Ptarmigan Lake

Managing agency

Forest Service

Ptarmigan Lake is a short out-and-back trail located in northern Colorado near the Routt National Forest's Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. This 1.6-mile trail offers a quick alpine excursion suitable for hikers seeking a brief outing in the high country. The trail leads to Ptarmigan Lake, a destination popular among visitors to the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears area. The out-and-back format means you'll retrace your steps on the return journey, making navigation straightforward. The Routt National Forest setting provides scenic mountain terrain characteristic of the Colorado high country. This area is managed by the US Forest Service and experiences typical mountain weather patterns, so hikers should prepare accordingly with appropriate gear and clothing. Given the trail's modest distance, it works well as a morning hike or for those with limited time to explore the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears region. The surrounding Routt National Forest offers numerous additional trails and recreation opportunities for visitors wishing to extend their outdoor experience in the area.