Through sandstone and sage: your guided hiking tour of Kamloops
Valleyview Nature Park
Dylan Sherrard
There’s no better place for hiking diverse landscapes than BC – you can wander the temperate coastal rainforests on Monday and view the iconic hoodoos in Kamloops on Tuesday! Sitting in the heart of the BC interior, Kamloops makes a great central home base for a variety of gorgeous day hikes that will fill your camera and your soul.
We’ve got guided experiences to ensure you get the best from hiking in the Kamloops area. The team at Adventuring Into Life is here to get you out on a grassland ramble or canyon crawl in a safe, supportive way.
It’s time to make that gear earn its keep – the great hikes of Kamloops are waiting, and it's well worth the journey.
Where to Hike
The Kamloops area has a long list of nature parks and protected areas to explore, but trust us – if you're hiking Kamloops, you'll want to include these gems:
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Dylan Sherrard
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
As one of the largest municipal parks in BC, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park spans almost 800 hectares around Mt. Dufferin. With an extensive and well-signed trail network, you’ll find gentle to moderate elevation changes and stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. The park is off-leash dog friendly, but keep an eye out for wildlife. There are several picnic areas throughout the park so pack a lunch, plenty of water, and explore the grasslands in Kamloops’ backyard.
Join a guided hike through Kenna Cartwright for an all-ages, dog-friendly tour that covers a moderate two-hour route through sun-soaked grasslands, shady pine forests, and stunning valley views. Led by passionate local guides, it’s the perfect way to explore the park’s natural beauty while learning about the landscape, wildlife, and trails—no experience necessary, just a sense of adventure.
Peterson Creek Nature Park
Andrew Snucins
Peterson Creek Nature Park
Winding through the heart of town, the Peterson Creek ravine connects the downtown and Upper Sahali neighbourhoods of Kamloops and is home to a range of scenic trails. Walking routes along the creek make for a great escape from the heat of summer, while routes up the ravine sides provide moderate challenges for more experienced hikers. The Xget'tem' Trail multi-use path provides an accessible walking route, along with educational signage on the indigenous traditions of the region.
For a fresh perspective on this urban oasis, join the beginner-friendly Peterson Creek tour that leads you along shaded creekside paths, open grasslands, and scenic viewpoints. With over 10 km of trails to explore, you’ll uncover hidden waterfalls, quiet nature pockets, and local stories along the way. Just minutes from downtown, it’s the perfect way to slow down and take in Kamloops' natural beauty, without ever leaving the city.
Battle Bluff
Taylor Burk / @taylormichaelburk
Battle Bluff
Towering above Kamloops Lake with views that stretch for miles, Battle Bluff is one of those hikes that sticks with you long after your boots hit the trailhead. A favourite among locals and visitors, this scenic route winds through golden grasslands and rugged ridgelines, delivering wide-open vistas and a serious dose of fresh air freedom. The climb is steady, the terrain varied, and the payoff? Unbeatable.
Rose Hill
Mary Putnam
Rose Hill – Juniper Ridge Loop
With stunning views of the valley, the Rose Hill and Juniper Ridge neighbourhoods offer a series of interconnecting hiking trails that journey through the pines above town. There’s plenty of off-leash areas for dogs, but keep an eye out for cattle range areas and leash up if you use the residential areas to connect trails.
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
Dylan Sherrard
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
@prabjot_b
Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
Home to hoodoos and views of the dramatic silt bluffs that line our valley, this park winds through the benchlands above the Dallas neighbourhood. This municipal park welcomes off-leash pups, and features picnic facilities, washrooms, and easy parking. Trail highlights include the Hoodoos trail or Pussy Willow Trail for views of the local hoodoos!
Kamloops Lake
@miguel.ports
Guided Hiking in Kamloops
Looking to take things to the next level? Book a guided hiking experience to encounter the outdoors like never before. Hikers of all abilities will enjoy the perfect combination of local knowledge and wilderness expertise that a great guide can provide.
