Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

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 for Tuff Puff Ridge Hike

• 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