Categories: Travel

This stunning Alberta hike winds through hoodoos & cliffs with ancient rock art

Photo via Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park/ Áísínai'pi / Facebook

There are some magical destinations to walk, learn, and breathe deep from coast to coast, but the Matapiiksi Hoodoo Trail in Áísínai’pi, or Writing-On-Stone, Alberta, is extra special.

Located just north of the United States border, an informative and thrilling adventure awaits, but you’ll want to be prepared.

What to expect

Tie your shoes and stretch your legs!

This scenic journey will take you 2.5 km (one way) past hoodoos, sandstone cliffs, and ancient rock art—which are all protected by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Through upland prairie grasslands and the Milk River valley, those who stay on the route will face undulating terrain, stairs, and steep sections, but will have an incredible experience.

Before you visit

If you’d like to visit, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

If you have kids, please note that this trail is NOT stroller-friendly and can get pretty warm on nicer days.

Parks Alberta recommends that you bring a hat, water, and stay on the trail.

“Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi is a sacred site in a mixed grassland prairie region on the northern edge of the Great Plains,” explains Parks Canada.

“The Blackfoot people Nation (Siksikáítsitapi) has left engravings and paintings on the sandstone walls of the Milk River Valley, which bear witness to spirit messages. The landscape is considered to be sacred by the Blackfoot people, and centuries-old traditions are perpetuated today in various ceremonies and in the respect in which the place is held.”

For this reason, those who make the trip should be respectful.

There’s quite literally no place like it, and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to visit.

Watch your step, take it in, and enjoy the view.

It’s unbelievable.