Mara Loop

Trail Name: Mara Loop
Distance: 4.3 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Trail: Half of this trail is single track packed dirt with sections of loose rock. The other half is double track ATV/4×4 road. It can become extremely muddy after rainfall.
Highlight: Its a loop, well travelled.

This hike is quite popular and well known in Kamloops. We found the trail system to be quite confusing, lacking signs where we thought they should be and having other signs in obvious places. But regardless, here’s Mara Loop!

To get there: This trail is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Kamloops. Follow Tranquille Dr towards the Kamloops airport. Continue down the road past the airport and the golf course. When the road forks, keep to the right and head over the train tracks. About 210m from the train crossing, you’ll see a pull off on the right with signage for the Mara Trail. Or get directions from Google here.

Park on the side of the road in the pull out. The trailhead is in front of you and will be obvious. Follow the trail in through the sagebrush. At times there are many different routes to take, but as long as you follow the path that appears most travelled, you’ll be fine.

There are a few steep sections where the path consists of loose dirt (or thick slippery mud after a rain). Hikers in good shape and of most ages should be fine. Those susceptible to heat stroke should avoid the hottest days as there is no shade and the first 2.5km is a climb. There is a rest point at the one kilometre mark with a bench and a gorgeous view of the Thompson River entering Kamloops Lake. The trail is dog friendly, although there is cactus not far off the trail. If your dog likes to wonder, be prepared to remove cacti from their paws! This is also rattlesnake territory, so keep your ears open for their distinctive rattling sound!