Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos
Explore the surreal sandstone pillars of Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos, a unique geological wonder in BC's desert grasslands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the surreal sandstone pillars of Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos, a unique geological wonder in BC's desert grasslands.
"Very interesting landscape. Highly recommend taking hiking poles as it’s not a very easy trail."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and steep sections demand good hiking shoes. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There's no shade on the trail.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 26 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hoodoos
Mara Hill, Lac du Bois Grassland
Unique sandstone formations sculpted by erosion, resembling natural pillars. A truly otherworldly landscape.
Mara Lookout Trail
Summit of the steep climb
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert grasslands and the distant mountains. Worth the challenging ascent.
Desert Grasslands
Lac du Bois Grassland Protected Area
Experience the unique semi-arid ecosystem with diverse flora and potential wildlife sightings like bighorn sheep.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Terrain
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and steep sections demand good hiking shoes. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There's no shade on the trail.
Parents visiting and looking for recommendations
Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos and a drive up Lac de Boise Road through the desert grasslands and beyond into the forest.
🚗 Access the Trailhead
Expect a bumpy dirt road. Drive slowly; an SUV is ideal but cars can manage. Cross railway tracks carefully.
⏰ Timing is Everything
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense sun and heat.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and steep sections demand good hiking shoes. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There's no shade on the trail.
🚗 Access the Trailhead
Expect a bumpy dirt road. Drive slowly; an SUV is ideal but cars can manage. Cross railway tracks carefully.
⏰ Timing is Everything
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense sun and heat.
🌵 Watch for Cacti
Be mindful of small cacti along the trail. Admire from a distance!
🐑 Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, especially in the grasslands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique, otherworldly landscape of the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos, often comparing it to scenes from movies or other planets. The challenging, steep trail with loose gravel is a significant aspect, requiring good footwear and caution. While the views are spectacular, the lack of shade and the bumpy access road are common considerations for planning a visit.
"Very interesting landscape. We went in late July around 5pm with thunder clouds looming overhead so it wasn’t very hot. Highly recommend taking hiking poles as it’s not a very easy trail. There’s steep sections with loose gravel so good hiking shoes are a must. We got to about half way up the trail and were forced to return due to downpour."
LoveShelties C
"The Cinnamon Ridge trail (sometimes also known as Mara Canyon, or the Hoodoo Trail) also is gem within Lac du Bois Grassland protected area. The trail passes through the hoodoos that are visible from Tranquille Road, and drops into drainage. Following this narrow drainage uphill, you'll pass a variety of rocks, including basalt and conglomerate, in a variety of formations. You can turn around at the end of the gulley, or elect to climb the steep section to join the Mara Lookout trail."
coucai
"Short but very steep trail with great view all along! Best to do the loop to see different view of area and hoodoos. Very exposed, hot and dry on a sunny summer day.
Lots of little cacti to see and good chance of big horn sheep encounter.
You need to cross the railway twice to get to the trailhead and often need to wait at the crossings. It was a bumpy dirt road most of the way. There aren’t any real parking area but we all parked along the road."
Kanako Sakurada
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via a bumpy dirt road off Tranquille Road. You'll need to cross railway tracks, so be patient and drive slowly. While cars can manage, an SUV or truck offers a smoother ride. GPS may not lead you directly to the start, so follow signs for Lac du Bois Grassland.
The road is unpaved and can be bumpy. While many visitors manage in regular cars, driving slowly is key. An SUV or truck provides better clearance and a more comfortable journey.
Yes, you will likely need to cross railway tracks to access the trailhead. Be aware of train schedules and wait for them to pass before proceeding.
There isn't a formal parking lot. Visitors typically park along the side of the dirt road leading to the trailhead.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching this remote trailhead. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos and the Lac du Bois Grassland. It's a free public access area.
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. However, visiting in late November carries landslide risks, so exercise caution.
No advance booking is required as there are no tickets or reservations needed for this natural attraction.
No special permits are required for day hiking on the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos trail.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting, uneven terrain, and potential safety concerns.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderate to difficult due to steep sections and loose gravel. It's not an easy walk, especially if you aim for the Mara Lookout.
The time can vary greatly depending on your fitness and whether you do a loop or just explore the hoodoos. Allow 1-3 hours for a good exploration.
The main trail is generally visible, but it's always a good idea to have a map or GPS, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main hoodoo area.
No, there are no facilities like restrooms or water stations at the trailhead. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
You have a good chance of encountering bighorn sheep in the grassland areas. Keep an eye out for other desert-dwelling creatures as well.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert scenery and the unique hoodoo formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The hoodoo formations themselves offer endless photographic opportunities. The Mara Lookout provides a stunning panoramic vista for landscape shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current Transport Canada guidelines and any local restrictions for the Lac du Bois Grassland Protected Area before flying.
Be mindful of the harsh sunlight and potential dust. Protect your camera gear from the elements. Also, be respectful of the fragile desert environment.
Social
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