Near Ptarmigan Pass East Side Pt 12,370
Approach to Pt 12370 in the background
Near Ptarmigan Pass East Side Pt 12,370
You can see the entire hike from car to summit.
Near Ptarmigan Pass East Side Pt 12,370
The great view looking towards Copper.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Ptarmigan Pass East Side Pt 12,370

5.0 (1 Rating)
Experience Alpine tundra, flowers and views of Colorado high peaks.
0.9
mi
Distance
563
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.87mi
Distance
563ft
Elevation Gain
32ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
12,319ft
High Point
11,755ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail begins at the top of Ptarmigan Pass, which has a starting elevation of 11,765 ft. Make your way through the barriers the FS has put up to stop off highway vehicles from driving through the tundra on the eastern side of the pass. Look up at the rocky point on the ridgeline as this is your target. The trails starts on Alpine tundra tuft, following a faint old wagon, 4wd road. The first part is a moderate uphill though once you gain the ridge you'll be mostly following contour lines and the grade eases up. The views on the ridge are spectacular as you follow a trail southward. Stay away from the cornices if you visit when there's still snow on the peaks!

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Rick Blair