Hiking

Trails are one of the best ways for you to connect with the landscape and experience the immeasurable beauty and solitude of this park. Grasslands is a prairie wilderness with limited services and preparation is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.

• West Block

  West Block

  Trail	Description	Distance (km)	Time	Difficulty
  Eagle Butte Trail	Trailhead: Gate at parking area A great trail to view wildflowers and soaring birds of prey.	2 km loop	1 hour	Easy
  70 Mile Butte Trail	Trailhead: Branches from Eagle Butte Trail For breath-taking views of the Frenchman River Valley with a smaller time commitment, this trail is for you.	2 km loop	1 to 2 hours	Difficult
  Two Trees Trail	Trailhead: Two Trees Day Use Area Only have a short amount of time? Take this trail for an introduction to prairie grasslands.	4 km loop	1 to 2 hours	Moderate
  Riverwalk Trail	Trailhead: Two Trees Day Use Area Examine riparian plant life, discover hidden deer and observe birds utilizing the steep riverbank cliffs as you follow this mowed, grassy trail.	3 km loop	1 hour	Easy
  Three Sisters Trail	Trailhead: Access from Rosefield Grid An old vehicle trail leads through open grasslands to the Saskatchewan Natural History monument that marks the establishment of the first Black-tailed Prairie Dog sanctuary in Canada.	8 km return	2 to 3 hours	Moderate
  Top Dogtown Trail	Trailhead: Ecotour pull-off #2 Listen to the rare Black-tailed Prairie Dogs bark at your approach as you stroll across the Top Dogtown on this hard surfaced, level trail.	750 m loop	20 minutes	Easy
  Timbergulch Trail	Trailhead: Ecotour pull-off #3 The three prominent, glacially created, coulee bottoms you’ll traverse have created an inviting habitat for bison which tend to linger in this area.	15 km loop	5 to 6 hours	Difficult
  Bearpaw Sea Trail	Trailhead: Branches from 70 Mile Butte Trail or Ecotour pull-off #3 From tabletops to valley bottoms, this trail explores the wide variety of habitats found within the park.	10 km one-way	4 to 5 hours	Difficult
  Broken Hills Trail	Trailhead: Park at Belza Day Use Area. The trailhead is at the entrance of the main road to Belza Day Use area. One of the few locations to gain an uninterrupted, 360’view of grasslands.	11km loop	4 to 5 hours	Difficult
  Larson Trail	Trailhead: Ecotour pull-off #6 Observe evidence of early ranching along this mowed trail which also provides views of the adjacent Frenchman River.	1.5 km loop	30 minutes	Easy

• East Block

  East Block

  Trail	Description	Distance (km)	Time	Difficulty
  Creek to Peak Trail	Trailhead: South of kitchen shelter Wind up the hill along this mowed path to a rewarding peek of the Rock Creek valley and badlands beyond.	1.5 km return	30 minutes	Moderate
  Rock Creek Trail	Trailhead: West across Rock Creek bridge Stroll this mowed path for a bird’s eye view of Rock Creek.	1 km loop	30 minutes	Easy
  Valley of 1000 Devils Trail	Trailhead: Northwest off Rock Creek Trail Meander through coulees and upland mixed grass prairie before traversing the basin of Hellfire Creek to access the gateway to the badlands. In the badlands it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than other areas.	10 km return	3 to 4 hours	Difficult
  Red Buttes Trail	Trailhead: Northwest off Valley of 1000 Devils Trail View the buttes turned red by oxidized ion carbonate activity, as you navigate your way through challenging creek bottoms and by cattle fence lines. Your destination view is ample reward.	16 km return	5 to 7 hours	Difficult

