Hoodoos Trail
A steep dry climb to capped pillars of glacial debris above the Kicking Horse Valley.
Route overview
Walk the closed campground road, climb the steep signed trail to the hoodoo viewpoints and return.
The first 1.2 km follows a closed campground road before the trail climbs steeply for another 2 km toward Yoho's hoodoos. The exposed slope is warmer and drier than many park trails and offers little shade. Staying on designated viewpoints protects fragile formations and avoids loose eroding ground.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Yoho National Park, British Columbia
- Distance
- 6.4 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 2.5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- official one-way profile 400 m gain and 55 m loss
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn; avoid peak heat and unstable weather
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No hiking permit; park entry required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Steep climb, heat, loose erosion-prone ground, deadfall, thunderstorms and fragile formations
Highlights
Glacial hoodoos, Kicking Horse Valley views and dry montane forest
Why find a buddy
Useful for pacing on the steep exposed ascent and reinforcing stay-on-trail behaviour.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.