Looking for the weirdest hike in Canada? The Crooked Bush offers a walk through nature’s glitch. Tucked away in the heart of rural Saskatchewan, this tiny grove of aspen trees grows in wild, twisted spirals—gnarled, bent, and completely mystifying. Surrounded by ordinary, straight-growing aspens, these contorted trees seem to defy the natural laws of the forest. Let’s dive into one of the strangest groves in Canada, where neither science nor folklore can fully explain the phenomenon.
Years ago I heard stories of the crooked bushes —just an hour away, nestled into rural Saskatchewan—but never gave them much thought. On a complete whim the girls and I decided to finally chase down this weird anomaly for ourselves. Leaving Saskatoon we passed our usual turnoff to home and kept heading west on highway 16.
Sarah loaded up Apple Maps, and we were off on our latest backroad adventure- that definitely was not the most direct route! Several backroad turns and an hour or so later, we were relieved to see a sign telling us we were on the right path. Honestly, I was beginning to wonder if Sarah put the wrong place into Maps!
Directions to the Crooked Bush
If you’re coming from Saskatoon, take Highway 16 west toward Radisson. Learn from our navigating mistakes: for the most direct route (and the least gravel!), turn north at the Red Bull Restaurant in Radisson.
Continue until you reach Hafford, where you’ll spot a gas station with possibly the cheapest fuel we’ve seen- fill up here! Keep heading west. Follow the signs (if you see them!) and trust Maps … mostly.
But heads up: near the grove, we were told to turn into what looked like an abandoned farmyard. Don’t! The Crooked Bush is actually across the road—but it’s super easy to miss. We literally had to double back because we drove past it.
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First Impressions of the Crooked Bush
The moment we arrived, we knew this wasn’t just any forest. It looked like a set from a Halloween movie—twisted, quiet, and just a little bit haunted. Visiting in early spring, before the leaves were budding or the grass turning green, only added to the eerie, otherworldly vibe.
As we stepped onto the path, we scanned the grove in silence, surrounded by trees curled in impossible directions. A quiet unease hung in the air—like the trees had a hundred stories to tell, but were choosing to keep their secrets. It felt like we’d crossed into an alternate reality—one where trees twist every which way but up. We let the forest pull us in, fully immersed in the mystery of it all.
The trees range from about 10-15 feet high, despite being over 70 years old. As the other trembling aspen nearby can attest, a regular grove of this age would be 65-80 feet tall. Possibly the strangest things about the Crooked Bush is that it is an isolated oddity.
Just across the road, the aspen trees grow tall and straight—exactly how you’d expect. Same soil, same weather, same stretch of prairie. One step to the left, and you’re in a grove of twisted, gnarled trees that seem to defy logic. One step to the right, and everything’s back to normal.
The Science Behind the Crooked Bush
Scientists haven’t been able to fully explain the mystery of the Crooked Bush. What they do know is that it wasn’t caused by wind, soil, or environmental damage. Extensive testing and soil analysis along with the perfectly normal trees across the road have eliminated these possibilities.
The leading theory is that the anomaly seems to be caused by some type of inherited genetic mutation. Trembling aspens often reproduce by cloning (sending up new shoots from a shared root system). This means that if a mutation occurs, it can be passed on through the entire grove — creating a whole colony of crooked trees.
To test this theory, scientists have transplanted slips (cuttings) from the Crooked Bush to other locations. In every case, the transplanted trees grew with the same twisted patterns, despite being in different soil and environments. These results strongly support the idea that the cause is genetic — not environmental.
However scientist still don’t know what the mutation is or what caused it. The Crooked Bush is a delightful enigma that teases scientists and visitors alike with its pointed, twisted limbs and tightly held secrets while quietly defying nature’s most basic laws.
Folklore Behind the Twisted Trees
As is often the case when science doesn’t offer a satisfying answer, folklore rushes in to fill the gaps. Theories swirl around the Crooked Bush — everything from aliens and electromagnetic fields to fairy circles and ancient magic.
And honestly, with an atmosphere this eerie, a good ghost story just fits.
Visitors have reported feeling watched, even when alone. Some claim to have seen a woman in white drifting silently between the trees at dusk. Others say they’ve been scared out of the grove by strange lights, sudden cold gusts, or whispers in the dark — as if the trees themselves are alive and murmuring secrets they don’t want heard. Let’s be real, these answers are a lot more fun and satisfying than the science!
Tips and Best Practices When Visiting
The Crooked Bush is on private property, and it is important to treat it with respect to preserve it for the future. We understand the temptation to climb the trees. The first thing Sarah asked when we got there was whether of not she could climb them. Please resist the temptation. Do not climb the trees or break any branches as this can harm them. Furthermore, do not leave any litter, and stay on the boardwalk path in order to protect the forest. In short follow Leave no Trace best practices.
There is a little outhouse just outside the grove, but don’t count on it being stocked with toilet paper or soap and water.
There is also a picnic table there, making it a great place to have some lunch. Again please make sure you pack out anything you pack in.
Note that the Crooked Bush is not accessible for mobility challenged visitors as the boardwalk is in rough shape. There are several places in the boardwalk with missing or broken boards. Howver, the grove is very small, and the path through it is flat and only 200 meters, making it accesible for most ability levels.
Wrap up
The Crooked Bush is an enchanting blend of mystery and natural wonder. If you want to get off the beaten track and explore one of Canada’s true hidden gems, take the short trek out of town. The twisted trees will inspire awe, wonder, and curiosity.
