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Silverthorne, CO: Ptarmigan Peak
This 11.8-mile dayhike links quiet forests and wildflower-filled meadows to a broad mountaintop overlooking Lake Dillon.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Colorado (CO) |
| Distance: | 11.8 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Dillon |
| Rating: | Unrated |
The Ptarmigan Peak Trail starts above Silverthorne and climbs steadily along grassy hills dotted with intermittent aspen groves. Unobstructed views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range stretch out to the south and southwest until the trail enters the forest at mile 0.6. From here, the path winds past trickling brooks, vibrant wildflower displays, and fragrant pines—look west for views of the Gore Range between gaps in the trees. After four miles, the trail passes above treeline and ascends an expansive ridge with bird’s-eye views across Summit County. Leave the trail at mile 5.7, and follow a string of cairns along a 300-yard non-technical approach to Ptarmigan’s broad summit. Savor the far-reaching vistas before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Kim PhillipsTO TRAILHEAD: From Blue River Pkwy./CO 9 N and Rainbow Dr. in Silverthorne, head north on Rainbow Dr. In 250 feet, turn right onto Tanglewood Ln. In 0.2 mile, turn right onto Ptarmigan Trail. Go 0.9 mile to a small parking area on right side of road.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
PPT01
| Distance: 5.92 mi | Points: 476 |
Ptarmigan Peak
Points of Interest
PPT001
Location: 39.635151, -106.053497Follow Ptarmigan Peak Trail to the north. In 500 feet, turn left and follow paved County Road J for steep uphill stretch.
PPT002
Location: 39.637619, -106.053497Bear right onto narrow dirt path cut through stubby bushes and shrubs. In 100 yards, trail curves to the right, heading east.
PPT003
Location: 39.638931, -106.052696Turn around for far-reaching views of Lake Dillon stretching out beneath the rugged Tenmile Range. Next, continue north up grassy hillsides.
PPT004
Location: 39.642899, -106.052902Trail gently descends between aspen groves on slightly rocky trail.
PPT005
Location: 39.650269, -106.053497Clearing in aspens reveals up-close views of the snow-capped Gore Range to the west; continue hiking north.
PPT006
Location: 39.654011, -106.053497Trail meanders through shady, pine-scented forest; lavender columbine speckle the ground.
PPT007
Location: 39.657162, -106.051697Cross a small stream that trickles across the trail; in 100 feet, walk through a corridor of bent aspens.
PPT008
Location: 39.661510, -106.052696Cross a small, gurgling stream.
PPT009
Location: 39.662720, -106.054604Rest legs on the log bench overlooking the Gore Range. Next, trail travels northwest.
PPT010
Location: 39.667141, -106.051498Climb though pine forest; catch an occasional glimpse of the Gore Range through the trees.
PPT011
Location: 39.672192, -106.042198Climb southeast, then northeast up an open, grassy ridge.
PPT012
Location: 39.678131, -106.037201Continue straight on Ptarmigan Peak Trail @ 3-way junction with Ptarmigan Pass Trail.
PPT013
Location: 39.680019, -106.033897Stunning panoramas of Lake Dillon, Keystone, and the Tenmile and Gore Ranges stretch out to the south and to the west.
PPT014
Location: 39.689079, -106.027901Keep climbing north. In 800 feet, turn right @ wooden sign and leave the trail. Connect the cairns to reach Ptarmigan Peak's summit.
PPT015
Location: 39.690716, -106.026344Ptarmigan Peak (12,498 ft.): A 4-foot cairn marks Ptarmigan's broad, windy summit. Look out onto the gently, rounded slopes of the Williams Fork Mountains to the north and east. In stark contrast, the rocky, sawtooth ridgeline of the Gore Range dominates views to the west. Retrace route back to trailhead.
Lake Dillon
Location: 39.636017, -106.053558Views overlooking Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range. © Kim Phillips
Views of Lake Dillon
Location: 39.640575, -106.052704© Kim Phillips
Wildflowers
Location: 39.652157, -106.054291© Kim Phillips
Aspen Grove
Location: 39.657387, -106.051773© Kim Phillips
Summit County Views
Location: 39.671020, -106.042526© Kim Phillips
Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness
Location: 39.672234, -106.040283© Kim Phillips
The Gore Range
Location: 39.674381, -106.039352© Kim Phillips
Wildflower Meadows
Location: 39.675877, -106.038696© Kim Phillips
Views of the Gore Range
Location: 39.685692, -106.028885© Kim Phillips
Summit County
Location: 39.687221, -106.028366© Kim Phillips
Grassy Trail
Location: 39.688583, -106.028038© Kim Phillips
Ptarmigan Peak Cairn
Location: 39.690765, -106.026344© Kim Phillips
Snowfield
Location: 39.690556, -106.026390© Kim Phillips
Summit Views
Location: 39.690342, -106.026443The Gore Range rises dramatically behind grassy slopes. © Kim Phillips
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