The Ptarmigan Cirque hike in Kananaskis is an excellent beginner hiking trail. You’ll find impressive views of the Rocky Mountains on this short trail, without too much strenuous effort. If you plan to visit in autumn, experience patches of golden larch trees with mountain peaks surrounding the area. That being said, Ptarmigan Cirque is absolutely worth visiting any time of the year!
Last Updated: February 22, 2024
It’s been several years since my last visit to Ptarmigan Cirque. Back in October 2020, Bella the Berner and I ventured out to Kananaskis Country for an afternoon, searching for short hiking trails and bright yellow larches. Ptarmigan Cirque Trail was the right choice for a little dose of the mountains, with stunning views for relatively little effort. If you’re new to the Rockies or simply want to spend time in the mountains, perhaps it’s time for a morning or afternoon visit to Ptarmigan Cirque!
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About Ptarmigan Cirque Trail — Beginner Hiking in Kananaskis
Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Distance: 4 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 221 metre gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: Ptarmigan Cirque Trail is a short and sweet, amphitheatre-style route in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. As a family-friendly Kananaskis hike, Ptarmigan Cirque is suitable for most skill levels (including children) but you’ll need to put in some effort to find those Rocky Mountain views. If you’re looking for golden larches, check out Ptarmigan Cirque in September or October for vibrant yellow autumn scenery.
Did you know? A “cirque” is an amphitheatre-style valley formed by glacial erosion, typically between two mountains. These bowl-shaped, steep-walled mountain basins are created when glaciers carve away the landscape, leaving behind a rounded hollow bordered by rocky ridges.
Ptarmigan Cirque Trail Map
Directions to the Ptarmigan Cirque Trailhead
If you’re coming from Calgary, head west on the Trans Canada Highway for about an hour before taking Exit 118 for Kananaskis Country. Drive down Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) for about 66 km. Turn right into Highwood Meadows Day Use parking area. During the summer months, arrive early morning or mid-afternoon to find a parking spot in this popular place. Remember, buy your Kananaskis Conservation Pass before heading into Kananaskis Country.
Read next: The Breathtaking Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Alberta
Ptarmigan Cirque Trail — Family-Friendly Kananaskis Hike
The Ptarmigan Cirque hike in Kananaskis starts from the Highwood Pass Day Use Area. Highwood Pass is the highest paved pass in Canada (2,200 metres) so it doesn’t take long to reach the alpine. From the parking area, head northwest for about 400 metres and keep right when the path splits (left is the route to Pocaterra Ridge — a much more strenuous route!). After looking both ways, walk across Highway 40 and start hiking up to Ptarmigan Cirque.
Are you ready for the toughest part of Ptarmigan Cirque Trail? Right away, you’ll hike up through the forest on switchbacks for about 800 metres. If you’re new to hiking in Kananaskis, this might feel a bit challenging but it won’t last too long. You’ll pass the one-way turn off where you’ll arrive later on. In the shoulder seasons, bring microspikes or trail crampons in case you come across an icy section. After you peak above the treeline, you’ll be rewarded with an alpine meadow and panoramic views. In October, patches of yellow larches added to the beautiful landscape. Continue on toward Ptarmigan Cirque and then complete the trail in the clockwise direction.
If you want to extend your time, you could make your way up Ptarmigan Cirque for a better vantage point of the area. Watch your step on the steep scree and bring hiking poles for extra balance. I planned to visit Arethusa Cirque before sundown so I didn’t spend much time exploring here. If you’re ready to go, continue down through the forest and back to the parking area.
Read next: Healy Pass Trail in Banff National Park (Perfect Larch Hike!)
What To Bring — Hiking in Kananaskis
While Ptarmigan Cirque isn’t an overly long hike, it’s still important to come prepared for your day hike. Bring a day pack with enough water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep your energy up. You’ll want sturdy hiking boots or trail runners with good traction for the rough terrain you’ll encounter. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer and bring additional warm layers and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly in Kananaskis. If it’s a sunny day, don’t forget sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses.
As a popular Kananaskis hike, you shouldn’t have much trouble navigating Ptarmigan Cirque. That being said, it’s always a good idea to carry a compass and map to get to know the area (Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes Map includes Ptarmigan Cirque). You can also download Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive from AllTrails for more information. Carry a lightweight first aid kit for minor injuries. When hiking in Kananaskis, someone in your group should have bear spray (use a bear spray holster for easy access). Be sure to pack the 10 Hiking Essentials before heading out.
What You Should Know — Ptarmigan Cirque Trail
Kananaskis Pass: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required before parking in Kananaskis Country. Buy your pass online before arriving in the park.
Parking: Park at the Highwood Meadows Day Use Area. In the peak season, this parking lot can become very busy, especially during weekends and the larch season.
Toilets: Outhouse toilets are available next to the parking area.
Seasonal Closure: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House Junction is closed from December 1 to June 14.
Interpretive Trail Map: Download the Alberta Parks Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail Brochure to enhance your hiking experience with informative markers along the way.
Family-Friendly: Ptarmigan Cirque Trail is family-friendly and recommended for children. However, Ptarmigan Cirque is not a stroller-friendly route.
Safety: Check weather and trail conditions before heading out. Bring a first aid kit with you and leave your trip information with someone you know and trust. Even on an easy hike, it’s essential to make sure someone knows where you are (especially for solo hikers). Check out AdventureSmart for more information.
Navigation: Ptarmigan Cirque is well-marked and easy to follow. Bring a compass and map. You can also download Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive from AllTrails.
Wildlife: Remember to maintain distance from wildlife and never feed or approach wild animals. Kananaskis Country is bear territory and bear encounters can happen anytime. Bring bear spray and know how (and when) to use it (use a bear spray holster). I typically carry an animal deterrent horn just in case.
Outdoor Ethics: If you pack it in, please pack it out. Do not leave anything behind (including organic food waste). Help maintain a healthy environment and keep wild things wild. If you’re new to outdoor ethics, learn all about Leave No Trace Principles before heading out.
More Kananaskis Hikes Nearby
Are you looking for more hiking ideas? Here are a few more Kananaskis hikes to consider:
- Galatea Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail: Family-Friendly Kananaskis Hike
- Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail in Kananaskis, Alberta
- Ribbon Falls Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Little Lougheed Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Tent Ridge Hike: One of the Best Hikes in Kananaskis
Have you hiked the Ptarmigan Cirque Trail in Kananaskis Country? How was your experience? Leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
