Two O'clock Ridge Hike David Thompson Country

Two O'clock Ridge trail head is located in the Two O'clock Creek Campground next to the David Thompson Highway (#11) 210km 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. Consider this hike moderate to difficult and allow 6 to 8 hours return. Approximate elevation gain is 1090m with a total return trip distance of approximately 17km. Park in the Two O'clock Creek Campground near the water pump and tents only site. From here while standing at the water pump look for the 1st ridge straight ahead a bit towards the right covered in old burnt timber. This is the starting ridge that you'll want to follow up towards the summit. The trail head is located behind the outhouse looking straight ahead towards the back of the campground loop. It follows it's way through the Aspen forest then turns right towards Two O'clock Creek. Cross the creek over a few old logs then follow this first ridge amongst the burnt timber. At the end of this 1st ridge the trail drops down towards the left a few feet to the proper start of Two O'clock Ridge. Stay on the well worn trail and work your way all the way to the top. After passing the cliffs and some hoodoos on your left the next section 100m or so becomes a steep grind up towards the tree line and the alpine. Once you clear the trees and enter the alpine the going is easy from here to the top. Views from the summit ridge to the West and East North Saskatchewan River Valley are stunning and well worth the effort. Tuff Puff ridge is located directly to the West with a beautiful green meadow lying in the valley below. The summit is somewhat unusual as it is covered in very large boulders. You'll find three cairns on the summit ridge. Two O'clock Creek Campground can be seen way below. There are several hiking trails in the area. To mention a few, Alexander Henry's Trail, Siffleur Falls Hike, Crescent Falls Hike, Hoodoo Creek Hike, Ice Falls Loop, Kinglet Lake Hike, Loudon Creek Hike, Vision Quest Hike, Windy Point Ridge Hike, Allstones Creek Hike, Allstones Lake Hike, Coral Creek Hike, Coral Ridge Hike, Big Whirlpool & Whirlpool Ridge, Cline and Coral Canyons are all located near here. You are in Bear country.