Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness

The United States Congress designated the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness in 1993 and it now has a total of 12,760 acres. All of this is located in Colorado and is managed by the Forest Service.

The Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness is located north of the town of Silverthorne in the Williams Fork Mountains.  The range is dominated by Ptarmigan Peak (12,458 feet) on the southern end and Ute Peak (12,297 feet) on the northern end.  A typical lodgepole pine forest rises to Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir and then on to alpine tundra at the highest elevations. The lower elevation slopes have beautiful Aspen groves and open sagebrush meadows.

You will not find many trails in this Wilderness and, as a result, have a better opportunity for solitude. Most of the trails have spectacular views of the Gore Range which dominates the skyline on the other side of the Blue River Valley.  One can connect the Ptarmigan Peak trail to the Ute Peak/Pass trail for an amazing one-way alpine ridgeline hike of 12 miles.

Protect this special place by using Leave No Trace techniques and following all regulations:

Camping – Choose previously impacted sites, at least 100 feet from trails, lakes and streams. 

Fires – Campfires must be at least 100 feet from streams and trails. Campfires are not permitted in “stove only” zones within 1/4 mile of lakes.  Please refrain from having campfires near or above tree-line, or in areas without dead and down firewood. 

Human Waste and Trash – pack out all trash and human waste

Dogs – Pets must be leashed to protect wildlife and the experience of other visitors.

At a Glance