3 Spots to view Kamloops hoodoos
@rileyschutzphotography
Kamloops is home to unique, geographical landscapes including sagebrush, grasslands, slot canyons and hoodoos. Hike to see hoodoos formed by volcanic rock, or go for a leisurely scenic drive to view silt bluffs from a glacial lake. In Kamloops you can find a canyon trail or grassland climb for any ability.
Here are 3 viewing spots and trails where you can see the ancient formations around Kamloops.
East Shuswap Road Hoodoos
Field & Forest
East Shuswap Road Hoodoos
The silt plateau that sits above the East Shuswap Road is the remains of what was once the floor of an ancient glacial lake. Near the end of the Ice Age, glacier ice filled the North Thompson Valley and waters were temporarily dammed in the South Thompson valley, forming a glacial lake. The silt-rich glacial meltwater, derived from glacier grinding on rock, settled to the lake floor and over time tens of meters of sediment accumulated. Eventually the glacier receded, releasing the lake waters and re-establishing the South Thompson River. The river cut a valley through the soft silt, leaving the old lake floor high and dry, as benchlands of silt.
A drive along East Shuswap Road gives you the best views of these stunning silt bluffs and dramatic hoodoos.
East Shuswap Road Hoodoos
Tamra Jaeger
How to get there
Drive east on East Shuswap Road. Along the drive, notice the silt bluffs and hoodoos; the remains of an ancient glacial lake bed. After about 7km there is a pull off on the left side of the road where you can take photos and admire the most prominent of these silt hoodoos.
You can continue to drive down East Shuswap Road to take in more sights and indulge in a wine tasting at Sagewood Winery or Monte Creek Winery before returning to Kamloops. The unique terroir of Kamloops makes for some incredible wine tasting options!
Cinnamon Ridge
@tiannatrotta
The Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoo Trail
The Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos are the eroded remains of an ancient volcano that erupted in the area 50 million years ago. The weathering of volcanic rocks released iron that stained the rock a cinnamon brown colour, giving the ridge its name.
The Cinnamon Ridge trail will bring you closer to the hoodoos and through the old creek bed that carved slot-like canyons through the volcanic rock. This trail is considered a difficult one, with steep climbs, loose gravel, and old stream bed canyon, but the reward is an up-close encounter of Kamloops' most impressive geology!
There's little to no shade on this trail, and prickly-pear cacti grow on the south-facing slopes so pack water and wear closed toed shoes to avoid some of these hazards.
Cinnamon Ridge
@ddeannac
Cinnamon Ridge
How to get there
Drive west on Tranquille Road past the Kamloops airport for about 2.5kms and turn right onto Ord Road. Drive over the train tracks and turn left. Follow the dirt road, driving slowly, until you reach the cul-de-sac at the end for parking. From here, you can follow the trail that will take you right up to the hoodoos.
Please note that the Tranquille Road access to the trail and parking along Tranquille Road requires hiking over the train tracks and is illegal – and very dangerous! Please follow the directions above for the legal and safe access to Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos.
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
Dylan Sherrard
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park Hoodoos
Just off Highway 1 East, the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park is home to silt bluffs, formed by the same glacial lake that formed the East Shuswap Road silt bluff. Hike the trail through silt bluffs to the benchlands to view hoodoos and other panoramic views overlooking the South Thompson River Valley.
This expansive municipal park connects the Dallas and Barnhartvale neighbourhoods, and has a trail for everyone. Trek through impressive canyon trails or stroll through peaceful grasslands. Be sure to add the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park to your hoodoo tail list!
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
@vanfoodies
How to get there
Head east along the Trans-Canada Highway and take exit 384 for Dallas Drive/Barnhartvale. Take the second exit at the roundabout and proceed on Dallas Dr. Turn right onto Mountainview Drive in 2.2km and park in the small parking area.
You'll get the best views of the hoodoos by hiking either the Pussy Willow or Hoodoo trail.
East Shuwap Road Hoodoos
Candace Hansma
Spot more unique geology
Paul Lake Provincial Park
For a change of scenery from the desert-esque Hoodoos, venture up to Paul Lake Provincial Park and hike up to Gibraltar Rock. This network of trails starts near the boat launch on Paul Lake, weaving and climbing through the unique rock bluffs on the north side of the lake. The granitic rock in this area was formed around 185M years ago in the Mesozoic period as a result of tectonic and volcanic activity.
After the hike, freshen up with a dip at Paul Lake Beach, or even better visit our friends at The Spot wellness retreat for some hydrotherapy in their sauna and cold plunge pools.
Gibraltar Rock
Scott Bakken
The Spot
Mary Putnam
South Thompson Inn
If you’re looking for luxury lodging with a view, be sure to check out the South Thompson Inn. Located just past the Sagewood Winery, at the foot of the hoodoos on East Shuswap Road, it’s a great basecamp to explore the trails in the area. This pet friendly 4-star boutique resort is known for its Kentucky-style western hospitality. If you’re bringing little ones, they’ll love seeing the horses, Icelandic sheep, goats and llamas that live on the 55 acre riverfront property.
South Thompson Inn
Natalie Dollman Photography
South Thompson Inn
Lisa Novak
Monte Creek Winery
Searching for wine tasting with a view? Start sipping at Monte Creek Winery, where the wines are as bold as the landscape. While you’re there, ask the staff about the Lion's Head—an iconic mountain that stands watch over the valley. It’s the kind of place where the scenery and the wine speak for themselves.
Monte Creek Winery
Royce Sihlis
Tranquille River Slot Canyons
Karen Lestander
Lac du Bois Grasslands
Explore more stunning landscapes in the Lac du Bois grasslands. You can find a gentle canyon trail at Tranquille Creek, or a more aggressive slot canyon trail further into the protected area at Watching Creek.
Find your ideal Kamloops hiking trail and be sure to tag us in your adventures with #explorekamloops! We can't wait to see you here.
