Donalda Badlands

The Donalda Badlands are located in and around the village of Donalda, in central Alberta, Canada. They are situated in Meeting Creek Coulee along steep clay banks and rocky outcroppings in a dry prairie and aspen parkland environment. The area is accessible to public foot traffic on Donalda Ag Society land and is essentially a private park with permitted public use. It is a diverse mix of aspen and spruce forest, prairie grassland and arid style badlands. The region sits at the northern end of the semi-arid plains/prairie climate region that extends into parts of southern Alberta and the western US plains. It is home to some of the northernmost populations of Plains Prickly Pear Cacti or Opuntia Polyacantha. The area's geology is interesting with plenty of rocks transported by the glaciers from the Canadian Shield and sandstone hoodoos. There is also red rock, giving some spots a Utah canyon feel. The valley falls sharply from the surrounding prairie and the badlands contain a series of mound shaped buttes, making for quite varied topography. Historically, the area is interesting as well, since this private park can be reached via an old abandoned railway turned hiking trail. It is a gorgeous and interesting section of the Alberta badlands and is a nice, quiet alternative to Drumheller.

One of the prettiest and most overlooked landscapes in the province. Highly recommend checking the area out and stopping in to Donalda for some tea and baked goods

Beautiful sandstone, grass land and blue sky landscapes. Long winding battle river nestled down in the vally. Wild life and of course the worlds largest lamp in Donalda

Love exploring here!