{"id":6952,"date":"2017-02-03T10:04:24","date_gmt":"2017-02-03T17:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/?p=6952"},"modified":"2017-02-03T10:04:24","modified_gmt":"2017-02-03T17:04:24","slug":"w0cpr074-ptarmigan-peak-3588-11773-ft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0cpr074-ptarmigan-peak-3588-11773-ft\/","title":{"rendered":"W0C\/PR-074 (Ptarmigan Peak) &#8211; 3588 m \/ 11773 ft"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/PR-074<br \/>\nPtarmigan Peak<br \/>\n3588 m \/ 11773 ft<br \/>\nFirst Activation<br \/>\nNov 8, 2016<\/p>\n<p>By KX0R<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/ptarmigan-peak\/525605\">Ptarmigan Peak<\/a> is a fine, fun <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sota.org.uk\/\">SOTA<\/a> peak in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/vasquez-mountains\/171197\">Vasquez Mountains<\/a> west of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fraser,_Colorado\">Fraser<\/a>, Colorado.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Points:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/arp\">Arapaho National Forest<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/arp\/recarea\/?recid=80800\">Byers Peak Wilderness<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 Moderate climb to a pleasant, alpine summit<br \/>\n\u2022 Nice scenery \u2013 fine views of Byers Peak and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/arp\/recarea\/?recid=80803\">Indian Peaks<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 Superb HF site<br \/>\n\u2022 Lightly visited<br \/>\n\u2022 ~ 7.3 miles round-trip<br \/>\n\u2022 ~ 1875 vertical feet<br \/>\n\u2022<span style=\"color: #ff0000\"> SOTA Classic!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1417\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-6966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1403-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-6966'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak from Bottle Peak Summit\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Driving Directions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Drive to Fraser via US 40<br \/>\n\u2022 Turn south on CR 72, and then turn right on connecting road to CR 73<br \/>\n\u2022 CR 73 is a good 2WD dirt road<br \/>\n\u2022 Follow CR 73 SW into the Fraser Experimental Forest<br \/>\n\u2022 Drive southwest for about 8 miles.<br \/>\n\u2022 Turn right at the sign for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/arp\/recarea\/?recid=28662\">Byers Peak Trailhead<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 Follow FR 742 about 2.7 miles up to the TH<br \/>\n\u2022 The trailhead is a one-way loop on both sides of the creek, with specified parking areas<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1408\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-6957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1436-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-6957'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Parking on Loop Road\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1420\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-6969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1434-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-6969'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Byers Peak Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>The Climb:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Start up the closed road toward <a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/byers-peak\/151200\">Byers Peak<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 At the sign for Bottle Pass Trail N16, head right and uphill on a good foot path<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1409\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-6958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1335-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-6958'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Bottle Pass Trail N16 Sign\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1419\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-6968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1430-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-6968'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Bottle Pass Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<br \/>\n\u2022 The trail climbs up through pleasant forest and eventually reaches an alpine saddle near 11,000 feet, between <a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/bottle-peak\/525606\">Bottle Peak <\/a>and Byers Peak<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1410\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-6959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1338-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-6959'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Byers and Bills Peaks, at Saddle South of Bottle Peak\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<br \/>\n\u2022 Head north on the trail up the south ridge of Bottle Peak.<br \/>\n\u2022 Either hike over Bottle Peak, or contour around its west side toward Bottle Pass \u2013 11,320 feet<br \/>\n\u2022 There\u2019s no trail west of Bottle Peak<br \/>\n\u2022 Cross Bottle Pass and climb up the slopes of Ptarmigan Peak<br \/>\n\u2022 The south ridge provides a pleasant route up to the small, prominent summit<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1411\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-6960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1346-2-399x300.jpg 399w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-6960'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak and Bottle Pass\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ptarmigan Peak is a remote, seldom-climbed summit that combines a fine alpine experience with a good <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sota.org.uk\/\">SOTA <\/a>activation. The road from Fraser, the Byers Peak Trailhead, and the Bottle Peak Trail provide relatively convenient access.