Recommended Peaks Near Buena Vista Mount Princeton: The iconic peak towering over Buena Vista. The Standard East Slopes Route is a 6.5-mile round-trip with 3,200 ft of elevation gain. Mount Antero: Located directly to the south. If you hike via the Little Brown's Creek Trail, it is a demanding 16.25-mile round-trip with 5,550 ft of elevation gain. Mount Sherman: Technically located near Fairplay, it's just a short drive over Trout Creek Pass. It is widely considered the easiest and safest 14er to access and summit in the spring. Crucial Spring Hiking Advice: Start Before Midnight: Snowpack will turn into hazardous, deep "mashed potatoes" (post-holing) by 10 AM. An alpine start is mandatory to summit and descend while the snow is still frozen and supportive.Mandatory Gear: You will need snowshoes for the deeper drifts, microspikes or crampons for icy sections, and trekking poles. An ice axe and avalanche beacon are strongly recommended if you push into the high bowls.