Red Rock Canyon - Waterton Lakes National Park
Difficulty: Easy - Family
Park Amenities:
Red Rock Canyon Trail is one of the most visited sightseeing destination trails in the Waterton Lakes National Park located in the southwest corner of the province of Alberta, Canada.
The easy access of the canyon and the bright red rock scenery of the river bed contribute to the popularity of the Red Rock Canyon. And, because of the easy access, it draws large crowds and is enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels.
From the parking lot there is a footbridge leading to the trailhead and views of the red argillite rock. This area, we will call it the welcome area of the canyon, is also wheelchair and baby stroller friendly. There are information signs, trail markers and a washroom.
The Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail measures about 1 kilometre in length. It is an easy going route following a partially paved and red rock surfaced path up and down both sides of the high canyon walls of the river.
Once over the footbridge take an immediate right turn and begin exploring the Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail. The walking trail begins with a slow climb up the high-bank canyon wall. A couple of hundred metres later there is a long footbridge crossing to the other side of the canyon.
On the other side of the canyon the trail slopes downhill returning back to the parking lot area. Along the route of the loop trail there are information signs, a plaque, some viewpoints and some sitting benches.
The welcome area of the canyon is also the trailhead entrance to a few of the other hiking, horseback riding and backpacking trails located in the Waterton Lakes National Park.
The Red Rock Canyon provides quick access to easy going sightseeing hikes like the Blakiston Falls Trail.
It is also the starting point for some of the long haul backpacking and horseback riding routes with wilderness camping opportunities like the Snowshoe, Goat Lake, Twin Lakes and Blakiston Valley Trails.
How to Get to Red Rock Canyon
Travel to the Waterton Townsite in the Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwest corner of the province of Alberta, Canada. From Waterton Avenue (main street) travel on the 15 kilometre Red Rock Parkway to the very end and the parking lot of the Red Rock Canyon.
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