Hoodoos Bike Trail Loop

Route Description for Hoodoos Bike Trail Loop

This is an extension of the regular hiking trail that takes users from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos Lookout and back. On your bike, you will be able to ride directly from town in the opposite direction and join the Tunnel Bench trails to make your complete mountain bike route. Beware, you will be on roads with traffic before joining the multi-use trail system on Tunnel Mountain that sees hikers, climbers, and horseback riders. Make sure to bring bear spray and ensure to hoot and holler your way down the trails, avoiding any surprises.

This is a great trail with moderate climbing that is an excellent option for those looking to explore the area while staying close to town—a great choice for groups riding with kids or cyclists on a tight time frame. If you are coming from out of town, park at the public parking lot on Beaver Street and Wolf Street behind the Visitor Information Centre.

Beginning on the corner of Wolf and Banff Ave, make your way up Wolf Street towards Otter Street. Take a left onto Otter and begin the climb towards the Tunnel Mountain Campground. At the top of the hill, the road becomes Tunnel Mountain Road, and you will ride past Tunnel Mountain Resort, Hidden Ridge, and Douglas Fir Resort. Immediately after the Douglas Fir Resort, look for a trail sign leading you into the woods. Join the Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos Trail and continue past the campground, looking for lookout points on your right. The views from Tunnel Mountain Road are incredible, so don’t be hesitant to stop and take a look.

At the third viewpoint, pull into the Hoodoos parking lot and find trail signs for the Hoodoos Trail. The Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos Trail will lead you back the way you came on the same single track trail for 1.4km before splitting to the left for your descent. The trail to the right leads back to the road where you joined the trail initially.

On your descent, you will pass three small trail junctions all 200 m apart. These are connecting trails that join the main loop you are riding. Continue along the Bow River for 2.8 km before the climb up to Surprise Corner parking lot and viewpoint. You may need to push your bike up this slight hill as it is rocky and steep.

Enjoy the Surprise Corner viewpoint by walking up the wooden stairs to the viewing platform. This is named after the surprising glimpse of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel that comes into view as you round the corner. From Surprise Corner, descend Buffalo Street until you reach a small trail junction leading to the river. Join the trail for 500 m until you come to the pedestrian bridge over the Bow River. Turn right and join Muskrat Street, where you will be able to ride all the way back to Wolf Street, making a left and riding one more block until you reach the point where you started the trail near the Banff Visitor Information Centre.

This is a great way to see downtown Banff and enjoy the trails all at once and with the whole family in tow.

Insider Hints for Hoodoos Bike Trail Loop

• Park near the Banff Visitor Information Centre or ride into town directly from your accommodation
• Bring bear spray and make lots of noise to avoid startling any animals
• You can join many of the other Tunnel Bench mountain bike trails that connect to this trail if you’d like to make a full day of riding
• Stop into Wildflour Bakery on Bear Street for some lunch and delicious baked goods on your return
• Take in the sites at Surprise Corner while enjoying a nice break on the viewing platform