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Police Outpost Provincial Park adventures

Police Outpost Provincial Park Adventures

Police Outpost Provincial Park offers a remote wilderness experience in southwest Alberta, featuring rugged badlands, diverse wildlife, and excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.

27,000
Acres Protected
20+
Miles of Trails
15,000
Annual Visitors
1979
Year Established

About Police Outpost Provincial Park

 

Police Outpost Provincial Park is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, near the Montana border. The park preserves an extensive area of rugged badlands, coulees, sandstone hoodoos, and mixed prairie grasslands. The landscape is shaped by deep river valleys and sedimentary rock formations, presenting dramatic views and unique geological features that attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The area is rich in natural history and was once used as an outpost for policing patrols in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which gave the park its name. Its remote setting provides solitude and excellent wildlife habitat, including populations of mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, various raptors, and numerous songbirds. Visitors enjoy hiking diverse trails that offer opportunities to explore geological formations and observe wildlife in natural settings. The park's connection to the nearby Milk River and the international border enriches its cultural and natural significance. Recreational activities such as camping, birdwatching, photography, and off-road driving are popular. The park is valued for its quiet atmosphere and minimal development, making it a desirable location for visitors seeking a wilderness experience in southwestern Alberta.

Highlights

Highlight

Extensive badlands and hoodoo formations showcasing unique geology

Highlight

Abundant birdwatching opportunities with species such as golden eagles and prairie falcons

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Historic importance linked to early policing and border patrols

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Remote camping sites offering dark skies and solitude

Notable Natural Features

Milk River Badlands

An expansive area characterized by heavily eroded sandstone formations, hoodoos, and coulees carved by the Milk River.

Police Outpost Creek

A small tributary running through the park, supporting riparian vegetation and attracting diverse wildlife species.

Border Proximity

The park lies adjacent to the Canada-US border, near Montana, adding a layer of historical significance related to border patrol activities.