These rock formations in Kamloops are a must-see

Have you ever seen the strangely shaped rock structures just off the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kamloops?

These natural wonders overlooking Kamloops Lake are called hoodoos, and they can be found in various fantastical shapes, forming columns, pillars or pedestals. 

The rocks are eroded by wind, rain, running water, and carved by chemical and physical weathering processes to sculpt the bizarre formations, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia.

Hoodoos in Kamloops, B.C. | Credit: Steven Gillingham Photography

They're a popular sight for tourists in Kamloops, but they're not unique to the area.

Hoodoos have also formed along Highway 97 north of Penticton, and they're the only ones in the Okanagan.

READ MORE: The 'white stilts' of Okanagan Lake

You can access the hoodoos in Kamloops by driving west on Highway 1 toward Cache Creek. When you pass the Kamloops Lake viewpoint you’ll know you’re getting close.

The pull-off that leads to the trail to the balancing rock is located 1.7 kilometres down the road from the lake viewpoint on the right hand side.

The Balancing Rock and Hoodoos located outside of Kamloops is a favourite to locals and tourists visiting the area. Karen Edwards

Keep your eyes peeled, as the turn is easy to miss. Once you are there, park in the grassy area. You’ll see a small opening at the gate that you may have to squeeze through to access the trail.

Some of the hoodoos near the balancing rock. | Photographer: Karen Edwards

Follow the dirt path for approximately 15 minutes until you see The Balancing Rock, another natural formation. You'll see what looks like a large boulder perched atop a pillar. 

READ MORE: Kamloops grasslands home to mysterious salt water ponds unique to B.C.'s southern interior


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Brie Welton

Brie is a recent graduate from UBC Okanagan where she studied English and French while managing the campus newspaper. After working as an intern reporter for the summer of 2019 in her home-town of Kelowna, she rejoined the InfoNews team in March 2020 and moved to Kamloops.
Her interests range from food features and artist profiles to politics, crime and minority issues. She has a passion for story-telling and aspires to one day become a full-time court reporter.

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