Ptarmigan Cirque - Relaxed Pace - Beginners welcome

I've posted some challenging hikes this summer, but I think it's time for an easier
one! In the mountains, I usually only take hikers I know, but I will make an exception for this one. If you are a new hiker or new to me, please read the description carefully and come prepared with good hiking boots, a backpack, lots of water, a lunch, first aid kit, and a positive attitude.

We will do a fun, relaxed hike around Ptarmigan Cirque. Have lunch at the waterfall. We will not climb up on the loose rocks behind the waterfall (this time). We will all hike together, in sight of each other, no running ahead. We will stop for delayering and photo breaks, but we will not stop every five minutes.

Distance: 4.5km return
Elevation: 215m

Due to the short length of this hike, you are welcome to join me by the campfire at my campground (assuming no fire ban) for a get together and marshmallow roasting, after the hike. There is one, shared, large fire pit for all guests. Details provided at the hike, bring your own roasting sticks.

We will meet at the Highwood Meadows Parking Area at 9:45am. Look for the olive green Jeep. I will be camping in Kananaskis, so you will have to arrange your own carpooling from Calgary. I do not have cell service and limited wifi, so please, no messages or cancellations after noon on Thursday, unless it's an emergency. Please don't be late, without cell service, it is frustrating for everyone to be waiting at the trailhead.

Due to bears, a minimum of four participants is mandatory for the hike to go ahead. We will hike with light occassional rain and light smoke. Hike will be cancelled by 6pm the evening before if it will rain all day, severe thunderstorms with lightning, heavy smoke (over 9), there is a new bear closure, or in event of the organizer illness or family emergency. I will have my friendly, well trained, German Shepherd on a leash at all times. No other dogs, guests, or children please.

It is very important to me that everyone hikes together as a group, you can always see the leader, and no one runs ahead, even for the last few km's. No exceptions. If you run ahead, you will not hike with me again. We are out for a group hike. This gives us safety in numbers and a chance to hike with other likeminded individuals. If you like to hike solo, or run far ahead, please don't join a group hike. Strong hikers, do not pressure the slower hikers to go faster than they are comfortable.

On my hikes, we take 4-12 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

You choose to make your own carpooling plans once you are accepted on the hike. Recommended $25 gas fee. I recommend meeting at Shouldice Park and Ride or Petro Canada at hwy 22 and 1. Please plan your pickup times accordingly to arrive by 9:45am.

Bear spray, good hiking boots, backpack, lunch, and 2L of water are mandatory. Poles are optional, but recommended. Lunch, snacks, poles, changes of clothes, medications, strongly recommended. First aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket, and headlamp with new batteries are recommended in case things don't go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

You will sign in on paper at the hike showing you agree to the waiver. Please have an emergency contact name and number ready to add to the sign in sheet.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.