Red layers
Oxidised iron.
Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK — CC BY 2.0 · R. Sieben — CC BY 3.0 · Mike from Vancouver, Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK — CC BY 2.0 · Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK — CC BY 2.0
Red Rock Canyon is a small, narrow canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park in south-western Alberta, about 12 km in a straight line north-west of the town of Waterton, at the end of the Red Rock Parkway, which climbs the Blakiston Valley. The canyon's rock is argillite, a shaly siltstone, and its colours come from the iron it contains: red rock holds oxidised iron and green rock unoxidised iron, while the beige, grey and brown rocks of the area are limestone or dolomite. A small creek has cut its way down through these layers, laying their colours bare. Clear water runs between walls and ledges of deep crimson laced with green and white bands, pouring into small pools and chutes, and pine forest and mountain meadows surround the canyon. A short loop trail circles it with bridges overhead, and longer trails lead on from here to Blakiston Falls and beyond. A park entry fee applies, and the loop around the canyon is short and easy. The road to the canyon usually closes in winter, and bears and deer are often seen in the valley, so keep a safe distance and carry bear spray.
Oxidised iron.
Pools and chutes.
A nearby trail.
Red Rock Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Oxidised iron in the argillite.
It usually closes in winter.