Kinglet Lake Hike David Thompson Country

Kinglet Lake trailhead is located approximately 3.5km west of Two O'clock Creek Campground, next to the David Thompson Highway (#11), 211km west of Rocky Mountain House. A 4.5 hour drive from Edmonton, 3.6 hours from Calgary. If you're traveling from Calgary the route through the National Parks is shorter then heading through Rocky Mountain House. This hike is considered moderate to difficult 14.6km return with an approximate elevation gain of 792m allow 5-6 hours round trip. Park next to the highway at the Kinglet Lake - Tuff Puff Trailhead 3.5km west of Two O'clock Creek Campground. The trailhead is marked with a wooden sign post, located next to an unnamed creek. Park in the ditch, then follow an old road for a few hundred meters. The road then turns into a well defined trail that starts to gain the ridge in front of you. Keep hiking up, avoid the trails to your right which lead to the Icefalls Loop. Stay on this main trail as it works it way up towards the left side of the ridge. You'll soon arrive at a grassy clearing which is the start of what looks like a never ending trail to the top of the mountain ridges you see in the distance. Continue up the grassy ridge until you pass a large rocky outcrop on your left. Keep your eyes on the ground here and look for trail markings to Kinglet Lake and Tuff Puff Ridge. At your feet you'll see the words KING -> and TUFF -> spelled out with flat shale rocks. The trail to your left leads to Kinglet Lake and the trail straight ahead, leads up Tuff Puff. Take the left hand Kinglet Lake trail that seemingly drops down towards the creek bed. Once you reach the creek get ready for a grind. The trail starts a steep climb again for another 1.5 hours. As you gain elevation, you'll pass by a curious looking group of hoodoos located below an exposed cliff. This is a nice spot to admire the views of the North Saskatchewan river valley below. The trail is steep and relentless at this point, then it enters the forest again for a short distance before arriving at the lake. Kinglet Lake is crystal clear and surrounded by an interesting forest of Subalpine Fir and Engelmann Spruce. There are several flat spots for tents that are nicely sheltered by trees. If you plan on spending the night save the tress by not starting a fire, bring a small camp stove instead. At one time Kinglet Lake was stocked with Cutthroat and Brook Trout however it is regulated for catch and release only. Check local fishing regulations. The lakes small size could not sustain a strong fish population, you could almost throw a rock across it. There are several hiking trails located in this area. To mention a few, Tuff Puff, Alexander Henry's Trail, Siffleur Falls Hike, Crescent Falls Hike, Hoodoo Creek Hike, Vision Quest Hike, Loudon Creek Hike, Two O'clock Ridge Hike, Allstones Lake Hike, Windy Point Ridge, Allstones Creek Hike, Ice Falls Loop, Coral Ridge Hike, Big Whirlpool & Whirlpool Ridge, Owen Creek, Cline and Coral Canyons are all located near here. You are in bear country.