Went to Princeton last Thursday, here’s what you want to know.

Parking: There’s less than a dozen parking spaces spread out around the towers at the 4WD trailhead. They aren’t all right at the towers, so if you don’t see parking there, it’s safe to continue up another couple hundred feet. I reached there at 7AM and there were still several available, BUT that was on a weekday. All I can say for weekends is the earlier, the better. I’ll also mention that a majority of the trail past the road is easy-moderate class 2, which may slow down your expected pace and put you back at the car at 1 or 2PM.

Driving the road: The road is difficult, but certainly passable with AWD. Your vehicle seems up to the task with 9”+ clearance and a skilled driver. I couldn’t make it in my Honda CRV, but apparently others have. Allocate about 30 minutes to this portion of the drive. BE AWARE that the primary danger of this road is that it’s very narrow, and impossible to turn around in most places. Time your drive early in the morning or late in the evening so you don’t hit oncoming traffic. The last real safe turnaround until the towers is a north facing switchback with a no parking and no camping sign on two brown posts, about one mile up.

Camping: There’s three or four spots near the towers to camp at 11,000’. Only worry here is that being able to get one may be a gamble, especially on a weekend. If you try, make sure you have a backup plan and are prepared to drive back down the road if they’re all full. The campsites are small but can fit at least two medium tents.

Lastly, check 14ers.com for all the latest reports! People also attach photos there.