Introduction
Location
- ๐ Location: Red Rock Canyon is situated at the end of Red Rock Parkway, 10 miles northwest from Waterton Townsite.
- ๐บ๏ธ Directions: From Waterton Townsite, take the Red Rock Parkway for 15 km to reach the canyon.
- ๐ Coordinates: Located within Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada.
- ๐ Drive: Approximately a 30-minute drive from Waterton Townsite.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Scenic Route: The drive along Red Rock Parkway offers beautiful views of the park's landscape.
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Season
- ๐ Open Season: Red Rock Canyon is accessible from early May until October 31.
- โ๏ธ Winter Closure: Red Rock Parkway is closed to motor vehicles from November 1 to April 30.
- ๐ธ Best Time: June is ideal for wildflower viewing along the parkway.
- ๐ Summer: The canyon can get busy with tourists during summer weekdays.
- ๐ Fall: Offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
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Activities
- ๐ธ Photography: Capture the dramatic beauty of the canyon, including wildlife, vegetation, and rock formations.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Hiking: Several trails available, including Red Rock Canyon Trail, Blakiston Falls Trail, and Goat Lake Trail.
- ๐ฟ Sight-Seeing: Enjoy the lush vegetation, wildflowers, and mountain peaks.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Picnicking: Ideal spot for picnic lunches with family and friends.
- ๐ฆ Wildlife Viewing: Spot diverse wildlife such as bears, mountain sheep, and goats.
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Hiking Trails
- ๐ค๏ธ Red Rock Canyon Trail: 0.7 km (0.5 miles), 20 minutes, minimal ascent.
- ๐๏ธ Blakiston Falls Trail: 2 km (1.2 miles), 45 minutes, minimal ascent.
- ๐๏ธ Goat Lake Trail: 12.6 km (7.8 miles), 5 hours, 400 meters (1312 ft) ascent, moderate difficulty.
- ๐ฒ Canyon Upper Loop: 1 km (0.6 miles), 20 minutes, 50 m (164 ft) elevation gain.
- ๐ณ Canyon Walk: 1.2 km (0.8 miles), 30-40 minutes, 30 m (100 ft) elevation gain.
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Geology
- ๐ชจ Argillite: The red and green bedrock is called argillite, formed from ancient sea sediments.
- ๐ Colors: Argillite comes in various colors including red, green, yellow, purple, turquoise, white, and black.
- ๐งช Chemical Composition: Red argillite is rich in iron, while green or blue argillite has more copper.
- ๐ Ancient Sea: The rock layers are sediments from an ancient sea that existed 1,500 million years ago.
- ๐ฆ Fossils: The only fossils found are of algae colonies called stromatolites.
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Safety Tips
- ๐ป Bear Safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bear bells are ineffective.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Trail Conditions: Research current trail conditions and ensure the route is within your capability.
- ๐ง๏ธ Weather: Check the weather forecast and be aware of the risks of flash floods and debris.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Communication: Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
- ๐๏ธ Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife.
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Accessibility
- ๐ Drive: Easily accessible via a drive down Red Rock Parkway.
- ๐ ฟ๏ธ Parking: Main parking lot available with an overflow lot nearby.
- โฟ Accessibility: No hiking skills required for basic exploration; short trail loops around the canyon.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Road Conditions: Red Rock Parkway is narrow and may not be suitable for larger motor homes.
- ๐บ๏ธ Trailhead: Located at the end of Red Rock Parkway, with clear signage and trail maps.
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| Travel Information |
|---|
| ๐ย ย ย Website: http://www.watertonpark.com/gallery/redrock.html |
| ๐ย ย ย Hours: See hours |
| ๐ย ย ย Address: AB-5, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada |
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Waterton Adventures: Hiking Red Rock Canyon", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJwIPX7LS0U", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 8, 2016", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Ruby Ridge & Red Rock Canyon - Waterton", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSg1YIE35Lk", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 16, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
