The Dewdrop Trail starts at the flats in the Dewdrop Range and climbs 2000 feet to the top of Red Plateau, then follows a route along the rim, skirting the edge of the drop-off and rounding the heads of gullies.    After the Castle Butte turn-off it starts to become more difficult to follow, but it does go on, and eventually comes to a junction and a trail down the other side, but this potential loop route is no longer in good shape and can't be recommended.   For now, an out-and-back route is recommended.  This is the premier hike of the Kamloops area, but it is long, challenging, and rugged.    To the top of Castle Butte and back is 15km with an elevation difference from lowest point to highest of 2000 feet.   Some hikers stop at one of several viewpoints along the way as an alternate shorter route because the whole route takes about 5 hours.   

Trailhead/First Section of the Trail

Drive past Tranquille, taking the Red Lake Road up the hill.   At the first hairpin turn, look for the road sign for the Dewdrop-Frederick Road.   Turn onto this road (left) and follow the road along this flat benchland.    Pass a pull-off area on your right and proceed to the second pull-out area (0.65km) on the right and park there (N50 44.709 W120 33.289).  

The trail follows an old double track towards the foot of the cliffs.   The road starts to veer left, but follow the fork that continues to head north toward the cliffs.   Cross a stile and follow the clear trail along the fence line into a gully.   The gully goes east then north.   This shady section is pleasant on a hot day.   The trail goes through a man-gate farther on then starts the climb.   Some of these next sections are steep, following the gully, then swinging over to the ridge on the west.   Once on the ridge, the trail continues a steep climb all the way to the top of the cliffs.

The ridge is narrow near the top, but the route is safe. Wider views are then rewards for the steep climb. The red colors of the lava flows, lava rock outcrops, lava pockets and craggy ridges are everywhere along this hike. Old junipers hand to these exposed southern slopes. Crumbled lava rock underfoot is colored orange or red. Continue to the top and once over the rim,t he trail enters the forest.

The Rim Section

The trail winds through open forest, bearing around the heads of gullies, but swings out to viewpoints at the tops of each ridge. At the top of one such ridge is a viewpoint with some makeshift benches, a good spot for a rest or a spot to have lunch before returning. The Castle Butte Ridge is the next one to the west. To continue on, follow the trail as it winds up and down, joining a double track road for a while. It is easy to turn right at the road, but stay left as it drops down then up to the top of the next ridge. Watch for this intersection on the way back. Once on the ridge, look for the Mushroom Rock up the hill, but if the destination is Castle Butte, then follow the unmarked trail down the ridge towards the butte.

Castle Butte

This is a hill at the end of the ridge. A gully is entered and cliffs bar the way. Go around the base of the cliffs to the left. The narrow goat trail goes around the east side. Look for a series of small ledges that climb up the side. This scramble is short. Within two minutes the hiker is up the slope to the top of the butte. Follow the butte to the south end for a final rest spot before returning.

Castle Butte will not be for everyone. Hikers may choose to explore farther out on the rim. There is a natural arch farther on and many other volcanic features. However far you choose to hike, leave time for exploration and photography along the way. The hike can be hot and dry so come prepared for the challenge.