Exploring – and Photographing – Red Rock Coulee

By Nerissa McNaughton on May 16, 2025.

Summer is the perfect time to make memories, and what better way to capture those moments than through photography? You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy gear to document your adventures; your smartphone is all you need. With a little creativity and the right tips, you can take stunning photos that perfectly encapsulate your experiences.

One destination that calls out to explorers and photographers alike is Red Rock Coulee. From its iconic red sandstone formations to sweeping prairie views, it is a prime location for exploration and photos. Let’s venture into this natural area and learn more!

What is Red Rock Coulee?

Red Rock Coulee Natural Area is one of Canada’s most striking yet lesser-known destinations.

It is renowned for its rare geological formations. The landscape features massive, spherical red rocks called sandstone concretions. These boulders, some reaching up to 2.5 meters in diameter, are thought to be among the largest of their kind in the world.

Over centuries, these formations eroded from softer bedrock layers, leaving behind a dramatic display of nature’s artistry.

Aside from the rocks, the area has steep-sided valleys (called coulees), hoodoos, and uplands covered with prairie grasses and flora like gumbo primrose, prairie crocus, and even prickly pear cacti.

A Deep Past

The history of Red Rock Coulee dates back over 70 million years to the time when sedimentary layers formed across Alberta. Its deep red hue is attributed to the oxidization of iron in the rock. This site is a favorite among geologists and paleontologists, as these sandstone concretions provide insight into Earth’s ancient processes.

The Indigenous peoples of the Plains region have a deep spiritual and cultural connection with landscapes like Red Rock Coulee. When visiting, it’s vital to show respect and acknowledge the Indigenous heritage tied to the site.

Smartphone Photography Tips for Capturing Red Rock Coulee

With your smartphone and a few techniques, you can create great images that highlight this natural site.

• Composition
  • Rule of Thirds: Activate the gridlines on your phone’s camera and position key elements (like a large red rock or the horizon) along these lines for balanced, eye-catching compositions.
  • Foreground, Midground, Background: Use the spherical rocks in the foreground with the coulee or prairie in the background for a sense of depth and scale.
  • Frame with Nature: Use nearby rocks, wildflowers, or grasses to create a natural frame around your subject and draw attention to it.

• Lighting
  • Golden Hour: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) when the sun casts soft, warm light, emphasizing the deep red hues of the rocks and adding drama to your shots.
  • Backlighting: Position the sun behind your subject for a glowing silhouette effect, great for capturing the dramatic contours of the formations.
  • Cloudy Days: Overcast skies eliminate harsh shadows and bring out the soft textures and earthy tones of the coulee, so don’t hesitate to shoot when it’s cloudy.

• Angles
  • Low Angles: Get down low to make the spherical rocks look larger and more monumental against the sky.
  • Dynamic Diagonals: Position horizons or rock lines diagonally to add energy and movement to your photos.

• Use Smartphone Features
  • HDR Mode: Use High Dynamic Range (HDR) to balance bright skies and shadowed rocks, ensuring every detail is visible in high-contrast scenes.
  • Panorama: The wide, open prairie is ideal for panorama shots that showcase the expansive beauty of Red Rock Coulee. Slowly pan your phone to create a seamless, visual story.
  • Macro Mode (if available): Get close-ups of the intricate textures on the rocks or a blooming wildflower. This adds variety to your gallery.

Plan Your Visit to Red Rock Coulee Today

Whether you’re looking to connect with Alberta’s history, take in rare geological formations, enjoy a peaceful hike in a unique setting, or are looking to take some amazing photos of a natural landscape, this one-of-a-kind spot won’t disappoint. Did you take some great pictures? Share them in the comments below.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups  Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and  food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

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