Ptarmigan Loop

If you like wildflowers and great views, you'll like the Ptarmigan Loop trail. It starts from the end of Ridge Route and the top of the Game Creek ski lift and contours around Ptarmigan ridge and Ptarmigan Point (10977 ft). This mostly flat loop can be done in either direction. The trail surface is smooth packed dirt so you can safely raise your eyes to admire the abundant flowers and look for late season mushrooms. Salute the two carved wooden figures and share their views of Mt. Holy Cross, Meadow Mountain, Gore Range and the back bowls of Vail. The only negative is that this trail ends too soon! New as of Summer 2016: the north end of Ptarmigan Loop has been extended to connect with the Grand Escape Trail. Now you can choose to complete the Ptarmigan Loop Trail where you started (at the end of Ridge Route for the full 360 degrees), or continue north along the top of the Wildwood Express chairlift and downhill towards town for a short distance until crossing a service road and intersecting with the Grand Escape Trail.