Ptarmigan Lake Ptarmigan Lake is a high altitude lake in the Sawatch Range that is very popular for hiking and fishing, and even snowmobiling in the winter. The most common route is via Ptarmigan Lake Trail; its trailhead is located on Chaffee County Road 306 (sometimes referred to as "Cottonwood Pass Road"). According to a sign at the parking lot, the trail is 3.3 miles one way to the lake. I have visited this lake many times and on this page are photos and links of some of those visits.

	My hike with friends from Florida in Septemer 2007. View all photos of out hike here.
	Another interesting way to approach the lake is via 4-wheel drive on the other side. One summer day, my friend Steve and I drove up South Cottonwood Canyon and had a much shorter hike to the lake. See all photos here.
	In August 2009, I climbed Jones Mountain, a nearby 13er. At the summit, I had a grand view of the lake.