Red Rock Coulee Natural Area isn't very far from Medicine Hat, so that was our first stop of the day (now June 26th). This place was on my list because of its spherical rock formations, which are some of the largest in the world. These formations occurred due to the fact that this whole place was deep underwater millions of years ago, and the currents shaped the current landscape. We were so amazed when we got there! It was really like landing on a different planet... just look at the scenery! Some of these rocks were enormous, too, at around 2.5 metres in diametre.
The ground also felt very alien, as it looked like cracked earth, but was really mushy/sponge-like/soft underneath... like walking on a crusted mushroom. We found some more blooming cacti (a different type), walked around some, and then got some really good inspiration for pictures as you can see below. 😜
And that was it for Red Rock Coulee! After much thinking, we decided a side trip couldn't hurt, and we then headed to a place that wasn't even on my initial itinerary... but that's a surprise for next time! Stay tuned, folks! 💜
TL;DR: Our first encounter with the great deserts of Alberta was at Red Rock Coulee, where the red spherical rocks charmed us. A really unique and impressive landscape that's worth the drive to the middle of nowhere! Watch out for rattlesnakes, though (we didn't see any). 🐍
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