at the lake's east end, then about 3.35 more miles west to the Hope Gulch trailhead. The turn is on the left and is easy to miss.
Any car can reach the trailhead. Above it, Forest Road 348 crosses the stream and climbs to a pass; it's only for short, high-clearance 4WD vehicles, it has grown rougher and brushier over the years, and longer trucks can't make the tight switchbacks. Most people walk it. Cottonwood Lake Campground (28 sites, water, toilets, first come, first served) is just past the lake, and there are primitive spots farther west and at the trailhead. Some land along the road is private.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Hope Gulch. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →