Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake
~3 days · 14.7 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake is known for
Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake is a 1-2-day backpacking route in Montana (Glacier NP).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 15,436 ft to 23,875 ft over 14.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 5.6 mi · 38%
- Downhill 7.8 mi · 54%
- Flat 1.2 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake scores 19/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake take?
Most backpackers hike the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 14.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake?
The Ptarmigan Tunnel / Elizabeth Lake climbs roughly 3,251 ft total — about 221 ft per mile, topping out near 7,405 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.