Brad is ready to get on the shuttle bus to start the 3-hour guided Haffner hike he and Adventure Seeker Andrea signed up for. The Haffner hike takes you into restricted areas not open to the public.
Writing-on-Stone Visitors Centre, Aden, Alberta, Canada

This guy is on display at the Writing-on-Stone Visitor Centre so you can see what they look like. This is snake country and the Southern Alberta Rattlesnake can be active at any time of day, however in the heat of the day they will seek any shade they can find. Keep your eyes open watching where you walk and your ears keen to listen for that distinctive and loud RATTLE warning.
Wear proper footwear at all times and stay on the trails.
Aden, Alberta

It was very hot at the top of the Lookout Point at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park so the Littlest Seeker and l start heading towards the stairs to the parking lot. We were the only people remaining as the 4 folks who we met at the top had already left. As you can see in the photo it is a far way down to my car with no farms or people around for miles.No help in other words.
We get to the top step and Littlest Seeker takes my left hand and we start our walk down. Around the 6th step down l heard this sound and my blood ran cold. It was the very loud and distinctive sound of a RATTLESNAKE! I told the Littlest Seeker to FREEZE and do not move as l tried to see where the snake was. The sound of that rattle l will never, ever forget but l could not see where he was so l listened. Listened to that terrifying sound and determined it was right behind me somewhere, but, so was the Littlest Seeker. Still squeezing my hand tight and not moving l thanked the heavens this not-yet 3-year-old child was obeying my every command. My heart and mind were racing as l needed to get the Littlest Seeker away from this danger immediately. Forward was the plan so as fast as l could l scooped the Littlest Seeker up and jumped forward down two steps and froze on landing. Listening for the rattle the Littlest Seeker smiled when l said l did not hear the snake anymore.
Now l needed to know where he was and l was shocked to see him in the shade of the 6th step down! We walked right over him! How easily the shorter stride of the Littlest Seeker could have stepped closer to the riser and gotten bitten but luck and the heavens were with us on those steps and l am very grateful no one got bit.
My adrenalin was pumping all day after that and l still get shivers thinking about our close encounter with a Southern Alberta Rattlesnake.
We stayed for a while in the parking lot to warn other visitors and hikers of the threat awaiting them on the stairs and everyone we told decided to go hike another trail and leave the Rattlesnake in his shady spot.
A very scary moment with my Granddaughter forever burned into my mind but we would not hesitate to go again...next time even more Snake Smart than we thought we already were.

There are so many beautiful trails to hike in and around Writing-on-Stone Campground & Provincial Park. You can also take one of the many guided hikes available through the Visitor Information Centre.
Remember this is Rattlesnake country so wear proper hiking boots!
Aden, Alberta

Writing-on-Stone is a sacred place so please do not deface rock art or landforms. Writing, carving, or otherwise leaving marks on the rocks at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is considered vandalism and is illegal. Please help to protect this important resource for future generations by educating members of your visiting group and reporting acts of vandalism to Park staff.
Aden, Alberta

Trust me on this - 32 km east of Milk River on Hwy. 501, 9 km south on Hwy 500, and 1 km south on an access road you will find Writing-on-Stone Campground where you can have a camping experience like no other.
Visit once and you will be drawn to return to the magic of the Milk River Valley.
Aden, Alberta, Canada