Ptarmigan Cirque
Type:
Hike
Summary:
A nice short hike with a fair bit of elevation gain. A nice rocky meadow at the top with a few small cascades.
A nice short hike with a fair bit of elevation gain. A nice rocky meadow at the top with a few small cascades.
Quick Info:
Distance:
3.6 km
Elevation Gain:
210 m
Distance:
3.6 km
Elevation Gain:
210 m
This trail starts from highway 40 at the Highwood Pass parking area. Highwood Pass is the highest point in Canada accessible by a paved road (2206m), so why not take advantage of it and get to a cirque without a huge climb.
Ptarmigan Cirque is a nice cirque that's not too hard to get to. I would suggest going later in the season - I went in late June, and the trails were mostly all covered with snow (sometimes a lot of it). This also makes it a harder walk than it normally would be. The first bit of the trail, after it crosses the highway, switchbacks through the trees in a fairly steep climb. Once it opens up, it also flattens out and the rest is a pretty easy walk. There is no lake up there, but a little stream and a large rock field / meadow. There are quite a few little cascades and a couple nice waterfalls.
Overall I would say this is a pleasant way to spend couple hours, but not spectacular.
Ptarmigan Cirque is a nice cirque that's not too hard to get to. I would suggest going later in the season - I went in late June, and the trails were mostly all covered with snow (sometimes a lot of it). This also makes it a harder walk than it normally would be. The first bit of the trail, after it crosses the highway, switchbacks through the trees in a fairly steep climb. Once it opens up, it also flattens out and the rest is a pretty easy walk. There is no lake up there, but a little stream and a large rock field / meadow. There are quite a few little cascades and a couple nice waterfalls.
Overall I would say this is a pleasant way to spend couple hours, but not spectacular.