Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- The viewpoint is an area with steep cliffs. Please exercise extreme caution and stay in designated viewing areas.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Special notes
- Climbing on rock formations accelerates erosion and destroys the scenic value of the area. Please view the hoodoos from the established viewpoint only. Remain behind the fence.
- Camping is not permitted.
- Horseback riding in the park is not permitted.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
The park is located 8km from downtown Quesnel. It can be accessed via Pinnacles Road (paved) in west Quesnel off of Highway 97. For additional map information, please refer to topographical map number: 1:50,000 93B/15.
Things to do
The park provides an opportunity for a pleasant 1km hike along a well-maintained trail to the viewpoint. Allow 15 minutes for access.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The park provides an opportunity for a pleasant 1km hike along a well-maintained trail to the viewpoint of the hoodoos.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Pinnacles Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Facilities
This park only has one pit toilet located near the viewpoint, no flush toilets.
About this park
Pinnacles Park protects a very unique formation of hoodoos. These hoodoos began their formation 12 million years ago, when molten lava flowing over the earth’s surface cooled in flat basalt layers over older layers of ash and rock. The Ice Age followed, and when the ice mass receded, melt-water streams eroded the valley below Pinnacles Park.
The hoodoos are formed from the effects of this natural erosion and weathering. The basalt is eroded away, revealing the more resistant ash layer, and often producing vivid bands of color as individual basalt layers are removed. The hoodoos at Pinnacles Park are fragile, since they are still undergoing these forces of erosion and weathering. The Pinnacles viewpoint provides an unobstructed view of these impressive geological formations.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
Park operator | This park is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd. |
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General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |