Holzworth Meadows is named after John Holzworth, an American explorer who passed through the area on a 1923 expedition to study the distribution of mountain sheep and caribou in northern B.C. He camped at the small lake visible at the foot of Ptarmigan Ridge. Theropod Peak got its name due to the discovery of a theropod dinosaur footprint in the area in 2003. The peaks surrounding the meadows are made up of sandstones and siltstones of the Early Cretaceous age Minnes Group and are approximately 140 million years old.

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This trail provides quick access to open alpine country and endless ridge walking. Look for wildlife throughout the open alpine area.

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There is a large sign at the trailhead. Follow the cutline, which makes a reasonable trail with a few wet sections.  After about 500 m following the cutline, the route leaves the trees, and views of the meadows and ridges open up.  

The easiest way onto the ridges is to continue on the cutline, which becomes fainter once in the meadows.  The first part of the meadow section is fairly marshy, with thickets of willow and scrub birch. Head up the cutline another 500 m and look for the sign and flagged route onto the ridge to the right. The flagged route follows flower-filled subalpine meadows.  Lupines and paintbrush provide a colourful backdrop for the steady climb to the ridge.

The first summit is the long ridge marked as Ptarmigan Ridge on the map. This makes a good half-day destination. Panoramic views of the Holzworth Meadows, the rugged limestone peak of Mt. Crum, and the many other ranges of the northern Rockies can be enjoyed. A highly recommended outing is to do a counterclockwise circuit, heading from Ptarmigan Ridge to Theropod Peak and Peak 2, and then returning along the main creek. To return, follow the creek along its right side (facing downstream).  Walking is relatively easy along the creek, and it eventually enters a small canyon with picturesque cascades. Near the end of the canyon, look for a sign and flagged route leading left, away from the creek.  This takes you back to the cutline. If you miss this exit, you will still come out at the road about 100 m from the trailhead, although the lower portion of the creek is quite bushy.

Another possibility is to reverse the creek route described above, and once in the alpine branch off towards Peak 3. Head for the saddle between peaks 2 and 3, then hike up the west (right hand) ridge of Peak 3. This summit is one of the highest in the group at 2025 m.

Once on the ridge system, you can continue on almost indefinitely to the northeast or southwest, dropping down to the road when satisfied.

A great short hike to do on the drive back from Holzworth Meadows is Bullmoose Falls. It is a 3 minute detour on the drive, and 10 minutes of hiking each way to a gorgeous waterfall. This hike has its own brochure.

From Tumbler Ridge, drive north towards Chetwynd on Hwy 29 for 25 km to the turnoff for the former Bullmoose Mine. Follow the Bullmoose Mine Rd for 17 km and turn left onto the Windfall Creek Forest Service Road. This turnoff is just before an electrical substation.  

Follow the Windfall Creek FSR as it heads up the valley of South Bullmoose Creek. There is a junction at the 9 km mark – do not take the turnoff to the left; instead head straight, cross a small bridge, and continue up the road. At km 13.2, there is a sign showing parking on the right side of the road.  The trailhead is 200 m further up the road.

• This route is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise
• Please pack out what you packed in
• Alpine weather can change suddenly – carry appropriate clothing and a map and compass
• This is not a developed trail, but rather a route. It is only suitable for experienced hikers with good route finding skills