Go Big and Go Bad

I'd been here once before, but it was long enough ago that July's exploration of the area seemed new. I specifically remembered driving what seemed like forever across wide, flat prairie and wondering how in the world there could possibly be a town anywhere in the next thousand kilometres. 

So when we saw the sign to turn toward Horseshoe Canyon, I knew we were almost to our destination: Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands.

Looking at the helicopter landing area from the edge of the precipice, you'd never think you were on anything but flat expansive fields. Turn around 180 degrees, though, and you have this:

It's very difficult to do the immensity of the canyon justice through a camera lens. For some perspective, I present to you the farm house and buildings in the top right corner.

Then it's down into the gorge to  Drumheller, winding our way through the town via the Dinosaur Trail and up onto the opposite cliff.

On the other side: Horsethief Canyon, loaded with 120 degree views of hoodoos and hiking trails far, far below.

Behind us again - great big sky.

And with a bit of patience, this little dude.

Then, once again, the road winds down into the gorge to the Red Deer River, and crosses via an unexpected ride on the Bleriot Ferry, only to continue up and around the first cliff base to the Orkney ViewPoint and then circle back the way you came.

With all of the tourist attractions that Drumheller proper has to offer taken care of on my previous visit, we arrived back at the highway with plenty of time to complete our mission in one day, and took a bit of a scenic route home. The trail itself consists of 48km of unique natural beauty and should not be missed by any level of adventurer!