Tuff Puff Ridge Hike
Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

David Thompson Country
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Here path on left leads to Kinglet Lake and path on right to Tuff Puff RidgeBear scratched tree at Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyTuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson Hwy has great viewsSlowly approaching the top on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyFauna along the Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyTuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson Hwy is a great day hikeBeautiful valley views as seen on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyLonely peak seen on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyBeautiful river below the mountain ridge on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyWildlowers along the Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyTuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson Hwy is a great way to see lots of wildflowersFlora of Canadian Rockies on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyBlue wildflowers on Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson HwyFirst intersection of Tuff Puff Ridge scramble near David Thompson Hwy where both trails take to the ridgeBeautiful mountains seen along hike to Tuff Puff Ringe in David Thompson Scrambles Canada

Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

Distance: 7.0mi
Elevation: 3,084ft
Time: 4.5-6.5h

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Tuff Puff Ridge is a beautiful trail near David Thompson Highway that attracts a lot of hikers, not only because of its ear-catching name, but also because of the blooming wildflowers surrounding it. The trail is of great quality and the summit has beautiful views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. You will be able to observe Whirlpool Ridge, Two O-Clock Ridge and North Saskatchewan River from the best angles!

Tuff Puff Ridge Hike Map

Getting there

Park your car next to David Thompson Highway Kinglet Lake and Tuff Puff Trailhead, 14.9mi east of Highway 93.

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About

When to do

June-October

Backcountry Campsites

Near Kinglet Lake

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Tuff Puff Ridge Hike
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

Start the Tuff Puff Ridge hike after dropping off your car near the gravel pullout from the Highway and continue walking along the gravel path. After a few hundred meters there will be a path going to the ridge in front of you – take it.

There will be several small forks in the beginning, continue going up on the most obvious path. Later, you will reach a fork with two paths: left path continuing on quite even terrain and right one ascending through a steep slope. Take whichever one you prefer, as these paths will later merge into one and they both are fine for ascending and descending. The right path is slightly shorter, but the difference is not big.

After the steeper ascent, the elevation will soften up a bit and the trail will become very clear. You will find yourself in the meadows full of wildflowers and forested paths.

Soon you will reach a less obvious fork. You will be able to see words spelled out on the ground with rocks ‘King’ and ‘Tuff’. The left trail will lead to the Kinglet Lake and the right one – to our destination, Tuff Puff Ridge. Take the right path.

As you approach the summit, the trail will steepen again. Shortly, you will reach the summit. Enjoy the expansive views of surrounding ridges of Canadian Rockies: Whirlpool Ridge, Two O-Clock Ridge and North Saskatchewan River.

Return the same way you came.

Insider Hints

  • On the Tuff Puff Ridge hike, lots of hikers prefer merging this trail with Kinglet Lake Trail and making it a loop – you can try it too!

  • During summer, this trail might get quite hot – get plenty of water

  • Try visiting during early summer for the sea of blooming wildflowers

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