Plan Pinnacles Park near Quesnel with a 1 km hoodoo viewpoint trail, steep cliff safety, no camping, no drinking water, e-bike rules, and fragile rock protection.
Pinnacles Park is eight kilometres from downtown Quesnel, reached by paved Pinnacles Road in west Quesnel off Highway 97. BC Parks says the park covers about 124 hectares of pine forest overlooking Baker Creek.
The park is a popular year-round day-use and sightseeing area, even when the entrance gate is locked.
Why Visit Pinnacles Park
Pinnacles Park is an easy Cariboo stop for a short walk to a hoodoo viewpoint. The well-maintained one-kilometre trail takes about 15 minutes and leads to views of the unique formations, the city of Quesnel, and Baker Creek.
The hoodoos began forming about 12 million years ago, when lava cooled in flat basalt layers over older ash and rock. After the Ice Age, meltwater streams eroded the valley below the park. Weathering and erosion removed basalt and exposed more resistant ash layers, sometimes creating vivid bands of colour. BC Parks warns that the hoodoos remain fragile because erosion and weathering are still active.
Things To Do
Walk the one-kilometre viewpoint trail, enjoy the hoodoo and Quesnel views, photograph Baker Creek from designated areas, watch wildlife from the trail, and use e-bikes only on signed or designated trails that meet BC Parks e-bike rules.
Planning Notes
Stay behind the fence at the viewpoint because steep cliffs are present. Do not climb the rock formations, because climbing accelerates erosion and damages the park’s scenic value. Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Camping and horseback riding are not permitted, and pets must be leashed at all times.