Grasslands National Park - West Block
My short stop over in the west block of Grasslands National Park wasn't without its setbacks. For one, I nearly ran out of gas on my way over from the east block. There are only a few town between the two blocks of the park that actually have a gas pump and they are all cardlock. If you’re not from the area and don’t know about it, like me, it requires you to have a pre-paid membership fuel card in order to access the pump. If you’re there during business hours, there may be an attendant around to help you out. Most seem to be closed on Sundays making your alternative to wait at the pump for a member to show up and pay them in cash to use their membership card. There is a pump in Val Marie, however, where all you need is a credit card. McCord and Mankota are the two towns with a pump, and they are closer to the West Block.
Grasslands is one of the darkest areas in Canada, and it was clouded over all night. I suppose it didn’t help that I was there close to the full moon either. Night photos in this dark sky preserve just weren’t going to be possible. The campground is very unsheltered and I experienced very strong gusts of wind. Right at dinner time too. Thankfully, there is nice shelter with water, electricity and even wifi right in the campground!
I was still able to enjoy some gorgeous views from Eagle Butte and 70 Mile Butte trails the first evening. I found lots of prickly pear along the hike. This would be an excellent place to return in July when they’re in bloom. The next morning, I drove to the borderlands outpost. It was largely clouded over, but I did get a few very brief gaps.
The borderlands outpost is at the south end of the park and looks across a valley into Montana.
Along the way, I saw some of my first pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and a coyote.
Other photos from this trip:
Grasslands National Park - East Block
Writing on Stone Provincial Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Banff National Park
Abraham Lake
Jasper National Park
