Panorama Trail
There are few kilometers of rolling trails on the benchlands overlooking the Thompson River. They are all accessed from the trailhead on Bunker Road, just in behind the recycling containers. The primary trail is the Sage Trail, but there are a number of other signed trails too and hikers can make their own choices for 3 – 5 km of hiking. The best trail is the short section out to a tower called the Panorama Trail. It is an out-and-back route, but we usually make a loop, following a faint track with joins with the TRU Connector Trail.
The Sage Trail lives up to its name, winding through rocky hills out to the edge of the benchlands.
At the end of the Sage Trail we can look west out to the panorama of Kamloops Lake.
At the end of the Panorama Trail, we can walk out to the edge of the bluffs to look down at the Thompson River, Rabbit Island, McArthur Island, Batchelor Hills and the Dome Hills.
As we traverse over to and along the TRU Connector Trail (it no longer connects), we have fine views upriver to the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, and Mount Peter and Paul.
The Arnica Trail (not accurately named since arnica won’t grow in the grasslands and sagebrush) or the Fescue Trail loop back to the Sage Trail to create a loop or lollipop shape.
The view from Panorama Trail and the TRU Connector is the highlight of the hike. This outing was at near the end of the day when the sun had ducked behind Mount Dufferin and some rainclouds threatened in patches around the valley. The hike was about 3.3 km, an easy hour on the trails with outstanding views.
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