Ptarmigan Hill

Overview

Rank: Ptarmigan Hill is Colorado’s 1229th highest ranked peak
Prominence: 378 ft



Ptarmigan Hill from Wilder Gulch




Ptarmigan Hill sits between Route 24 and I-70 near Vail Pass. A couple of four wheel drive roads start on Route 24 and go up two different drainages to reach the 11765 ft Ptarmigan Pass which sits directly to the east of Ptarmigan Hill. Approaching Ptarmigan Hill via these roads obviously involves much four wheel driving and little hiking. A good hiking option is to start at Vail Pass and hike a trail up the beautiful Wilder Gulch to reach Ptarmigan Pass.

From the summit of Ptarmigan Hill, you will have great views of the peaks of the Gore and Tenmile Mountain Ranges. Mount of the Holy Cross and a portion of I-70 will also be visible.

Getting There

Drive I-70 to Exit 190 at Vail Pass. Parking available on the west side of the highway (Roughly 100 miles west of downtown Denver).

Wilder Gulch Route

Map

All distances are per my GPS

Place	Elevation	Distance
Vail Pass	10650 ft	zero miles
Wilder Gulch Trail	10600 ft	0.75 miles
Saddle/Rd	11260 ft	2.20 miles
Ptarmigan Pass	11765 ft	0.80 miles
Summit	12143 ft	0.45 miles
Total	-	4.2 miles

Go to the south side of the parking area and follow a trail south parallel but at a distance from I-70. You will have good views of the peaks of the Tenmile Range. Pacific Peak will appear as a prominent pointy mountain. After 0.75 miles you will reach a signed junction with Wilder Gulch Trail (you could reach Wilder Gulch trail via the bike trail as well. From the parking area follow the bike trail 0.85 miles south down to 10400 ft until you see the sign for Wilder Gulch Trail which goes under a bridge on I-70).

Pacific Peak

Turn right (SW) onto Wilder Gulch Trail. Ptarmigan Hill will come to view at the end of the gulch.

Ptarmigan Hill from Wilder Gulch

Wilder Gulch is a beautiful valley with meadows and forests.

Peak 1 & Peak 2 (Tenmile Peak) from Wilder Gulch
Wilder Gulch	Wilder Gulch	Wilder Gulch
Peak 4 from Wilder Gulch
Wilder Gulch

You will then reach a 11260 ft saddle and the Wearyman Creek four wheel drive road. Hike the road to go above tree-line. Ptarmigan Hill will be well visible.

Tree-line on Wearyman Road
Ptarmigan Hill	Wearyman Road

You will soon reach Ptarmigan Pass. Leave the road and hike up grassy slopes to the summit.

Ptarmigan Hill from Pass

Views from the summit:

Mt. of the Holy Cross	Ptarmigan Pass+Tenmile	Peaks 1 to 5
Gore/Uneva	Uneva & I-70	Gore Range

Red Tape

No fees or permits for day hikes.

Weather

Click for forecast for the Gore Range.

Vail Pass Cam.

Images

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