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Ptarmigan Lake Trail #1444

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (16)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. San Isabel National Forest
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“A classic hike to a high alpine lake. ”

Hiking Project Staff
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3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

Point to Point

12,255' 3,735 m

High

10,694' 3,259 m

Low

1,572' 479 m

Up

130' 40 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fishing · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Cottonwood Pass closes below the TH, at Denny Creek TH, in the winter.

Need to Know

Ptarmigan Lake TH has a small parking lot (8-10 vehicles) that fills up quickly. Toilets are available. No camping at the TH.

Description

Ptarmigan Lake TH lies just off of CR306 (Cottonwood Pass road). From the TH, head south & enjoy the views & meandering trail as you steadily climb towards the lake. Just below you reach your destination, you'll have one final steeper push. Once you conquer the final climb, take in the lake & surrounding views.

Contacts

Local Club: Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition

Jul 5, 2026: Stragetic Plan

Jun 9, 2026: 2026 Community Engagement Overview

Land Manager: USFS - San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 16 votes

#1

in San Isabel National Forest

#352

Overall
  4.7 from 16 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in San Isabel National Fo…

#74

in Colorado

#352

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,240 Since Oct 11, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
6%
63%
19%
13%
0%
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Photos

Ptarmigan Lake
Aug 3, 2019 near St. Elmo, CO
Ptarmigan Lake Trail
Sep 19, 2019 near St. Elmo, CO
Ptarmigan Lake with snow and strong wind, Nov 8, 2020
Nov 9, 2020 near St. Elmo, CO
Ptarmigan Lake
Sep 19, 2019 near St. Elmo, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 14 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 10, 2024
Megan Sneed
5.5mi — 2h 42m
Jul 30, 2023
Claire Milligan
6.2mi — 3h 00m
Oct 14, 2022
Tom Mosher
Jul 22, 2022
Valerie Norton
And up Jones: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/07/ptarmigan-lake-and-jones-mountain.html
Sep 27, 2020
Sean H
Bit crowded, but it was a Sunday. Colony of ptarmigans at lake. 7.2mi — 3h 00m
Sep 17, 2020
Markus T
Jun 11, 2020
Sam Berglund
Beautiful hike, still a little remaining snow right before the lake but it's all packed down and easy to walk over. 3.2mi — 0h 48m
Oct 8, 2019
L Schmoobz
Past the lake sick views 7.1mi

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