Ptarmigan Ridge — Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

Ptarmigan Ridge was in great shape for a sunny and smoke-free long weekend.

We arrived around 3.00pm Saturday for our overnighter and found a park in one of the overflow lots along the Wild Goose Trail just below Artist Point. Along the trail, it was more busy rather than crowded, with lots of smiles and everyone being respectful of others.

The trail itself is in great shape. In the past we've found some of the descents to be loose and slippery e.g. after the Chain Lakes junction. Not so today - the trail was well-packed and well-defined. The only minor obstacles were three lingering patches of snow, the first of which has an alternative trail below, which is likely preferable for anyone without poles.

There were pockets of wildflowers hanging on, most notably at the start and then again towards the end of the trail. The pockets of berry bushes were also starting to turn with the rich red colors of fall evident. Wildlife was at a premium with the highlight an Osprey circling overhead. We also saw a couple of turkey vultures, some picas (and heard many more), and heard marmots on our way out on Sunday morning.

Lots of groups had opted to camp near Goat Lake and the surrounding tarns to the south of Coleman Pinnacle. We carried on to Camp Kiser at the end of the official trail where we were one of just three groups who overnighted. Clear skies and low smoke gave us a beautiful sunset followed by the rise of a near-full moon.