BY-Red Rock Coulee – 2024-10-16

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Red Rock Coulee Natural Area features geological formations called concretions. The site offers beautiful views and walking is easy, making it a worthwhile visit despite the absence of amenities.

Visitors explore the site, looking West, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
Visitors explore the site, looking West, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.

Step Structure. The NA is shaped like a step with the SE parcel forming the bottom step. Most of the Concretions are in an area South of the step’s inner corner. The prairie makes up the balance of the site with an elevation loss from the East to the West – giving great views!

An Organic Start. A leaf, shell, fossil, or other organic matter flutters to the ground and is covered with a layer of sand or clay. Flowing ground water is attracted to the organic matter because it is different from the surrounding rock. Over eons, minerals accumulate and precipitate around the fossils until a dense rock structure, or concretion, is formed. Typically, harder than surrounding sediments, these resist erosion and slowly make their way to the surface. Iron oxide was one of the cementing minerals based on the colour [1].

Round to Angular. The Concretions in the Southern area are more angular and less eroded than those found nearer to the parking lot. Different rock types or rates were exposed.

In Good Shape. No evidence of dumping, vandalism on the rocks, nor ATV tracks etc. A variety of birds were seen including a partridge, meadow lark, and a rabbit. Scat and tracks suggest a healthy rabbit and ungulate population.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 404 KM
  • Trail Classification: No designated trails but walking is easy.
    • The Drive Out: Many beautiful vistas and the expanse of the prairie.
  • The Other Shoe: Walking only.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-10-16. Weather: Warm, sunny, but windy.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Sign on HWY 887, looking NW, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Sign on HWY 887, looking NW, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Boundary sign, NE Corner along access road, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Boundary sign, NE Corner along access road, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Information sign, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Information sign, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • A weather beaten sign on the South border, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    A weather beaten sign on the South border, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Route Map, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Route Map, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking roughly West at the corner junction, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking roughly West at the corner junction, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • An angular concretion, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    An angular concretion, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • A concentration of concretions, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    A concentration of concretions, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking North at a collection of concretions, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking North at a collection of concretions, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking South towards the valley; SE parcel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking South towards the valley; SE parcel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking East along SE parcel's fence line, the East border is about 500 M distant, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking East along SE parcel’s fence line, the East border is about 500 M distant, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking West along the South border of the site, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking West along the South border of the site, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking East along the South border of the SE parcel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking East along the South border of the SE parcel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking NW from the Parking lot across the fields below, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking NW from the Parking lot across the fields below, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking South towards the valley and the adjoining property, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking South towards the valley and the adjoining property, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Crocus in bloom, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Crocus in bloom, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Petrified wood being washed out of the embankment, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Petrified wood being washed out of the embankment, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking West along the axis of a medicine wheel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking West along the axis of a medicine wheel, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Looking North, RR 60, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Looking North, RR 60, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
  • Climbing up to the table land on RR 75, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.
    Climbing up to the table land on RR 75, Red Rock Coulee NA, 2024-10-16, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Adapted from Mussieux, Ron, and Marilyn Nelson. A Traveller’s Guide to Geological Wonders in Alberta. Repr. Edmonton: Provincial Museum of Alberta, 2005, p. 232.

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.

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