This easy 3 km Alberta hike near Calgary will take you through a spectacular canyon (PHOTOS)
This hike near Calgary will take you into incredible scenery, walking the same trail that dinosaurs once roamed. The unique landscape of this hike will transport you to another time, and it's the perfect escape from the city.
Horseshoe Canyon Trail that leads down to the canyon is less than a kilometre long, one way, but you can really explore for as long or as little as you like as there's more trails going into the valley. It brings you to the canyon floor where you can roam around the area on the different pathways.
AllTrails has a Horseshoe Canyon (East Loop) that's 3.2-kilometres long if you want a clear route.
The sprawling landscape features unique rock formations that the area is known for, creating a unique scene. You can see the layers in the rocks, which Travel Alberta says "go all the way back to the Cretaceous period some 70 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed a lush tropical landscape."
The landscape is far from a lush paradise now though, with a distinctive look that's beautiful in a different way.
The two sides of the canyon are around five kilometres long, and "make for an easy day hike," according to Travel Alberta. But, you can always opt to take in the view from the platforms at the rim. Basically it's a choose-your-own-adventure, so channel your inner explorer.
The U-shaped canyon is just off Highway 9, outside of the small town of Drumheller and about an hour and a half from Calgary.
This town is known as the "dinosaur capital of the world," and is the perfect place to extend your day trip and learn more about the creatures.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
