Backpack – Ptarmigan Lake

Driving Directions:

Drive west from Buena Vista on County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass) for about 14.5 miles to the Ptarmigan Lake Trailhead and turn left (south). In about 0.1 mile, reach the parking lot. Drive Distance - estimated at 234 mi round-trip.

Contact:

You can contact the trip leader, Sandy Heise, at heisecolorado@gmail.com.

Trip Details:

Description: We'll hike up to Ptarmigan Lake and camp below the lake. The route is out-and-back and the pace will be casual. We'll have the option of hiking up a nearby 13er on the second day,

Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive to the Ptarmigan Lake TH. Hike to the lake and find campsites an appropriate distance from the lake and trail.

Day 2: Optional day hike up a nearby peak, Jones Mountain, 13,221.

Day 3: We'll have a leisurely morning and pack out to the trailhead.

NOTE: If you enjoy running up trails with a heavy pack, this is definitely not the trip for you. The pace will be casual with an exploratory mindset.

Requirements:

You must be fully vaccinated.

You must be a team player with a positive attitude and sense of humor. You must be able to handle some degree of uncertainty.

You must have prior backpacking experience (at least one 3-day trip) in Colorado, and have your system dialed in. Few people have a perfect system, but you need to be familiar with and comfortable with your gear. Expect the nights to be cold.

You must have experience going to altitudes over 12,000'.

This Trip Is A CMC Backpacking Section Trip. We are a community of backpackers who respect, trust and help each other. We honor our commitments. By registering for this trip, you are making a commitment to yourself, your trip leader and your teammates. We know life happens.  If it does and impacts your commitment, cancel as early as possible so another member may take your place.

https://cmcdenver.org/specialinterests/denver-backpacking-section-bpx

Meeting location and carpooling info will be provided via email prior to trip date.