The Rosebud River passes through agricultural lands[1] and ranchland for most of its course, and through badlands in its final reaches.

The Rosebud River originates in central Alberta, at an elevation of 1,095 meters (3,593 ft), southwest of Didsbury.

It flows north and has a dam before it is crossed by Highway 582 and the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks.

The river then turns north-east, and its course is followed by the Canadian National Railway tracks as it is crossed by Highway 841.

From origin to mouth, the Rosebud River receives the following tributaries or passes through these geographic features: Download coordinates as: