Ready to visit a natural wonder right in our backyard? A spot in Alberta is littered with massive red boulders, and it honestly looks like another planet.
It’s one of the most peculiar landscapes in the province, and it can be found in the Red Rock Coulee natural area. So pack your bags, and let’s get some insight on how to get there!
Where is it and why is it named that?
Located approximately 50 kilometres south of Medicine Hat, Red Rock contains large red spherical sandstone concretions that have eroded out of the softer bedrock and are considered the best example of spheroid rock formations in Alberta.
The boulders were formed in prehistoric seas as layers of sand, calcite, and iron oxide collected around a nucleus formed by shells, leaves, or bones.
Concretions measure up to 2.5 metres across and are believed to be among the largest in the world, according to Alberta Parks. There are also hoodoos in the area, so get to some exploring down there, why don’t you?!
Wildlife viewing species include white-tailed jackrabbits, mule deer, pronghorn, western rattlesnakes, bull snakes, short-horned lizards, and northern scorpions, which are rare in Alberta.
They kind of look like large dinosaur eggs or alien pods that are starting to fall apart; it’s just downright fascinating and a little bizarre!
Some concretions are split in half, broken into bits, or beginning to crack up. If you look closely, you might see “growth rings” (layers of sediment deposition) and fossilized shells, leaves, and bones. Time to put on your paleontologist hat and get a good look at it all!
So, if you want a truly out-of-this-world landscape, head down to Red Rock Coulee to pose beside and admire the massive boulders in southern Alberta. It’s worth the drive!