Horseshoe Canyon
A dramatic horseshoe-shaped badlands canyon beside Highway 9.
About Horseshoe Canyon
About 17 km west of Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon opens suddenly out of the flat prairie. Its two arms, each about 5 km long, drain to Kneehill Creek. Viewpoints at the rim and trails into the canyon make it a favourite photo stop.
A brief history
The canyon gives its name to the Horseshoe Canyon Formation, the rock layer exposed here. In 2020 a young visitor, Nathan Hrushkin, discovered a dinosaur fossil in the canyon estimated at about 69 million years old.
RV tips
- A large roadside parking area makes it an easy stop for most rigs on the way to or from Drumheller.
- Trails into the canyon are steep and slippery when wet. Wear good footwear.
- No camping at the viewpoint.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- River Grove Campground & Cabins (Private, typical about $58/night)
- Dinosaur RV Park (Private, typical about $64/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping