Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi
Hoodoos, the Milk River and one of the largest collections of rock art on the Great Plains.
About Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi
Along the Milk River southeast of Lethbridge, sandstone hoodoos hold thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs at more than 50 sites. The park is sacred to the Blackfoot and protects one of the largest areas of prairie in the Alberta park system.
A brief history
The site is also known as Áísínai'pi, a Blackfoot word meaning "it is pictured" or "written". It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 6, 2019. Much of the rock art was probably created by Blackfoot ancestors, and it depicts war honours, battles and spirit beings.
RV tips
- The park has a riverside campground, booked through Alberta Parks. It's a great base, with summer river floats.
- About 44 km east of Milk River. Final access is on secondary roads.
- Some rock art areas are only open on guided tours. Book ahead.
- Summer heat is intense. Carry water and shade.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Writing-on-Stone Campground (Alberta Parks, typical about $35/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping