Home»All Photographs»2022 Hikes»Ptarmigan Peak 08-13-22

After summitting a 3000+ meter peak last Saturday, I was intrigued by another "3000-er" this week. After all, we are in the very short season (usually about six weeks) in which these big peaks are in shape for scrambling.
At the trailhead, we were gearing up for the steep bike ride up Temple Road when David accidentally discharged his bear spray onto his bike helmet when the safety lock dislodged - oops! A quick but thorough rinse of the helmet in a conveniently located stream next to us solved the problem, and off we rode.
Once we ditched our bikes in the bush and changed over to hiking boots, we were enjoying hiking alongside wildflower meadows in their prime. We soon arrived at Halfway Hut, and little did we know how useful it's position along the trail would be to us later in the day.
Sunshine ushered us up through a brief bushwack until we reached an open slope with fine views. We had a snack here and killed a few horseflies as well.
Steeper hiking ensued, followed by the start of the scramble. We donned our helmets and continued up. I found a Korean red ginseng candy in perfect condition in its wrapper in the rocks. It was herbal and interesting - kinda like Jagermeister.
Upon reaching the summit ridge, our view to the east opened up, most notably Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes far below. Zigadenus Lake is my favorite lake in the Rockies - so azure blue, nestled in next to the Wall of Jericho and sporting a cool name as well.
The remaining scramble to the summit involed a short narrow bit with a small downclimb, but nothing too spicy. Soon we were on top with a 360 degree view of the Skoki area.
A nice long lunchbreak followed, until we noticed deteriorating conditions to the south and west of us. Dark grey clouds were forming and growing.
We beat a hasty retreat among thunder claps, and although it seemed ominous, the weather overhead was favorable - like this little blue patch with rain showers all around. Eventually, however, the sudden drop in temperature indicated that we were about to be drenched. We b-lined through the forest to the Halfway Hut previously mentioned. Just as we arrived to shelter, a deluge came out of the sky and we were treated to a thunderstorm with a front door view from our log cabin abode.
We snacked some more and waited out the storm, which we knew would be followed by sunshine and fine weather. When the sun came out, we hiked the last few km's down and hopped on our bikes for the fast descent down to the trailhead.