Ptarmigan Lake Trail
Hiking & Hot Springs
MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Ptarmigan Lake Trail
Length of Hike: 6.4 miles RT
Difficulty: Difficult
This hike is an incredible journey to a high mountain lake (12,160 ft), located 3.2 miles from the parking lot. It is popular for hiking and fishing in the summer. In the winter, this trail is utilized by snowmobiles.
Ptarmigan is the main attraction, so be sure to make it all the way there! A few hundred yards below Ptarmigan, sit two beautiful mountain lakes that do their best to fool you into thinking you’ve made it to the main event. Ptarmigan Lake is above tree line – large elk and mountain goats have been spotted in this area. Continue on up the trail to the base of Jones Mountain (13,221 ft) for spectacular views of Ptarmigan Lake and Mt. Yale (14,200 ft).
Directions to Ptarmigan Lake:
This trail is 14.5 miles west of Buena Vista on CR 306 turning left into trailhead parking lot. (30-minute drive time from Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort)
From the resort, CR 321 will take you up the hill and intersect with CR 306 just after Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Turn left on CR 306 – you will find the parking area on the left side of the road.
10 Hiking Essentials
- Water (1.5 Liters per person per 5-6 hours)
- Snacks (Beef Jerky, nuts, power bar)
- Navigation (map and compass and/or GPS)
- Sunscreen
- Extra clothing (hat, socks, gloves)
- First aid supplies
- Light (headlamp or flashlight)
- Fire starter and matches/lighter
- CD Rom or mirror, whistle, mosquito repellant
- Emergency shelter (Biffy Bag)
LOCAL HIKES.
12 popular trailheads in the Nathrop area with hikes for all abilities and age levels. Surrounding areas have additional options for exploring our beautiful valley.
Trail Etiquette
Care For Colorado
The Etiquette of Poop
Colo-Ready
Trash The Trash
COLORAO TRAIL APP
Respect Wildlife
Activities & Things To Do
BUENA VISTA & SALIDA
COLORADO
AERIAL ADVENTURE PARKS
ARCADE
ART GALLERIES
BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURS
BOWLING
BREWERIES
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
DISTILLERIES
DISK GOLF
DOG SLED TOURS
DRIVE IN THEATRE
FISHING
FITNESS CLASSES
GOLF
HIKING
HISTORICAL TOURS
HORSEBACK
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
KAYAKING
MINIATURE GOLF
MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
MOUNTAIN BIKING
OFF ROAD ADVENTURES
RAFTING
RIVER TUBING
ROCK CLIMBING
SCENIC DRIVES
SHOPPING
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
SLING SHOT RENTALS
SNOWBIKE RENTALS
SNOWMOBILING
SNOWSHOEING
SPA TREATMENTS
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
RIVER TUBING
WILDLIFE WATCHING
SNOW TUBING
WINERIES
ZIPLINE TOURS
This activity is an extreme test of a person’s physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to: actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants; lack of hydration, weather, and/or other natural conditions. Princeton Holdings, LLC DBA Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is not liable for any injury, property loss, damage, death, etc occurring do to any activity outlined by any information sheet. Guest is participating in any activity on their own merit with no liability to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort or its agents.
Surrounding Towns
Buena Vista, Colorado
Buena Vista, Colorado is just 9 miles from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. This unique mountain town is located on the Arkansas River. There are many shopping opportunities along with restaurants, a brewery and a distillery. LEARN MORE
Salida, Colorado
Salida, Colorado is 21 miles from the resort. This is Colorado's largest National Historic District. Dine on the banks of the Arkansas River and explore the many art galleries in this historic downtown. This area was named Colorado's first Creative Arts District. LEARN MORE
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Phone: 719-395-2447
15870 County Road 162 Nathrop, Colorado 81236-9703
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