The Most Instagrammable Rocks in the Prairies
Want to get off the beaten path? Say, “Hello,” to Saskatchewan’s Roche Percee, a prairie gem of history, hoodoos, and hikes. This underrated wonder lies tucked away in a southeastern pocket of the province where history, culture, and nature collide.
Roche Percee just might be the poster child for hidden gems. I have lived in Saskatchewan for over 40 years and driven within 10 miles of this jewel multiple times. Yet somehow, I never knew it existed until this week.
With the forecast predicting sunny skies and Easter holidays on our doorstep, Sarah and I were ready for some adventure. We left home Monday, planning to camp in Moose Jaw and explore the Big Muddy Badlands the next morning.
If there’s one thing we can count on while travelling, it’s that our best laid plans will always have a hitch! And this was no exception. After a weekend of spring sunshine and t-shirt weather, we woke up to a blanket of snow Tuesday morning. And if that wasn’t enough, we discovered they weren’t opening any of the places we planned to visit for another month.
There we were, already in Moose Jaw, two free days ahead of us, and nowhere to go. Time for a new plan—and maybe a little backroad magic.
Getting to Roche Percee (and Our Snowy Detour)
Roche Percee sits just 23 km from the North Portal border crossing and about 259 km from Moose Jaw if you stick to the direct route along Highway 39 (orange line on the map).
Spoiler Alert: we didn’t take the direct route!
We opted for a pit stop in Montmartre (blue line on the map) to check out Saskatchewan’s very own Eiffel Tower—yes, that exists! And yes, we snapped our picture from inside the car! Did I mention the spring snowstorm?
The route we chose included about 30 km of gravel, which wouldn’t usually be an issue. But with the fresh snow, the road was soft and rutted, and we had to be vigilant to avoid getting pulled into the ditch.
Travel tip: If you’re taking this route in questionable road conditions (snow, rain, or muddy season), skip the backroads. From Montmartre, follow the green line west to Highway 47 before heading south. It’s a safer bet when Mother Nature is being dramatic!
The Roche Percee Rocks
We finally got to the rocks, and they did not disappoint. The Roche Percee Rocks deliver an afternoon of adventure that is suitable for all ages- and teenager approved! With stunning sandstone formations and opportunities for exploration, the area invites both quiet reflection and adventure seeking discovery. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or simply taking in the views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We came for the rocks, but stayed to learn about their past—one etched with tales of fugitives, secret hideouts, and outlaw legends that still echo through the hills.
Related Read: The Crooked Bush- A Twisted Forest Full of Mystery
Outlaw Legends of Roche Percee
Roche Percee is the perfect follow up outing to Moose Jaw. If you enjoy the intrigue and mystery of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, you can follow the folklore and imagine Al Capone and his rum runners hiding out in the caves and rocks that mark the area. The wider Souris River Valley and surrounding areas offered both a secluded refuge for bootleggers and ideal pathways for transporting contraband across the border during the Prohibition Era. As is the case with Moose Jaw, there is little to no documented evidence of Capone’s presence here, but the area was known for its bootlegging and cross border shenanigans, making it ripe for legends to prosper.
While Capone may have been the most infamous outlaw of the time, there were no shortage of others looking for safe havens to conduct their business. There are a myriad of stories around horse thieves, deserting fur traders, fugitive cross border outlaws, shoot outs and secret trails. While the exact ratio of fact to fiction may be unclear, one thing is for certain: the land holds stories of a different time where lawlessness was rampant and the landscape held as much danger as it did wonder.
Related Read: Uncovering the Tunnels of Moose Jaw-History or Hype?
Indigenous Significance
Beyond the outlaw legends and Prohibition-era folklore, Roche Percee holds deep cultural significance that stretches back far beyond the rum-running days. For the Indigenous peoples of this region — including the Assiniboine, Cree, and Métis — this land, located in Treaty 2 territory, has always been sacred. The unique rock formations weren’t just curious geological features; they were powerful symbols, believed to hold spiritual energy and serve as places of vision, ceremony, and connection to the land and ancestors.
Some of the earliest stories tied to Roche Percee involve petroglyphs etched into the stone — carvings that may have depicted thunderbirds, spirit beings, or messages meant to echo across generations. The land itself acted as a kind of storyteller, a keeper of memory and meaning. Whether used for quiet reflection, rites of passage, or traditional gatherings, this was — and remains — a place of significance. Even now, Indigenous communities continue to recognize its importance, holding ceremony and working to preserve the stories embedded in the stone.
Geological Gem
As much as we appreciated the folklore and cultural significance that embody the rocks and surrounding hills, the area’s greatest value lies in its rugged, natural beauty.
Roche Percee is a geological wonder carved over millennia by wind and water, creating the iconic “Pierced Rocks.” These striking sandstone formations are a rare sight in Saskatchewan, shaping a dramatic landscape found nowhere else in the province. Quiet trails wind through the hoodoos and bluffs, where hikers can possibly spot local wildlife, explore the trails, or sit on a bench and soak up the magic inherent in the land. It’s a place where nature speaks in subtle echoes, and the land feels timeless. A hidden gem for hikers, photographers, and history buffs alike, Roche Percee is truly an adventurer’s delight.
Roche Percee Wrap Up
Roche Percee is one of Canada’s best kept secrets, meaning you won’t find any crowds here. As always, please remember to explore responsibly and tread lightly. Cherish our natural wonders and protect them for the future by following Leave No Trace practices. When we walk gently, the land reveals its truest beauty. Engage with this sacred place, and immerse yourself in the beauty and intrigue of Roche Percee. Revel in nature’s masterpiece, reflect on the past, and remember the one who feeds our souls by gifting us the awe inspiring playgrounds of the earth.
