Bighorn Backcountry - Overview and Maps

There are many recreational opportunities in the Bighorn Backcountry. Before heading out, check for any trail and area closures in effect:

• Public land closures and advisories
   

Learn more about where to go, activity rules and best practices to have a safe and fun trip!

• Camping
• Motorized recreation on public land
  Review guidelines for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use including ATVs, snowmobiles and more.
• Non-motorized recreation on public land
  Find information about the following activities:
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Climbing and caving
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
  • Cycling
  • Equestrian use
  • Hiking
• Visit the My Wild Alberta website for information about:
  • Hunting
  • Sportfishing

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: 

• Recreation on public land – Know before you go

Start planning your next adventure: 

• Alberta’s Public Land Trail Guide

For details about the Bighorn Backcountry and Public Land Use Zones (PLUZs), including maps, access and contact information, permitted recreational activities and types of services offered, review:

• Bighorn Backcountry public land use zones
  This Open Government record includes the Bighorn Backcountry brochure as well as individual information for the following Bighorn Backcountry PLUZs:
  • Blackstone Wapiabi
  • Dormer Sheep
  • Job/Cline
  • Kiska/Willson
  • Panther Corners
  • Upper Clearwater/Ram

Find general information, maps and brochures for Alberta’s Public Land Use Zones both within and beyond the Bighorn Backcountry.

• Public Land Use Zones

• Bighorn Backcountry public land use zones [area and trail brochures]
  Visit this record in the Open Publications portal to access the latest set of brochures and trail maps for the following locations in the Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones (PLUZs):
  • Allstones Area
  • Bighorn Dam Area
  • Cline River Corridor
  • Cutoff Creek Area
  • Hummingbird Area
  • Nordegg Area
  • Shunda/Goldeye Area

Cave closure notice

Wapiabi Cave in the Blackstone/Wapiabi PLUZ is closed as of July 19, 2010. For more information, visit: 

• Public land closures and advisories

For the Georeferenced maps referenced in the Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ brochure, see:

• Allstones Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 17.1 MB)
• Bighorn Backcountry Full PLUZ – Georeferenced (PDF, 21.0 MB)
• Bighorn Dam Area - Georeferenced (PDF, 6.3 MB)
• Cline River Corridor Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 67.8 MB)
• Cutoff Creek Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 26.2 MB)
• Hummingbird Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 21.3 KB)
• Nordegg Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 1.1 MB)
• Shunda/Goldeye Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 6.0 MB)
• Tershishner Area – Georeferenced (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Disclaimer: PDF Map Reader Application

The above georeferenced maps contain interactive information that can only be accessed through specific reader apps. In order to access the georeferenced information the following app can be used:

• PDF Maps – Avenza Systems Inc.

This app is only compatible with Apple iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Windows Phones. It cannot be used on desktops and laptops.

Please note that these maps can still be viewed with a standard PDF viewer, but the additional enhancements will not be functional.