Red Tailed Hawk Loop

While the Red Tailed Hawk Loop is accessible year-round, the steeper portions of the trail can become blanketed with mud and ice in the winter and spring seasons. Plan your hike accordingly and bring any necessary gear if you want to complete the entire route. Setting out from the trailhead, make your way uphill to the fork and take the Ponderosa Trail to the left to begin your ascent of the western side of the ridge. This portion of the hike is steep in some areas and has some loose rock, so watch your footing as you climb your way uphill. Reaching the northwest corner of the loop, you will pass by an outhouse and the Spadefoot Pond before following the Lower Doug Daws Trail to the east.

Here, you will have an amazing view looking down into the valley below, with the coursing water of the Thompson River dissecting the valley floor. Work your way around the forests that make up the eastern edge of the park and take in the scenic views overlooking Kamloops before heading south to meet up with the Red Tailed Hawk Trail. Follow this to the south to descend the ridge and complete the return journey to the parking lot below.