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    Ptarmigan Cirque

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1-1.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    3.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    195 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.6
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Scenery from the Ptarmigan Cirque hike in Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

    The hike to Ptarmigan Cirque is a family favourite and is especially great for little kids. Starting at Highwood Pass means you are in the alpine almost immediately. Ptarmigan Cirque is locally famous as a great hike to view autumn larches, it is also a fun location for a family photo shoot!

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    Route Description for Ptarmigan Cirque

    Ptarmigan Cirque is quite simply a wonderful hiking trail for families, and little ones love it. There is one caveat, don’t go when it is icy! We have mistakenly gone when it is icy, and the hike through the trees to Ptarmigan Cirque was not pleasant on a steep, icy trail.

    From the Highwood Meadows parking lot, walk NW on a path through Highwood Meadows for 400m.  Partway along the path splits. Don't go left (that takes you to Pocaterra Ridge). Instead take the main path to the right. This path curves to the right and eventually comes to the highway. Cross the highway at a crosswalk, making sure to look and not just listen, a road biker or a Tesla could be tearing along the road here!

    After crossing the highway, immediately walk up through the trees on a path for 700 m. This is the toughest part of the hike up to Ptarmigan Cirque.   This path can get very slippery after recent snow or late in the season, where the melting snow freezes overnight. If you’re heading out in Autumn to view larches, it is recommended to bring microspikes in case the path is slippery.

    Coming out of the trees the view opens up and in Autumn you are rewarded with a stunning view of yellow larches.  The entire view is sublime, but to your right, looking south down the valley is truly incredible.  From this point the route is a circuit, going clockwise, with tremendous views of Ptarmigan Cirque the focal point.

    At the far end of hike, you need to cross over a small stream, watch out as the rocks can be slippery.  Return to your original path, taking many breaks to look back at the stunning Ptarmigan Cirque and the surrounding views. Once back at the original path, start the steep descend back through the trees.

    Back at the road, cross it and go back along path to car.

    Insider Hints for Ptarmigan Cirque

    • The entire Highwood Pass area, including the southern portion of Highway 40, is closed from December 1st to June 14th each year. This hike can only be reached via a long bike ride while the highway is closed.
    • A midweek autumn photoshoot at Pocaterra Cirque gives absolutely stunning family photos. You can save the $500 photographer fee by buying a tripod and a Bluetooth clicker, allowing you to take wonderful family photos using your smartphone.
    • Ptarmigan Cirque is one of the most popular places (and perhaps the easiest to access) to see stunning larches in each Autumn. The actual dates vary year-by-year, but it’s usually in mid to late September.

    Getting to the Ptarmigan Cirque Trailhead

    From the Stoney Nakoda Casino on the TransCanada, take Highway 40 south for roughly 67.0 km to Highwood Pass. Park at the Highwood Meadows parking lot.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      When Dry

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      At trailhead

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Ptarmigan Cirque Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Ptarmigan Cirque Reviews

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