Mesa – Lava Loop
There are many routes in Kenna Cartwright Park, but the one we return to most often is at the west end of the park. We follow the pipeline route from Hillside Drive to the Sunset Trail but then we turn onto the Mesa Trail then follow a winding route, turning onto Cryptogamic, Lava, Big Pine, and Ponderosa for a 5.5 km loop. When summer sets in the area, it becomes dry, but a few wildflowers and flowering shrubs persist through July. Morning is a good time to hike this loop.
There are fine views down the Thompson River Valley from both Mesa and Lava Trails.
The Tranquille area was not inundated with floodwaters during freshet this year. The Dewdrop Range rises above Kamloops Lake on the north shore,
There were a number of colorful wildflowers and pollinators out in the hills, a few of which are shared here. Click the image for a larger view and a caption.
We are lucky to have Kenna Cartwright Park and the Lac du Bois Grasslands within an easy drive from anywhere in Kamloops. These 4 season parks offer many choices for a range of hiking trails for everyone.