Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Alberta
A roadside lookout above Horseshoe Canyon in the Alberta side of Cypress Hills, a short drive from Elkwater, with views over the canyon and rangeland and a trail loop for hikers and bikers.
Horseshoe Canyon Lookout sits on the edge of the Cypress Hills plateau south of Elkwater, looking down into a canyon formed by an old landslide and out across rolling rangeland to the north. Most reviewers call the panorama the reason to come, and a sign at the lookout explains how the canyon formed.
You can drive right to it. Visitors say it's about seven or eight minutes from the Elkwater campgrounds on a signed all-weather road, and the parking area is wheelchair accessible. That makes it an easy stop for anyone short on time, and cyclists on the park roads mention hopping off for a few minutes before carrying on.
Hikers have a better option. The Horseshoe Canyon Trail climbs from the road into Old Baldy Campground through fields and mixed forest, and links with the Beaver Creek Trail, so you can make a loop that reaches the lookout in the middle. Visitors put the round trip at roughly 8 to 10 km, with a decent climb and well-marked routes. It's also a good spot for sunsets.
A couple of small caveats: one visitor found trees partly blocking the view, and others arrived on smoky days when the distance was hazy. If you're coming for photos, pick a clear day and aim for the evening light.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 121 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
