Red Rock Canyon Accessible Loop

The Red Rock Canyon Accessible Loop at Waterton Lakes National Park near Waterton Park, Alberta is an easy 1.1 km loop trail that features views of the Red Rock Canyon and features small waterfalls that cascade down the red-colored bedrock.

Hiking the Red Rock Canyon

This short loop begins at the main parking lot for the Red Rock Canyon, located at the western end of the Red Rock Parkway that cuts through the mountain valley on the western side of the park. Hikers will find the main trailhead located just south of the parking lot, but you can hop on the trail along various off-shoot paths that connect to the main loop. This route follows the trail in a counter-clockwise direction and heads up the canyon first. The uphill walk should be considered easy for most visitors and follows a smooth paved path. Along the way up, you'll find views that peer down into the Red Rock gorge below where you can find small waterfalls. The trail reaches a non-paved section just before a footbridge that crosses the northern section of the canyon -- here, you can learn about the ancient sea that once covered this landscape. If you look at your feet here, you'll find the "ripples" in the rock which were created by the moving sea water. The trail then crosses the northern footbridge and sends hikers back downhill along the western side of the loop. Further down the trail, closer to the main trailhead, is an excellent spot to hop off-trail to head into the canyon for a better view of the small waterfalls -- while not universally-accessible, this off-trail view is worth-while if you wish to view the red rock gorge up close. The trail then continues south and heads toward the trailhead for Blakiston Falls. The paved path loops back toward parking once it reaches the Blakiston Falls trailhead and provides more views into the Red Rock Canyon on your way back to the main trailhead. Finally, the trail ends at the main trailhead for a short 1.1 km (0.7-mile) loop hike.

To extend your hike further, you might want to check out the short out-and-back hike that leads up to the scenic Blakiston Falls.

Universally Accessible

This trail is paved and universally-accessible for virtually the entire path. Note that there's one section of trail that follows bedrock (a cracked, ripply substrate) near the northeast corner of the loop which, for some folks, may not be considered accessible.

Parking

Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided at the end of Red Rock Parkway. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles as of September 2024.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Fees

As of September 2024, there's a $11/adult entrance fee to get into Waterton Lakes National Park.