Colorado · Hiking

Ptarmigan Loop

4.9 mi
round trip
1,999 ft
climb
11,511 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Ptarmigan Loop open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ptarmigan Loop is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Dillon Ranger District. The route covers about 4.9 miles, with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, from a low point of about 9,500 feet to a high of about 11,500 feet at Ptarmigan Peak. The trail is on natural surface and is open to both horses and bikes, so riders and equestrians can share the route. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Climax weather station show July highs around 67°F with lows near 40°F, and snow is common from November through April. Ptarmigan Peak Trailhead is the parking for the hike, and the trail stays open year-round. Windy Point Group Campground is about 2.6 miles away, the Blue River fishing area is about 1.5 miles off, and Old Dillon Reservoir #87 is about 3 miles away.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit Ptarmigan Loop

    No month here meets our mild-weather rule. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    2. Feb

      29° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    3. Mar

      35° / 8°

      14 wet · 14 snow

    4. Apr

      40° / 15°

      13 wet · 13 snow

    5. May

      49° / 25°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    6. Jun

      61° / 34°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    7. Jul

      67° / 40°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      64° / 39°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      58° / 32°

      11 wet · 2 snow

    10. Oct

      47° / 21°

      9 wet · 7 snow

    11. Nov

      35° / 11°

      12 wet · 12 snow

    12. Dec

      27° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Climax, CO, 20.6 mi away at 11,344 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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