Valley of 1000 Devils Trail

The Valley of 1000 Devils Trail is generally considered challenging and difficult. While some sections might be easy, navigation can be an intermediate to advanced skill, as official trails can be almost invisible in parts. It's a 10 km return trail that typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

The trail offers a landscape of striking contrasts. You'll wind through coulees and mixed-grass prairie before descending into the basin of Hellfire Creek. This leads to rugged badlands with unique geological formations like clay buttes, hoodoos, and steep-sided drainages. The scenery is often described as 'otherworldly,' featuring bizarre rock formations and multi-coloured strata, along with exposed fossil beds and the visible K-T line.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the park's wildlife and natural environment.

Due to the area's distinctive microclimate where temperatures can feel significantly hotter, it's strongly advised to plan hikes for early morning or early evening. This helps avoid the extreme heat, especially during warmer months. The trail is also renowned as one of Canada's best dark sky preserves, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities, making evenings particularly special.

Yes, the Valley of 1000 Devils Trail is located within Grasslands National Park — East Block. A Parks Canada pass or daily entrance fee is required to enter the park. You can find more information on fees and passes on the Parks Canada website.

Specific parking details for the Valley of 1000 Devils Trail are typically available through Grasslands National Park visitor information. Given the trail's remote nature, it's best to confirm the exact trailhead access points and parking availability directly with the park before your visit.

You should prepare for extreme heat by carrying plenty of water, as no potable water sources are available on the trail. Due to limited cell service and potentially invisible trails, a GPS device and good navigation skills are highly recommended. Appropriate hiking footwear and sun protection are also essential.

Absolutely. The trail is famous for its unique badlands environment, featuring striking clay buttes, hoodoos, and steep-sided drainages. You can observe exposed fossil beds, some containing remains of triceratops and hadrosaurs, and even spot the K-T line, a geological division over 65.5 million years old, visible in the hoodoos.

Yes, the route passes through sections of other trails. The Komoot tour for this area includes parts of the Old Wagon Trail and the Valley of 1000 Devils Trail itself, among others like Rock Creek Trail and Red Butes Trail.

No, there are no potable water sources available directly on the trail. Hikers are strongly advised to carry plenty of water, especially given the potential for extreme heat in the area's microclimate.

The Valley of 1000 Devils, located within Grasslands National Park, is recognized as one of Canada's best Dark Sky Preserves. This designation means the area has minimal artificial light pollution, providing exceptional conditions for stargazing and observing celestial phenomena, making it a prime location for astronomy enthusiasts.