Most hikers call this the Hoodoos Trail.    It is one of the premier hikes of our area, but it has a number of sections that require a bit of a scramble.      It is also requires crossing an active train track, so delays may be faced and safety is always a concern.

The trailhead is on Tranquille Road past Kamloops Golf Club, near the Cinnamon Ridge Composting Facility.   Look for a downed fence and trail heading up the bank towards a prominent gully on Mount Mara (park at N50 43.109 W120 28.559).   This is well-hiked boot-beaten trail, but it does braid out into 2-3 routes, two of which take you to the entry point in the gully above.   The first part of the trail is obvious, but once on top of a small knoll above the gully, there is a trail that winds downhill among the junipers to the canyon floor and it is not easy to spot on your first visit.

Once in the gully, the trail is easy to follow.   It climbs up in or beside the seasonal stream bed.   At one point it passes through a slot canyon before emerging into a wider valley above.   Hoodoos and rock features can be seen for the whole route.   A few of the side routes are a challenging but interesting scramble.

As the gully widens, the slopes above become steeper and the trail harder to follow.    Hikers are encouraged to continue on, working their way up to the ridge on the east following a track to an important junction.   From this junction (at N 50° 43.927 W 120° 28.165), the route up climbs steeply through the next gully to the top of Mara.   This route is steep and has loose material underfoot.   (There are other routes to the top of Mara).  At the junction. there is a trail leading south along the ridge and is the recommended return route.   It is easy to follow as it works its way down the ridge and then angles back toward the starting area (meeting the trail in at N 50° 43.109 W 120° 28.559).   This trail section allows a pleasing loop route of Mount Mara.

Mara Canyon is an attractive route for hiking, but requires good shoes, the ability to get up and down some awkward spots, strong legs, and some route-finding skills.   It is a wonderful spring or fall hike.   It is very hot in summer and hikers should be on the watch for the possibility of rattlesnakes.   Bring your camera and a water bottle for warm days.   See you by the hoodoos!