Trail Name: Dewdrop Trail
Distance: 12km
Time: 3+ hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Cell Service: Unknown
Trail Conditions: Single track packed dirt. Some sections of lose rock on steep slopes.
Highlights: The views on this hiked are some of the best in the area. After climbing nearly 600m to the top of the dewdrop ridge, the panoramic views of the Kamloops lake and the Thomson valley are magnificent.
To get there: The trailhead is about 30 minutes from downtown Kamloops. Head across the Overlander Bridge (blue bridge) and continue along Fortune Dr. About 2.3km from the bridge, continue straight onto Tranquille Rd. Stay on Tranquille for 12km. You’ll pass the Kamloops airport and Kamloops golf and country club on your left. When you come to the fork in the road, keep to the right onto Red Lake Rd/Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd. In 4.3km, you’ll come to a hard hairpin turn to the right. Drive straight off the left edge of this hairpin turn onto Frederick Rd. You’ll come to the parking lot and trailhead of the Dewdrop trail in 650m. Or get directions here.
The parking area is fairly evident. The driveway can be quite rutted and may be tricky for low clearance vehicles. Feel free to park just off Frederick Rd and walk in. It isn’t far. At the far end of the parking area, you’ll see a sign that marks the trailhead. The first section is a flat double track trail. In a few hundred meters, you’ll come to a short staircase that makes getting over the fence easy. The trail is single track for the remainder of the hike. This is a linear trail that climbs rapidly. The net elevation change is about 600m, but with a few ups and downs the total ascent is closer to 800m. Some sections are quite steep.
This hike can be as long or as short as you like. However, there are a few steep sections early on that will set the tone for what you’re getting into. Thankfully, this hike offers a number of viewpoints that will allow hikers to reach intermediate milestones and to still be well rewarded if they choose to turn around early. The first is a well signed left turn just after the first kilometre. It takes you 200m off the main trail to a bench with lovely panoramic views. As a minimum, hikers should get to this point. It provides a great view in relatively short time. The second, and most impressive viewpoint, is just a couple more kilometres ahead. Unfortunately it is not signed at all. Just passed the 3km mark, there’s a fork in the trail leading off to the left. Take it. You won’t be disappointed. There’s no bench, but you won’t want to sit anyway. Due to time constraints, we turned around at the 6km mark, which was at the third viewpoint of the hike. A large outcropping of rocks with panoramic views and a bench to rest and have lunch. Having done this hike before, there are other viewpoints for those who wish to continue on, specifically one called Mushroom Rock. You’ll know you’re there when you see it. It would be another kilometre or so from where we turned back.
Mosquitos were out, but weren’t bothersome. The hike is dog friendly, but be sure to pack enough water for your canine friends, as well as yourself. I would not recommend this hike for children or the elderly. We were impressed to see a man, who appeared in his early 60s, with his adult son close to the top. After seeing this, our concern was that although the ascent is tough, getting down can be even harder. The lose dirt can be slippery and the long, steep descent can take its toll on your knees. Walking sticks may be helpful for some.
Stan Braun
21 Jul 2016My wife and I have lived in Kamloops for 23 years, and thanks to this website, we did this hike for the first time today. Had a great time. Thank you for a great website!
HikeKamloops
21 Jul 2016Thank you! We appreciate your feedback and would love to see any photos you took!! Post them on our facebook page! 🙂
Chilliwack_Hiker
26 Aug 2016We hiked this on 2016.08.24, what an absolutly stunning hike.
We started late (about 1 o’clock) and it was a very hot day. We got to the rocky overlook (about 4km) and it was totally worth the climb and the sweat.
Thanks for the post, great site!
HikeKamloops
27 Aug 2016Thanks so much for your lovely comment! Glad you enjoyed the hike!
Lawrence
5 Nov 2019I am a hike leader in the area, and we are hiking the Garden of the Trolls and Dewdrop Lookout this Sunday, November 10th, weather permitting. Our hikes are free and open to anyone who wants a chance to hike the beautiful wilderness in and around Kamloops, so you are welcome to come!
Our group tries to provide a route of known difficulty, transportation to it, basic safety training, equipment and gear advice, and, most importantly, friendly, welcoming people to hike with. We will guide you along the way and do everything we can go get you out and back safely. Most of our hikes are geared towards beginners without special hiking gear. We try to keep our drives to the trail head to within 20-40 minutes, and our hikes to 2-4 hours. A great way to spend a Sunday!
You can find out more about us at http://www.pathstepping.wixsite.com/trukishikingclub
or
facebook.com/trukishikingclub
In order to attend, you must register for this hike at:
cognitoforms.com/TRUKISHikingClub/REGISTER
Anthony
24 Jul 2020Did this yesterday. Found a map for a circular route online and ended up being a 20K day! Awesome hike.
Kathryn
17 Oct 2020I did this hike 11.5 Km’s round trip on October 12th, it was in great shape- dust of snow off the side of trail near top. Much more comfortable temperature than when I hiked it in the middle of July! As before stunning views!
Wondering if you keep going down the other side (after you reach the top) how far are the other two parking lots? The only other people I ran into were two groups of bikers who had obviously come from the opposite direction of myself.
Highly recommend- great hike!