Unique Things To Do in Alberta

Finding Red Rock Coulee in Alberta Canada

Hiking on another planet

Finding Red Rock Coulee In Alberta

Red Rock Coulee is not hard to find along secondary Hwy 887, halfway between Seven Persons and Orion. Only 30 minutes south of Medicine Hat in Alberta, Canada. While heading south, when Hwy 887 takes a hard turn east, Range Rd 72 begins directly in line with southbound Hwy 887. This is a short dead-end gravel road leading to the parking area for Red Rock Coulee. It is well signed and should be easily spotted as you approach.

What Makes Red Rock Coulee Unique

This area is known for its very uncommonly large Mars-like, round, red rocks! They are sandstone concretions that have formed from a long long time ago when this was home to an inland sea. The Western Interior Seaway (also goes by various other names) split North America in two back 70 million years ago. There are many areas that showcase what an ancient seafloor now looks like in southern Alberta. Specifically the badlands where the colours and layers are really showcased. But these large red bubble rocks are not popping up like this everywhere. This specific area is unmatched in the number and size of these neat works of nature. Apparently, these are quite possibly the largest ever found anywhere in the world! A natural phenomenon just laying in "the middle of nowhere" on the prairies of Alberta.

Seasonal Day-Use at Red Rock Coulee

Red Rock Coulee Natural Area is a day-use park that is open from May 1 to September 30 every year. There is 1 picnic table, located above the sloping hills covered in large red rocks, with views of the canadian prairies as well as Montana, USA. Pack a lunch and enjoy the amazing scenery, make a pit stop on a road trip, or spend some time here and take a hike.

Hiking Red Rock Coulee in Alberta Canada

This Alberta Park is a fun place to wander and explore. There are no official trails here at Red Rock Coulee Natural Area. Although there are quite a few worn in paths you can easily follow and meander your way up, down, around, and even through some of these amazing hard red sandstone bubble shaped rocks. Be prepared that this is a hilly area as you traverse coulees and uneven terrain on the sandy trails. You'll certainly want to have appropriate footwear here for various reasons. The uneven terrain, the cacti everywhere, as well as the critters that call this place you're visiting home.


Explore Nature at Red Rock Coulee

This Natural Area Park in Alberta has many different plants that you won't find too often around here. You can try to spot the beautiful gumbo primrose, prickly pear cactus, and many more. The broomweed looks amazing scattered about with its pops of colour against the dusty prairie ground. The white-tailed jack rabbits were hopping about and fun to see, and deer seemed plentiful in this area. We spotted some pronghorn nearby on the drive to Red Rock Coulee. Additionally, there are quite a few other creatures like bull snakes (they can be quite large but are no threat to you unless extremely provoked), western rattlesnakes (don't recommend flip-flops here). There are even scorpions and short-horned lizards here! Scorpions are very rare in Canada, ours here is called the Northern Scorpion or Boreal Scorpion. They also can be found in dryer southern British Columbia and Saskatchewan climates as well.

Where Are The Big Red Rocks in Alberta Canada

A visit to Red Rock Coulee is a great way to spend a couple hours exploring southeastern Alberta. This park is large, but the Rock formations start steps away from the parking lot, so won't take that long to see it if you're in a rush. You can even find some geocaches around here if that's something you're interested in. Have fun taking some outer worldly pictures, and exploring these neat, ever appearing, big red rocks! You can see the tops of more slowing being exposed from the softer ground giving way to the harsh prairie wind and weather. Can't help but wonder what those ones look like after seeing the others! Only time will tell.

Natural Parks in Alberta Canada

Largest Round Red Rocks in the World