From Weston Pass, hike north (
1) under the power lines on an old road which peters out around 12,200' and leaves you without a trail for the remainder of the route. Continue northeast directly up the west slopes of Ptarmigan/Weston (
2,
3,
4 and
5) to reach the ridge between the two peaks -
6. Since there's some slight regain between Weston and this location, it's easier to start with Weston.
Turn right to see Weston Peak and hike east/southeast along the ridge to the top of a point -
7. Drop and bit and climb the remaining terrain (
8 and
9) to reach the summit of Weston Peak.
10 and
11 look northwest to Ptarmigan Peak. Hike back to the point where you gained the ridge between the two peaks and continue north to Ptarmigan -
12. Pass a 13,525-foot hump along the ridge (
13) to see Ptarmigan's summit -
14. Continue less than 1/2 mile to reach the final pitch (
15) and hike up through the rocks to reach the summit -
16.
17 shows the terrain as you hike back along the ridge and
18 looks over Weston Pass from the ridge between the two peaks.
(WINTER) HOLD ON! If you don't have much high-elevation, winter climbing experience, be careful in your planning and take a partner. All 14er routes are more difficult and more dangerous in winter.