• West Block

  West Block

  Route	Description	Distance (km)	Time	Difficulty
  Otter Basin Route	Trailhead: Access from Back Country Loop This is the most rugged ‘trail’ experience the park offers. Expect isolation, loose footing, orientation challenges and rugged terrain. At 1006 metres (3300 feet), this area has the highest elevation in the West Block, which creates different soil conditions to support unique plant growth. The choice is yours to make it a day experience or pitch a tent overlooking the Otter Basin escarpment, with the nighttime glows and coyote yelps as your only companions. *Special Note: This route is a remote wilderness experience that requires preparedness, self-reliance and orienteering skills. The Back Country Loop is impassable when wet.	15 km loop	5 to 6 hours	Very difficult

• Be Prepared

  Plan Ahead

  Check trail conditions and road conditions with park staff, some roads within the park are impassable when wet. Inform friends or family of your itinerary and how to contact you. Check the weather forecast before leaving. Acquire a backcountry camping permit for all overnight trips.

  Services in this area are limited. When travelling by vehicle, make sure to fuel up before heading into the park or traveling between the East and West Blocks.

  Be Prepared

  Hike with a group. One person in your party should be familiar with wilderness first aid. Ensure you have adequate water, food, clothing and equipment for at least one day longer than your intended trip. Carry a first-aid kit, cellphone, GPS/compass and map. Cell phone service in the park is limited.

  Weather

  Be prepared for extreme heat and sudden weather changes. Severe winds and lightning storms are dangerous and it can be difficult to find shelter. Always check weather forecasts before leaving, plan your trip to avoid the heat of the day and make sure to pack all necessary supplies and equipment. Roads in the park can become impassable when wet.

  Wildfire

  Wildfire is common on the prairies and extremely dangerous. Lightning storms and strong winds are a contributing factor. If you see smoke, report it to 911 immediately. Fire travels quickly, be prepared to evacuate. If fire traps you, head for low vegetation areas (gravel roads, prairie dog colonies) or burned areas (the “black zone”).

• Know Before You Go

  Your Limits

  Choose a trail that suits your skills and experience, and those within your party.

  Safety

  You are responsible for your own safety.

  Wayfinding

  Be aware of your surroundings and become familiar with the area before heading out. Always carry a map and GPS/compass. Roads may become impassable when wet. Please check road and trail conditions at the Visitor Centre and Campground Receptions.

  Water

  Bring at least 4 litres/person/day. Surface water is not suitable to drink due to high salinity. Potable water is available at the Frenchman Valley and Rock Creek campgrounds.

• Wildlife

  Do not feed or approach wildlife – this harms their health, alters their natural behaviour, and exposes you to danger.

  Rattlesnakes

  Beware of rattlesnakes. Do not wear headphones so that you may hear the rattle sound. Wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles and long, loose fitting pants. Do not step on or over rocks or shrubs. Keep children close by.

  Bison

  Maintain 100 metre distance from bison (length of a football field). Startled or irritated bison can respond aggressively. If you encounter bison along the Ecotour Scenic Drive, remain in your vehicle and proceed slowly. Maintain extra caution during May and June when cows are very protective of newborn calves and in July and August during breeding season, when hiking with pets, cycling and when on horseback.

• Emergency

  Call 911 or Park Dispatch 1-877-852-3100. Cell phone reception is limited.

• Respect the environment

  • Pack out all garbage including food waste, diapers, and hygiene products.
  • To dispose of human waste, select a spot at least 70 m away from trails, campsites and water sources. Dig a shallow hole with a stick or heel of your boot. Cover the hole with soil or rocks afterwards. Pack out toilet paper.
  • Keep your pet on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on prairie dog colonies.
  • Wildflowers, horns, antlers, rocks, fossils, arrowheads, tipi rings and all other natural and historical objects in a national park are protected by law. Leave them in their natural setting for others to discover and enjoy.

Visitor Centre (in Val Marie)
1-877-345-2257
Frenchman Valley Campground Reception (West Block)
1-306-774-2227
Rock Creek Campground Reception (East Block)
1-306-750-0937
infopnprairies-grasslandsnpinfo@pc.gc.ca