Scenic Views · Alberta
Willow Creek Hoodoos
Drumheller's best-known hoodoos, capped sandstone pillars beside Highway 10 east of town, with a short interpretive trail and paid parking. Hot and busy in summer afternoons.
What visitors say
The Willow Creek Hoodoos are a cluster of sandstone pillars topped with harder capstones, about 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller on Highway 10. Visitors describe the landscape as otherworldly, and several like learning how wind, rain and frost shaped the pillars. Reviewers also note the site's cultural importance to Indigenous peoples.
A short interpretive trail with signs and benches loops past the formations, and reviewers say it suits most visitors. Parking is paid, with one visitor reporting about $5 an hour, but there's no entry fee. Pit toilets, a picnic shelter and nearby stands selling drinks and ice cream round it out.
It's usually a quick stop rather than a full day. Some people climb the hill behind the hoodoos for a wider view and prairie wildflowers, including blooming cactus. The hoodoos themselves are protected, so don't climb them. There's no water here, so fishing isn't part of the visit.
Afternoons get hot, dusty and crowded. Come in the morning, bring water, and wear shoes with good grip if you head up the loose, steep slope. One visitor mentioned mosquitoes at the top.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 6,620 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.