Ptarmigan Cirque is located
approximately
180km south west of
the city of Calgary just south of
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
in Kananaskis Country. This hike is
considered easy with an elevation
gain under
300 Meters.
Approximate distance is
2km allow
2 hours for a return trip. The
trailhead is located next to the
Kananaskis Trail #40 highway at the
summit of Highwood pass. It is
interesting to note that Highwood
Pass at
2206Meters
is the highest paved point in
Canada. Ptarmigan Cirque trail leads
a short distance through Highwood
Meadows then crosses highway #40.
The trail then starts to climb it's
away up to Ptarmigan Meadows and
further on to Ptarmigan Cirque.
There are interpretive signs along
the way explaining the local
wildlife and geology. Ptarmigan
Meadows are absolutely beautiful
with wildflowers everywhere during
the summer. There is a small stream
cascading over several rock benches
that runs down the middle of the
meadows then over a beautiful
waterfall. The waterfall is located
near the headwall of the cirque,
you'll see a bench located off the
path where it can be viewed from. Ptarmigan Cirque is a large scree filled bowl created by a
melted glacier. It is located
farther up the meadow towards the
bottom of the rocky ridge that
connects Mount Rae and Mount
Arethusa. An early morning start is
recommended to escape the crowds
that can be found here in the summer
months.
Highway #40 is closed to motorized
traffic from December 1st to June
15th for local wildlife
preservation. During this closure
time the highway is excellent for
early spring cycling. Pictures below
were taken in late October. Nearby
hikes include
Loomis Lake
Hike,
Carnarvon Lake
Hike,
Lake of the
Horns Hike,
Picklejar Lakes
Hike,
Running Rain Lake Hike,
Mist Ridge Hike and Lineham Ridge
Hike.
