The first 2.5 miles travel across a talus field and through lovely woods, with periodic views of distant peaks opening up along the way. These early miles are relatively mellow, elevation-wise, making it a good choice for those who are new to mountain terrain. Taking time to enjoy the journey will help save energy for the final half-mile to the lake.

Once the terrain opens up, a small pond appears on the left. Though many hikers have stopped at this point, believing that they have arrived at their destination, keep going to find the much larger Ptarmigan Lake at about 12,100'. The trail meanders around the east side of the lake, providing numerous appealing lunch spots.

Ptarmigan Lake is also a destination for backpackers, so there may be tents located in spots around it. When selecting a campsite, remember to set up at least 100' from the water's edge.

Ptarmigan Lake has a Cutthroat Trout population, which makes it likely that there will be folks fishing. If flyfishing is your thing, pack a rod for the hike.

After relaxing and enjoying a good lunch, you may have enough energy to summit 13,218' Jones Mountain. Be sure to evaluate the weather before tackling the extra mile and 1,000' from the southwest end of the lake to Jones' summit. Early afternoon lightning makes the summit of a 13er a dangerous place to be!

If timing and conditions are good, the steep, untrailed mile to the summit rewards with a huge gain in views of surrounding peaks and Ptarmigan Lake down below.

Note that during the winter, the trailhead is NOT accessible except by snowmobile, fat bike, skis, or snowshoes. Cottonwood Pass closes at the Denny Creek trailhead and is groomed for winter recreational travel above that point.