Ptarmigan Trail: This under used trailhead is on the Old Glenn Highway 14 miles from BWBC, just south of the South Birchwood exit in Chugiak. The trail begins nicely and then becomes a challenging vertical trail. The beginning of the trail winds through the trees and eventually comes out in open above the treeline. Traversing over to the back of Mt. Baldy in ER is a popular use of the trail, though starting the traverse at this the Ptarmigan end is a mostly uphill hike. The traverse is about 8 miles and there is a section in the middle without a trail. Be sure to have a map with you so you don’t get lost. There is no parking fee at the parking lot. As with all hiking in Alaska, I highly recommend you take bear spray and make lots of noise as you hike no matter where you go.