Adventuring Into Life
Since 2016, the team at Adventuring Into Life has been promoting confidence, resilience, and joy through engaging with nature. They offer guided hiking trips, bushcraft knowledge, and mountain biking programs for all ages, and are deeply committed to inclusivity, safety, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Whether you’re skill-building or just looking to learn more about the terrain, Adventuring Into Life has a guided hiking tour for you.
Know before you go
A little trip planning goes a long way towards a great day on the trails, so here’s the gear and know-how you need before hiking in Kamloops:
Good Shoes
We know it’s tempting to choose the sandals in hot weather, but our dry summers create hard, sandy trails that can slip out from under you. Also, the region is home to Brittle Prickly Pear cacti, so choose close-toed footwear with good grip.
Tick Safety
These little pests make their home in the grasslands, so be sure to check yourself and any pets for passengers post-hike. Most common insect repellents will help deter them, so don’t forget to pack the bug spray! It’s worth taking the time to learn how to safely remove any that do get embedded and add a small tick remover to your gear, as improper removal can lead to infections.
@wwwvalerywww
Stay Hydrated
Dry heat and endless sunshine are what we’re known for, so don’t forget to bring a full water bottle! Shade can be scarce in the open grasslands, especially on south-facing slopes, and staying hydrated can quickly become a challenge.
Sun Protection
Take our word for it; the sun and heat are no joke. Pack (and use!) your favourite broad-spectrum SPF, brimmed hat, and don’t get burnt! No hike should end in heat stroke, so be ready to seek shade and take breaks along the way.
For up-to-date weather and local conditions, keep an eye on our webcams and bookmark our know-before-you-go page before your trip. Your tour guide should provide all the details you need for a great hiking experience!
Things to look for on your hike
Hiking trips through Kamloops provide a world of unique experiences. Grasslands can be easy to overlook, but get up close, and you’ll find a fascinating and diverse terrain to explore.
East Shuswap Road
Candace Hansma
Hoodoos
The dramatic hoodoos of Cinnamon Ridge and other sites around Kamloops are the result of ancient volcanic activity, followed by eons of weathering and erosion. These geological formations provide a window into the deep past of the land that continues to awe and inspire visitors every year.
Learn more about the local terrain, hoodoo formation, and where to view them here.
Lac du Bois
Emily Anderson
Battle Bluff
Taylor Burk
Bunchgrasses, Sagebrush & Lichens
Local bunchgrasses may be dwarfed by trees, but did you know they can grow roots up to 6 feet deep? Shedding fine roots adds organic matter to our soils, providing rich nutrients for plant growth. Look a little closer and you’ll see a variety of grass species providing food for grazing animals throughout the year.
Between the bunchgrass you may notice low-growing lichens and mosses. This is called a “cryptogamic crust” and it helps retain moisture and prevent erosion. This unique feature of the grasslands is easy to miss, so watch your step – it’s alive!
Yes, those are indeed tumbleweeds you’ll see rolling down the road. The uprooted sage plants are better known as Big Sage, and you can identify the live plants by their distinctive three-pronged, aromatic leaves. These plants can grow up to 2 meters tall, and provide habitat for a variety of bird species.
And of course – keep an eye out for the cacti! Brittle Prickly Pear can be found throughout the region, and as the name suggests, the lobes break off easily, and the spines are sharp.
Snakes
Several species of snake make their home in the area – mostly harmless! – but including the endangered Western Rattlesnake. While rare and non-aggressive, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with their distinctive rattle so you can give these snakes their space and avoid an encounter.
Kamloops Lake
Andrew Snucins
Take a hike in Kamloops
Questions? Our Visitor Service Team is available to help you find the information you need for a great hike, and you can find local guided hiking tours on our website.
Don’t forget to share your pics with us on social! We can’t wait to see what you discovered. Tag us @tourismkamloops and #explorekamloops so we can share the love.
