Parking is limited. You could hear the sounds of Pika echo throughout the meadow. This interpretive trail heads north along the road for about 100 meters and then crosses the highway. You will find the trail head at the Highwood Pass Day Use Area. Rae (not covered in this hike – refer to alternate trail guides), so from this point you should continue to follow the trail back in the general direction of the parking lot. The hike to Ptarmigan Cirque starts from the parking lot at the top of Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country The perfect hike for out-of town guests new to mountains. We are monitoring our operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and this page is updated as adjustments are made. Ptarmigan Cirque shares a parking lot with the Highwood Meadows Interpretive Trail and, since both are very popular tourist destinations, the trail is heavily trafficked and parking may be limited. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share … 40 approximately 50 km's from Hwy. Click here for a driving map. This sign at the base of the scree slopes marks the top of the Ptarmigan Cirque loop. Email This BlogThis! There is additional parking along Kananaskis Highway 40, before you get to the Ptarmigan Cirque parking lot. Photograph by Julya Hajnoczky. Ptarmigan Cirque was awash in beautiful fall colour. If you’ve continued on past it towards the bowl you are headed for a scramble up Mt. At 2206 m, it’s the highest point in Canada accessible by highway. Ptarmigan Cirque is located in Kananaskis Country, and the trail begins at the Highwood Pass. Ptarmigan Cirque is a great beginner hike in Highwood Pass. At the apex of Highwood Pass – the highest paved mountain pass in Canada– is the parking lot servicing both Ptarmigan Cirque and Pocaterra Cirque trails. Luckily, Highway 40 has wide shoulders and many parking lanes. Follow the One Way loop as posted anytime but specifically now to keep the social distancing in check while we are in this COVID pandemic. Ptarmigan Cirque is one of the several hikes on offer from the big trailhead parking area. The larches had turned their golden yellow. Take Hwy. Ptarmigan Cirque Trail Loop Hike is a moderate 4.3 – 6 km trail that leads to some spectacular views. Drive south for about 67 km to Highwood Pass parking lot. There are also some very nicely maintained pit toilets at the parking area – a major factor in the enjoyment of any hike with kids. You do have to cross the highway at the marked crosswalk, and this hike does have some steeper uphill to get to the alpine area - but almost everybody can manage it. The lot fills up during busy summer months. Read our COVID-19 guidelines by clicking this banner before visiting one of our parks. Posted by Ken Schmaltz at 09:59. It was a stunning day! 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