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Public Lands Camping Pass required
A Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Important notice
The Clearwater and Skeleton Creek Trails to the Scalp Creek Random Sledding Area will remain open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use until February 16, 2026 (Pilot 2026). This includes from CC3 (Cutoff Creek Public Land Recreation Area) through CC5 to CC9, and to the Scalp Creek Random Sledding Area. This access is restricted to the trails only and does not include the random sledding area.
Overview
Alberta's Bighorn Backcountry covers 5,000 square kilometres (1.2 million acres) of public lands east of the Banff and Jasper National Parks. To facilitate area management, the Bighorn Backcountry is subdivided into 6 Public Land Use Zones (PLUZs), land areas subject to legislative controls under the authority of Alberta’s Forests Act and Public Lands Administration Regulation. Recreational activities allowed in each PLUZ can vary greatly depending on local conditions.
Plan your visit
Find your destination
Area map and brochure
Download the current map and brochure of the Bighorn Backcountry at:
- Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones Brochure
- Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones Map (georeferenced)
Provincial trail guide
Download a copy of the Public Land Trail Guide and start planning your next adventure:
Check for trail and area closures
There are many recreational opportunities in the Bighorn Backcountry but conditions in the area may change due to construction, weather, wildfire, problem wildlife or other factors. Before heading out, check for any trail and area closures in effect at:
Review best practices and regulations for outdoor activities
Learn more about where to go, activity rules and best practices to have a safe and fun trip!
Table 1. Alberta outdoor recreation best practices resource listing
| Activity | Resource |
| Camping | Camping on public land |
| Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use including ATVs, snowmobiles and more | Motorized recreation on public land |
| Non-motorized recreation on public land |
| My Wild Alberta website |
For more information to help you plan your next Alberta outdoor adventure, see:
Practice responsible recreation
The Alberta government is responsible for managing the Bighorn Backcountry. Area management helps ensure environmental protection while allowing responsible and sustainable recreational use.
If you are planning a visit to the Bighorn Backcountry, remember that it is your responsibility to become familiar with recreational activities allowed in the area. Visitors who do not follow the rules could be fined or charged under provincial legislation.
Learn more about responsible recreation at:
Use caution when travelling in the Bighorn Backcountry
Due to extreme weather events and natural occurrences such as fire, flood and heavy snowfall that can take place in the region, travellers in the Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones should exercise caution. For details, see:
Trail and area updates
Contact
Connect with the nearest Clearwater Area Provincial Office to obtain a paper copy of the Bighorn Backcountry brochure, or for additional information about the area:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Rocky Mountain House
Phone: 403-845-8250
Toll free: 310-LAND (5263) (in Alberta)
Drayton Valley
Phone: 780-542-6616
Toll free: 310-LAND (5263) (in Alberta)
Call 310-LAND anytime to report illegal activity, public safety issues, and enforcement concerns on Crown land (public land, provincial parks and protected areas).
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Bighorn Backcountry