<\/p>\n<p>The shadowy road was quite icy up near the trailhead, but there were no worries once I was on the sunny trail!\u00a0I was there on a nice late fall day, and it was wonderful to be so high with no issues. There was some snow in the meadows near Bottle Pass, but most of the route was dry.<\/p>\n<p>The views of Byers Peak\u2019s snowy north side were incredible! What a place to do a SOTA activation so late in the year!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1415\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-6-6964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1369-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-6-6964'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; Summit View South\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The barren summit of Ptarmigan Peak is exposed to the wind, and there are no trees or boulders to use as supports for a pole. The activation zone is not large, but the ridge offers some reduction in wind.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1414\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-6963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1355-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-6963'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; KX0R SOTA Activation\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1413\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-6962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1354-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-6962'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; KX0R Radio Gear\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>There\u2019s no development near Ptarmigan, and the RF noise level is very low. The day I was there, conditions were almost ideal. This is an almost perfect HF site, but few VHF\/UHF operators are likely within range. Byers Peak blocks HF signals somewhat, but only to the south.<\/p>\n<p>My log shows an incredible 66 CW contacts on 4 HF bands in 80 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Included were two DX contacts on 18 MHz: ZL1BYZ in New Zealand, and J6\/AK5SD in Saint Lucia. I also contacted W0RW\/PM, Paul, pedestrian mobile on 20M CW down in Texas! That was with my ATS-3B, end fed wire on a pole, and just 5 watts. It really IS a perfect site!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sota.org.uk\/Summit\/W0C\/PR-074\">Ptarmigan Peak<\/a> is a <span style=\"color: #ff0000\">SOTA Classic!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Alpine wilderness<br \/>\n\u2022 Spectacular views<br \/>\n\u2022 Fun, interesting hike<br \/>\n\u2022 Ideal HF site<br \/>\n\u2022 Accessible trailhead<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1416\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-6965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1385-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-6965'>\n\t\t\t\tPtarmigan Peak &#8211; First SOTA Activation &#8211; KX0R\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>On a good, long, dry day it might be possible to combine an activation of<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sota.org.uk\/Summit\/W0C\/PR-003\"> Byers Peak W0C\/PR-003<\/a> with Ptarmigan.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1418\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-6974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1422-2-448x300.jpg 448w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-6974'>\n\t\t\t\tByers Peak North Side\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>This might be a good place to avoid on busy summer weekends. Byers Peak is popular, and parking is limited. However, few visitors venture off the trail to climb Ptarmigan. I climbed nearby Bottle Peak on the way out, and I recommend this easy side-trip for the views and perspective it offers.<\/p>\n<p>73<\/p>\n<p>George<br \/>\nKX0R<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-6952 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1412\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-10-6961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1348-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-10-6961'>\n\t\t\t\tBills Peak &#8211; North Side\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<HR>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Achtung.svg\/877px-Achtung.svg.png\" alt=\"ATTENTION\" style=\"float:left\" height=\"41\" width=\"41\"> \n\n!! WARNING !! There are <b>old<\/b> mountaineers, and \n<b>bold<\/b> mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers. \nHiking and mountain climbing are potentially hazardous activities particularly in Colorado with its extreme elevations. I am not accepting responsibility for any death or injury resulting from activations based on my trip reports. Proper training, experience, and personal capability assessment is required - enjoy!\n<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/PR-074 Ptarmigan Peak 3588 m \/ 11773 ft First Activation Nov 8, 2016 By KX0R Ptarmigan Peak is a fine, fun SOTA peak in the Vasquez Mountains west of Fraser, Colorado. Key Points: \u2022 Arapaho National Forest \u2022 Byers Peak &hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0cpr074-ptarmigan-peak-3588-11773-ft\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,16],"tags":[25,17,638,637,153,8,636,181,9,24,635],"class_list":["post-6952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sota-trip-report","category-wo","tag-activation","tag-amateur-radio","tag-byers-peak","tag-byers-peak-wilderness","tag-kx0r","tag-mountain-topping","tag-ptarmigan-peak","tag-route-description","tag-sota","tag-summits-on-the-air","tag-w0cpr-074"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6952"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6975,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6952\/revisions\/6975"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}