Hoodoos Trail Head

23 reviews

Banff, AB T1L 1C4, Canada

Hoodoos Trail Head Introduce

Nestled in the heart of Banff, Alberta, the Hoodoos Trail Head offers a unique and accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all ages. This trail is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a casual walker, or a photography enthusiast, the Hoodoos Trail Head has something for everyone.

The trail begins at the parking lot across from the Tunnel Mountain campground, making it easily accessible for all visitors. The paved portion of the trail is short but spectacular, featuring several viewpoints with informative boards that explain the geology of the hoodoos and introduce the local flora and fauna. Along the way, you'll find benches where you can sit, relax, and take in the stunning scenery. One of the highlights is the spot with the iconic red chairs, a favorite among tourists for photo opportunities.

From the viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bow River as it winds through the valley, the towering Mount Rundle, the iconic Tunnel Mountain, and the majestic Cascade Mountain in the distance. The trail also offers options to extend your hike in two directions: southwest toward Tunnel Mountain, ending at Surprise Corner overlooking Bow Falls, or northeast, following the Bow River through a mixed forest filled with Douglas fir, spruce, pine, and aspen trees. This area is teeming with wildlife, including chipmunks, squirrels, deer, elk, and caribou.

Customer feedback highlights the trail's accessibility and the breathtaking views it offers. Many visitors appreciate the informative boards and the opportunity to learn about the local geology and wildlife. The trail's benches and the iconic red chairs are also frequently mentioned as favorite spots to relax and take in the scenery. While some visitors note that the trail is more of a quick view spot, others appreciate the serene environment and the chance to connect with nature.

Easily accessible trail with paved sections and informative viewpoints.
Stunning views of the Bow River, Mount Rundle, Tunnel Mountain, and Cascade Mountain.
Opportunities for photography, especially at the spot with the iconic red chairs.
Options to extend your hike in two directions, offering more exploration and wildlife sightings.
Serene environment perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature.

Whether you're looking for a quick nature walk or a longer hike, the Hoodoos Trail Head in Banff, AB, promises a memorable experience filled with breathtaking views and serene surroundings. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0

23 reviews

Yuliya Babych

Nov 10, 2024

Hoodoos Trail starts from the parking lot across the office of the Tunnel Mountain campground. This easily accessible, short, but spectacular, Hoodoos Trail attracts tourists and visitors, photographers, hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Along the paved portion of the Hoodoo Trail there are several viewpoints with information boards that explain the geology and formation of hoodoos, and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. The trail is equipped with benches that allow you to sit comfortably, relax and enjoy the scenery. The spot with the famous red chairs is especially popular among tourists. Viewpoints offer great lookouts and opportunities to photograph the two groups of eroded Hoodoos, composed of sedimentary rocks and sandstone, located below the official trail; the Bow River as it winds and carves its way through the valley; towering Mount Rundle; Banff's iconic Tunnel Mountain; and the regional landmark Cascade Mountain rising some distance to the west. The trail provides options to continue beyond the paved section in any of two directions: either south-west toward Tunnel Mountain, ending in Surprise Corner overlooking Bow Falls (about 5 km one way), or north-east, following the direction of Bow River's stream, through a mixed forest of Douglas fir, spruce, pine and aspen trees, juniper bushes, with alpine flowers and berries, populated by chipmunks and squirrels, deers, elks and caribous. No matter which path you choose or how far you go, you will be rewarded with a breath of fresh air and beautiful views during this nature walk.

Jason Stettner

Jul 18, 2024

It’s more of a quick view spot. I walked up and around for about an hour or so. It was just a forest on the hill. Wouldn’t say it’s a great walk outside of just parking to take in the view and then leaving. Quiet, but there are better spots and I wouldn’t visit again.

Daniel Skelton

Jan 09, 2025

Nice drive and the view is amazing. Easy hike for the short trip, but there is another one that is a lot more strenuous.

Kyle R

Nov 23, 2022

Great views on the multi use trails. Hikers, bikers, and horses all use these trails. You may go several kms without running into anyone. Cell reception for most of the trails, patchy if you follow all the way out into the gulches.

Alex Ilincic

Jan 23, 2023

Very easy walk with spectacular views, we saw lots of deer that did not mind we were close to them.