The best walks and hikes in Grasslands National Park
4.7
(14)
124
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking in Grasslands National Park offers access to Canada's only national park dedicated to preserving the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. The landscape features rolling hills, rugged coulees, and steep ravines, shaped by glacial meltwater erosion. The park is divided into East and West Blocks, with the West Block centered around the Frenchman River Valley and the East Block featuring dramatic badlands and buttes. These geological formations provide varied terrain for hiking, from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents.
Best hiking trails…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
5.0
(3)
38
hikers
11.3km
03:00
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
29
hikers
4.19km
01:11
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(4)
27
hikers
11.2km
03:01
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.86km
01:04
70m
70m
Hike the easy 2.4-mile Two Trees Trail in Grasslands National Park, gaining 227 feet with panoramic views of the prairie.
3
hikers
17.6km
04:42
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This short loop is one of the best introductions to Grasslands National Park and a great way to immerse yourself in the prairie landscape. You’ll mostly walk through rolling prairie with gentle ups and downs, offering wide views of grasslands and distant buttes. A viewing scope and a few benches along the way invite you to scan the horizon for birds like Sprague’s pipits and the Three Sisters buttes beyond the valley.
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Grasslands National Park offers a rare chance to hike through wide-open prairie where the horizon feels endless. Trails are subtle and lightly marked, so navigation skills are useful. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and wind layers, as shade is scarce, weather changes quickly, and the quiet, rolling landscape invites a slower, more mindful pace. Take time to enjoy the park’s unique geological formations, and keep an eye out for bison, which can often be seen roaming within the park boundaries.
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Red Buttes Trail cuts across open prairie and rolling hills before arriving at its namesake buttes. The trail is marked, but if you hike in early season you may need to do some route finding as the signage is often damaged during the harsh winters.
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Tucked in amongst the countless rolling hills, badlands, and gores the Red Buttes get their color, and name, from the oxidized iron carbonate they hold. This is a remote area, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is precious little shade in the grasslands.
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This 10 kilometer trail takes you through some of the best terrain Grasslands National Park has to offer. If you complete the full loop you'll pass through badlands, coulees, and mixed grass prairies. There is little to no shade, so early morning or late evening hikes are best during the warm summer months.
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Broken Hills Trailhead has no official parking lot, so cars are asked to pull as far off to the side of the road as possible and to be careful when the dirt roads here get muddy, as cars can get stuck. No restrooms or water fountains here, so come ready.
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Broken Hills Trail loops around native mixed-grass prairie, with gentle elevation gain and loss, rising and falling over rolling hills that feel vast and open. There is no shade, so bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
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The Red Adirondack Chairs are a nice place to rest and take a photo, and they’re part of Parks Canada’s “We saved you a seat” program. This program encourages visitors to stop, reflect, and appreciate the surrounding prairies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking in Grasslands National Park?
Grasslands National Park offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, rugged coulees, and steep ravines, all shaped by glacial meltwater. You'll find distinct areas like the Frenchman River Valley in the West Block and the dramatic badlands, particularly around Rock Creek, in the East Block. Prominent buttes, such as 70 Mile Butte, also provide elevated viewpoints and varied terrain.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Grasslands National Park?
Yes, Grasslands National Park has several easy trails. For instance, the 70 Mile Butte Trail – Grasslands National Park is an easy 4.2 km path offering panoramic views. Another accessible option is the Two Trees Trail, which is about 3.8 km long.
What unique wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Grasslands National Park?
Grasslands National Park is home to unique wildlife adapted to the prairie ecosystem. Hikers often have the chance to observe herds of plains bison, black-tailed prairie dog colonies (the only ones in Canada), pronghorns, and various birds like burrowing owls and greater sage-grouse. Be aware that rattlesnakes are also present in the park.
Can I hike off-trail or explore freely in Grasslands National Park?
Yes, beyond the marked trails, Grasslands National Park allows for 'wild' exploration, meaning you can technically walk anywhere across the open prairie. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the landscape without the confines of defined paths, though navigation skills are useful as trails can be subtle.
What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks to see in Grasslands National Park?
The park is rich in natural landmarks. In the East Block, you can explore the dramatic Valley of 1000 Devils, known for its badlands formations. The West Block features the picturesque Frenchman River Valley and prominent buttes like 70 Mile Butte. The entire park is a protected mixed-grass prairie, showcasing a unique ecosystem.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Grasslands National Park?
The hiking routes in Grasslands National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the park's unique, untouched prairie landscapes and the opportunity for immersive outdoor experiences away from crowded areas.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Grasslands National Park?
Yes, there are circular routes available. A popular option is the Broken Hills Trail loop — Grasslands National Park, which is about 11.2 km and takes approximately 3 hours to complete, leading you through the mixed-grass prairie.
What is the best way to experience the different blocks of Grasslands National Park?
The park is divided into East and West Blocks, each with distinct features. For scenic views and access to trailheads, consider driving the Ecotour Scenic Drive in the West Block or the Badlands Parkway in the East Block. These drives offer breathtaking vistas and connect you to various points of interest and hiking opportunities.
How many hiking trails are available in Grasslands National Park?
Grasslands National Park offers a good selection of hiking opportunities. There are 8 distinct hiking routes documented, with an even split of 4 easy and 4 moderate trails, catering to various fitness levels.
Is Grasslands National Park a good place for stargazing after a hike?
Absolutely. Grasslands National Park is recognized as the darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada. This makes it an exceptional location for stargazing, offering unparalleled opportunities to view the night sky after a day of exploring the trails.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes in Grasslands National Park?
For those seeking a longer and more challenging experience, the Red Buttes Trail — Grasslands National Park is a moderate route spanning approximately 17.6 km. Another challenging option is the Valley of 1000 Devils Route, which is about 11.3 km and explores the dramatic badlands of the East Block.
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