Two O'clock Ridge Hike David Thompson Country

Two O'clock Ridge trailhead 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 campsite. From here while standing at the water pump look for the first low ridge straight ahead that is covered in old burnt timber. This is the starting ridge that you'll want to follow up towards the summit. The trailhead is located behind the outhouse looking straight ahead towards the back of the campground loop. It follows it's way through an Aspen forest then turns right towards Two O'clock Creek. Cross the creek over a few old logs then follow this first ridge through burnt timber. At the end of this first ridge the trail drops down to your left for a short distance then works it's way up to Two O'clock Ridge. Stay on the trail and keep working your way up. After passing the cliffs and some hoodoos on your left, the next 100m or so becomes a steep grind towards the tree line and the start of the open ridge. Once you clear the trees and find yourself on the scree covered ridge, the going gets easy from here to the ridge top. Views from the summit ridge to the west, east and North Saskatchewan River Valley are stunning and well worth the effort. Tuff Puff ridge is located directly to the southwest 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, Tuff Puff, Vision Quest Hike, Windy Point Ridge Hike, Allstones Creek Hike, Allstones Lake Hike, Coral Ridge Hike, Big Whirlpool & Whirlpool Ridge, Owen Creek, Cline and Coral Canyons are all located near here. You are in bear country.