Ptarmigan Trail - Silverthorne

Guess I’m getting spring fever. Let’s post another favorite of mine for the spring. This is most definitely one of my favorites for Spring…the wildflowers and snow-capped mountains are always spectacular, And of course the views of the reservoir! This trail has it all! Trailhead parking is limited for this hike, so I am keeping it small.

Difficulty: Moderate: about 7 to 7.5 miles with about 1,800 feet elevation gain.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Let’s hike the Ptarmigan Trail in Silverthorne where we will enjoy beautiful views of Dillon Reservoir and the Gore Range. We will do the following hike in alltrails, but to add some mileage and elevation gain, we will continue up the trail until we have hiked about 3.5 miles, then we will turn around and head back: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/ptarmigan-trail

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be leashed. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Ptarmigan Trail Trailhead. To get there, you can click the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use Google maps, you can type in “Ptarmigan Trail” to get directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Ptarmigan Peak Th #35” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM!

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-106.03965297029511&lat=39.67608951997565

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.