This hike has been in our sights for a number of years.   All references to the hike stated to not attempt it in wet conditions so it was bypassed in marginal conditions.   In our latest attempt, conditions were cold (-4) at the start and there was snow over most of the route, but the road in was fine, though we chose 4WD for a couple of spots.   It is easy to find the trailhead:

• At the north end of Falkland, turn onto Wetaskiwin Road (Dump Road) and just follow the road all the way up to the trailhead.
• The parking area and trailhead sign is at N50 30.690 W119 37.955.
• The route is all single track and route-finding can often be a challenge, particularly in the lower parts of the trail.
• We added flagging tape in a number of spots.
• After winding up the gully, the trail climbs a ridge towards the rim of the outside ridge (see the photo below)

As you climb this trail, you see no way to get up the sheer bluffs in every direction, but the ridge route allows a safe single track.   Two scrambles are required that require a bit of care.    Even on snow, we found the route reasonable.   We enjoyed the open ridge with open views.

A cairn sits on top of the mountain with a log in a jar placed by the Vernon Hiking Club.    Nearby a sign indicates a Loop Route.    We followed the flagging tape, occasionally having to search for the next section, but we added our own flagging tape at these points.  From atop this ridge there does not appear to be any way down, but in good faith we followed the route down a long ridge, crossing two deep fissures(N50 31.336 W119 38.268) and dropping right down into the bottom of the gully.   The narrow trail had been cleared and we climbed up the other side easily and eventually onto the top of the far ridge.   Views here look south to Tuktakamin Mountain and a sheer bluff lies below.   We followed the game trail along the rim for the views, then came back to a hidden trail junction.    Flagging tape is placed across a stump in a yoke shape.   The loop route goes down the mountain there.    The section down the bluffs is a remarkable one with lava flow rock outcrops, talus slopes, two sections of fixed ropes, a small fossil bed, and a sinuous interesting and safe descent.   At the bottom the trail emerges through a logging cut with a few larch trees in fall colors.

The trail merges onto the Forest Service Road where you take a left turn following the road back to the vehicle.   The cliffs above invite a return trip.

(click to enlarge)

This is one of the premier hikes of our area:

• The route is about 8.5km and takes 5 hours.
• All of the trail is single track and much of it is steep.
• Good boots are a must and a trekking pole is recommended.   Some scrambling is needed.