Adventure Dates: 09/17/2025 – 09/23/2025
Introduction
Our hike up Ptarmigan Cirque wasn’t just any hike. It was for something truly special and we were lucky enough to be part of the adventure.
Located in the Kananaskis region near Highwood Pass, Ptarmigan Cirque offered the perfect backdrop for a mountain ceremony. Between the rolling alpine meadows, dramatic peaks, and the golden light of sunset, it was one of those experiences we’ll never forget.
Map of Location
Here’s a look at where our adventure took place.
The Hike to Ptarmigan Cirque
We began the hike near sunset, just as the golden light started to cast long shadows across the valley. The timing was intentional because my wife’s friend had arranged for their photos to be taken during golden hour, and the lighting could not have been more perfect.
This trail turned out to be one of the more challenging hikes of our entire trip. The elevation gain was noticeable right from the start, and with a fairly large group hiking together, we made several stops along the way to rest and make sure everyone was keeping up. Even so, every time we paused, we were rewarded with views that grew more spectacular with each step higher.
When we finally reached the cirque, the landscape opened into a breathtaking alpine bowl surrounded by rugged peaks. The air was crisp, the skies were perfectly clear, and the sunlight gave the mountains a soft, golden glow. As everyone settled in and the ceremony began, the setting felt almost surreal. It felt peaceful, intimate, and completely in tune with nature.
Wildlife on the Way Back
After the ceremony and plenty of photos, we began the hike back down the trail as daylight started to fade. The descent was much easier, and the cool evening air felt refreshing after the uphill climb.
While driving back toward town, we spotted a massive bull elk on the side of the road. We pulled over safely to admire it from a distance and snapped a few photos. Later, we found out from friends driving behind us that they had seen a gray wolf further back along the same road, a rare and thrilling sight to hear about.
Quick Impressions
Absolutely stunning the alpine views and golden sunset made this one of the most scenic hikes we’ve done. And it wasn’t that far from Calgary!
Spotting a bull elk and hearing about a nearby wolf made the day even more memorable.
We hiked later in the day, so the trail was quiet and peaceful, with only our group around most of the time.
The trailhead is easy to find, but the steep sections make it a moderate-to-difficult hike overall.
The trail is steep and challenging, so it’s best for adults or experienced hikers rather than young children.
Closing Thoughts
Hiking Ptarmigan Cirque for a special ceremony was such a unique and unforgettable experience. The combination of adventure, scenery, and emotion made it something truly special. Watching two people share their vows surrounded by mountains and glowing sunset light reminded us of how magical nature can make life’s most meaningful moments feel.
If you plan to hike Ptarmigan Cirque, bring layers since it can get chilly as the sun goes down, and take your time with the climb because the views at the top are absolutely worth it.
Photo Gallery
We captured so many beautiful moments from the hike and ceremony from the mountain views to the golden sunset lighting up the cirque. Check out more in the gallery below!
