The original Trans-Canada Highway climbed the hill behind the current route past the lookout and went along the shores of Six Mile Loop, coming down to the Tunkwa Lake Road and down the hill to the current highway.   Remnants of the road are still there.   The road up from both sides now has broken pavement, but there are sections up by the lake where the paving is still good.   Most people now access Six Mile Lake by going up the old road across from Tobiano.   It is bumpy now, but not a long route to get to the lake.   As you climb through a low pass, you emerge at Turtle Lake.      We have seen turtles basking on rocks or logs in the spring here.   Continue on to the shores of Six Mile Lake.   The road continues under the lake now that it has been dammed.   To continue to the other side of the lake and beyond,  you have to take a rough detour on the north side, then come down to the old highway.   Six Mile Lake is a popular fishing destination.   It is usually stocked with rainbow trout from Pennask Lake reserves.  It is possible to drive right through to the Tunkwa Lake Road, but you will have to take two rough roads to get to the route on the west side.

My recommendation is to park at the shores of Six Mile Lake and hike or bike the loop.

The hiking loop is really all on double tracks, but you will see a number of single tracks to interesting hilltops, ponds, and side valleys.   You can create your own loop or follow the one highlighted in yellow.

Most of this area is privately owned/leased by Tobiano or Indian Gardens Ranch, but the Heywood-Farmer families have been very generous in allowing fishermen, hikers, orienteerers, and others to access this hill country.   Respect gates by closing them, avoid encounters with grazing cattle, pick up your garbage, and leave motorcycles and quads at home.    Practice some HITO (hike-in, trash out) in the area.

You may have to cross a barbed-wire fence to complete the south side loop, so do so carefully.   Bring your camera and enjoy a day at Six Mile Lake.