Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Alberta
Red Rock Canyon
A short, colourful canyon of red and green rock in Waterton Lakes National Park, with paved loops, picnic sites and trails to nearby waterfalls. Very busy in summer, and parking fills early.
What visitors say
Red Rock Canyon is a narrow gorge at the end of Red Rock Parkway in Waterton, where the creek has cut through bands of red and green rock under the mountains. The colours and clear water are what everyone talks about, with wildflower meadows around the canyon in summer.
The main loop is a short paved path, about 15 minutes, with interpretive signs, and reviewers say it works for strollers and wheelchairs. There are two parking lots, a small upper lot and a larger lower one, plus washrooms and picnic sites. Attendants direct traffic on busy days, and one visitor felt the washrooms needed more attention.
People who want more can walk down into the canyon along the creek, which means wet feet, so bring water shoes and a change of clothes. Longer trails lead to Blakiston Falls and the Bison paddock through wildflowers and are quieter than the main loop. The creek isn't open to angling, as Waterton closes Blakiston Creek and its tributaries.
Crowds are the main complaint. The canyon gets busy by mid-morning in summer, and the upper lot fills quickly. Arrive early, and walk to the far end of the loop, where the canyon is deeper and quieter.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 1,470 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.