We hiked a loop route in the outer Dewdrop Range at the end of March.    We drove out the Frederick Road, then parked just before the gravel road starts its descent to the lakeside community of Frederick.    Since we have hiked the Frederick Bluffs many times. we try to vary the route each time.    There are no trails, except for a few faint game trails and grown-in tracks and none go over the rocky bluffs.    For this day we hiked clockwise, going out first to a prominent bluff overlooking the lake.   Each route over one of the bluffs will require some light scrambling.    From the top of Bighorn Bluff we had fine views in every direction.

Views to the east look up Kamloops Lake past Battle Bluff with rocky, steep hills on both sides of the lake.

Views to the west look across Kamloops Lake to Tobiano and further west to Six Mile Point.

On our way back to the Frederick Road we hiked over grasslands hills toward the Red Plateau Escarpment.   There are some small drop-offs and some rocky terrain, but hikers can pick their own route across the Frederick/Dewdrop Hills.

We spotted bluebirds and meadowlarks while hiking.    We encountered a few ticks, but it was a cool morning, so not many were active,    Yellow sagebrush buttercups and yellow bells were in bloom and signs of spring growth was evident and welcoming all along the route.   The Frederick Bluff are not for everyone.    Rambling off-trail through rocky open hills, navigating a route, and going over rough terrain is only for a sector of the hiking population.

More Information:

• Hiking the Frederick Bluffs (YouTube)
• Frederick Bluffs Fly Over (video)