Hike Ptarmigan Cirque

Kananaskis, Alberta

4.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

3.1 miles

Elevation Gain

754.6 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Cassidy Vanderhoek

Beginners Hike in Highwood Pass

Ptarmigan Cirque is a great beginner hike in Highwood Pass. Take Hwy. 40 approximately 50 km's from Hwy. 1. You will find the trail head at the Highwood Pass Day Use Area. This interpretive trail heads north along the road for about 100 meters and then crosses the highway. The trail is easy to navigate. You'll find the first kilometer to be the hardest part of the trail. Trek on. After some time you will come to a fork in the trail - keep left. As soon as you break through the trees, you will see a fantastic mountain bowl (cirque). The trail follows a small stream running through the center of the bowl. From this point, you can stay on the main trail (which eventually loops back to the fork), or you can go further on to Mt. Rae. Either way, be sure to take in some of the outstanding views that the Highwood Pass has to offer.

Note: Hwy. 40 through Highwood Pass is closed Dec-June annually.

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Hike Ptarmigan Cirque Reviews

Ariel Wilkinson

Hike Ptarmigan Cirque

04/10/22

nice little switchbacks to get up and a nice little loop in the valley. lots of wild flowers at the right time of year! very family oriented hike

4.0

Erin Baird

Hike Ptarmigan Cirque

07/09/17

This hike is straight up over switchbacks the whole time but it's so short that you're up in the basin in no time. There is lovely views from here.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Explore the Pocaterra Cirque

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Hike Ptarmigan Cirque

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Hike Ptarmigan Cirque Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Grizzly Ridge near Highwood Pass

Scramble Mount Rae

Explore the Pocaterra Cirque

Hike Pocaterra Ridge

Snowshoe Mount Tyrwhitt

Hike to Little Arethusa

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