Ptarmigan Cirque Hike

Trailhead: Park at the Highwood Pass summit parking lot on highway #40 just south of the Upper Kananaskis Lakes turn off. 180kms west of Calgary. Note: Highway #40 is closed at the Upper Lakes and Highwood House Junction from Dec 1st to June 14th for wildlife preservation.

Description: Interesting to note that Highwood Pass at 2206ms is the highest paved point in Canada. Locate the trailhead on the north side of the parking lot. Continue on a short distance through Highwood Meadows then cross highway #40. Follow the trail as it climbs towards Ptarmigan Meadows and Ptarmigan Cirque.

Several interpretive signs can be found explaining the local wildlife and geology. Ptarmigan Meadows are absolutely beautiful. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere during the summer months. There is a small stream cascading over several rock benches creating beautiful small waterfalls throughout the meadow. Ptarmigan Cirque is a large scree filled bowl created by melted glaciers. The cirque is located further up the meadow towards the bottom of the ridge that connects Mount Rae and Mount Arethusa.

An early morning start is recommended to escape the summer crowds. During the highway closure the highway is excellent for early spring cycling. Pictures below were taken in late October. You are in bear country

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Map PDF