Ptarmigan Tunnel trail

— On National Trails Day 2020, I had to think really hard to decide which trail I’d feature this year. We have done some epic hikes throughout these years. Whenever I think of Glacier NP, I realize that most hikes there would qualify for a feature today. Mount Henry’s Scenic Point is one of those hikes, and so is the Highline Trail. Another hike I have to include is the one to Ptarmigan Tunnel. Besides gorgeous mountain scenes such as the one above, you do get to stop and soak in the cold waters of Ptarmigan Lake just before the final ascent to the tunnel. The hike is somewhat strenuous because of the high elevation gain — 2,300 feet (701 meters) — in its total 12 miles (19.3 km) roundtrip. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Probably the hardest section of the trail is the two-thirds of a mile (1,000 meters) from the lake to the tunnel. The trail climbs roughly 500 feet (152 meters) in that short stretch! So, stopping at Ptarmigan Lake is a great place for rest. As you can see in the shot below returning from the tunnel, that trail section is totally exposed, no shade. However, what you’ll see once you go through the tunnel is more beautiful scenery. We were lucky to have been able to do this hike. Although it was July, the trail had only opened for hiking four days before we did ours. Snow was the main reason for keeping it closed until then. This trail is a prime area for bear activity, but we did not see any. We did, however, pass by several deer, bighorn sheep (just above the tunnel itself) and also saw a moose resting way far from the trail.