Ptarmigan Pass East Side Pt 12,370

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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!

Alpine Tundra flowers everywhere. Some Pika higher up.