Houston Palisades

3.60 km
81m gain
2.00 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
3.60
Distance
kilometres
81
Elevation Gain
metres
2.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

The Houston Palisades trail is a compact hiking loop exploring the dramatic rocky cliff formations and subalpine terrain above the Houston area. Starting and ending at the same point, this short 3.6 km loop packs in 169 m of elevation gain through forested approaches and rocky open terrain, with the palisade cliff faces providing striking views over the Bulkley Valley and the town of Houston below. The trail sits high on the landscape, with the entire route between 1,286 m and 1,393 m elevation — well above the valley floor — offering a genuine alpine feel without a long approach. The palisade rock formations themselves are a geological highlight, with sheer faces and interesting cliff structure that make this a popular spot for photography and nature walking. The loop is well-suited to hikers of moderate fitness. Wildflowers are exceptional in July and early August.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

From Houston, BC, take the Buck Flats Road or upper forestry road system south toward the high terrain above town. The trailhead is located at approximately 54.3183° N, 126.5811° W. The approach requires a high-clearance vehicle or ATV on the upper forestry road. GPS navigation recommended. Follow the upper road until the cleared trailhead area is reached on the ridge.

Parking

Small cleared area at the trailhead accommodating 3–5 vehicles. No facilities. High-clearance vehicle required for the approach road — not suitable for low-clearance passenger cars.

Safety & Preparation

Stay back from cliff edges on the palisade faces — rock can be loose and unstable near the rim

High-clearance vehicle required on the approach road; do not attempt in a standard passenger car

No cell service at the trailhead or on trail — inform someone of your plans

Weather at this elevation (1,300+ m) can change quickly — pack rain gear and extra layers even on sunny days

Trail may retain snow patches into late June; traction devices recommended for early season visits

Bear activity possible — carry bear spray

This trail is located within the traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en Nation

GPX downloaded