The hoodoos outside of Drumheller, Alberta are an interesting part of the Badlands. Hoodoos are scattered throughout the Drumheller valley. We were able to visit the official protected Hoodoos site, which is now designated as a Provincial Historic Resource. At this site, you are able to walk around the hoodoos without getting too close and causing damage to them. We hadn’t seen them before, so this was a new experience for us.
The hoodoos are also known as fairy chimneys and earth pyramids. They are tall rock pillars made from soft sedimentary rock (sandstone) on the bottom part and capped or topped by a harder rock. This cap is more resistant to time and erosion and it protects the softer rock from eroding as fast as the rock that is surrounding it. Eventually, over time, 4 to 7 metre tall rock pillars the shape of mushrooms are created.
It sounds like the aboriginal peoples may have had different ideas about the hoodoos. Some thought they were petrified giants who came alive at night and threw rocks at people. Others thought they were giants who were turned to stone because of their evil deeds. Still others thought they were evil giant gods who were turned to stone by the Great Spirit.
The scenery in that area has such a different look than we see here in Ontario. The drive around Drumheller to the Hoodoos is very interesting.
Hoodoos. It’s interesting looking at them and seeing how they have developed over the years. God has made an interesting world for us to look at and experience.
By faith we understand that the universe was created
by the Word of God, so that what is seen
was not made out of things that are visible.
Hebrews 11:3
by the Word of God, so that what is seen
was not made out of things that are visible.
Hebrews 11:3