On our last trip to the Fairmont Hot Springs resort, we decided to check out the Hoodoos trail. This easy trail is a five minute drive from the resort and takes about an hour to complete. The views are incredible from the viewpoint and the interpretive signs take this trail to the next level.
If you find yourself in the Fairmont Hot Springs area, make sure to check out the Hoodoos trail, you won’t regret it. It’s accessible year round and can get fairly busy during the warmer summer months. We did it in March and we had the trail to ourselves. It was a little icy in spots, so ice cleats might be handy to complete this trail, depending on conditions.
Where Does The Hoodoo Trail Start
It is fairly straightforward to find the Hoodoos Trail parking lot. If you are heading south from the Fairmont Hot Springs, it is under a 5 minute drive. You are going to turn right onto the Westside road. The first parking lot on the right is for the Westside Legacy Trail, keep going along the road and you’ll come across the parking lot for the Hoodoos Trail on the left hand side. You’ll know you are in the right spot because there are three large signs at the trailhead.
The Hoodoos Trail, Fairmont Hot Springs
To fully enjoy the Hoodoos Trail, you’ll want about an hour to hike this 3 kilometre trail.
The Hoodoos trail starts out on a wide gravel road although it is gated so you wont find any motorised vehicles on the trail. The trail gains elevation slowly to begin with and is easy to follow. The trees start to open up as you gain elevation and you can see glimpses of the mountains on the far side of the valley.
Before you know it the trail levels out and heads to the right. Keep your eyes out for signage, to make sure you are staying on the Hoodoos trail. The area has seen a lot of erosion and they have worked hard to try and prevent further trail braiding.
From here the Hoodoos trail carries on through the forest, listening for the birds’ chirpings, at one point there was a full orchestra going on, it was incredible to hear. There is a memorial bench along the trail which provides incredible views through a gap in the trees.
The trail continues to gain elevation slowly, eventually you reach a fork in the trail. Left will take you to the viewpoint on the Hoodoos trail. The view is incredible! It looks out over the massive Columbia Lake and the mountains which surround it.
Backtrack to the junction and go right to complete the Hoodoo trail loop. It is loose and sandy from here on but the views through the valley are pretty much unobstructed. There are looks of fantastic informative signs detailing how the hoodoos were created.
Anywhere here would make a great spot to stop and enjoy a snack on the Hoodoo trail, take in the serenity and enjoy the view.
From the top of the hoodoos, you also get a great view of the whole side of the hoodoos, it is truly incredible to see these tall formations which go straight up from the ground to a staggering height.
Be careful in this area and stay away from the edge, it is loose and can be dangerous. Pick your footing carefully and follow the signs. Shortly after, the trail heads back away from the edge, into the forest. It soon joins back up with the main trail and you are heading back down the main trail to the parking lot.
This is where it can get pretty slippery if it is icy out and I definitely had a few slips. It is worth packing some ice cleats in your pack if you are heading out in spring. When we hiked the Hoodoo trail in mid March, there was a strong freeze thaw cycle and hiking the trail early in the day meant it was quite slippery in spots.
Other Things To Do Near The Fairmont Hot Springs
After a busy day of exploring make sure to head to the Fairmont Hot Springs, even if you aren’t staying at the resort and going for a soak in the pool. It is $20 per person for the day and it is absolutely worthwhile, soaking in the hot pools, surrounded by the mountains. If you are looking for a base for your adventures, staying at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is always an incredible option.
A little further north, you’ll find the Radium Hot Springs, these are another great option to soak in. They cost $16.50 for an adult. There is a cool and a hot pool, but check what is open before planning a visit as they are undergoing some major renovations in the Spring of 2023.
Make sure to stop by the town of Invermere and check out the cool galleries and stores. We always make a stop at the Konig sausage company for some great meat, especially if its summer and we want to BBQ.
In Invermere you will also find the Whiteway in winter which is a groomed skate and cross country ski trail around Lake Windermere. This is an incredible winter activity. There is also the Lillian Lake Whiteway which is an easy groomed cross country ski trail on the way to the Panorama Ski Resort.
