The route begins at a signalized intersection with Highway 9 in central Drumheller approximately 400 m (1,300 ft) south of the Red Deer River.

It becomes to a two-lane rural highway with a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph) as it passes the Drumheller Regional Landfill and jogs to within 100 m (330 ft) of the Red Deer River.

The highway continues for another 4 km (2.5 mi) and enters Rosedale where the limit again reduces to 50 km/h.

[5] Highway 10/56 continues across the Rosebud River, exiting Rosedale where the speed limit again increases to 100 km/h.

[6] East of Rosedale, Highway 56 splits due south toward Dalum and Hussar, while Highway 10 continues to the southeast to Cambria after which it crosses the Red Deer River.