Ptarmigan Cirque Trail

This trail is known for its wildflowers. Unfortunately I was about 4 weeks to late. As a result I had to borrow some photos but I also included some with the area covered in snow. The photo below was provided by AnneKelliot and is a view toward the top.

Highwood Pass is the highest pass in Canada over which you can drive. The advantage of this trail is that it is easily accessible as it is next to the highway. There is a trail sign at the northwest side of the parking lot. There is a bridge that you will cross before heading into the meadows. Keep to the right at both intersections and you will walk past both the trail to Pocaterra Tarn and then the boardwalk for the Highwood Pass Trail. After crossing the highway you will head up into the trees through a spruce forest for 500 meters before reaching the loop of the Ptarmigan Cirque trail. Keep to the left and follow the loop clockwise. While walking through the meadow you will cross the stream twice below the cliffs of Mount Arethusa.