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- New temporary measures to reduce transmission come into effect starting Sept. 16.
- Get vaccinated: Everyone 12+ can book first and second doses now.
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. For more information, visit:
Important notices
Bighorn Dam Area Update – September 24, 2021
Work has been completed on all scheduled maintenance, and areas surrounding the facility are now reopened for recreational purposes, including the random camping area in the upper flats.
Pilot Project – Designated sections of Highway 734 (Forestry Trunk Road) permitting OHV usage
Through a collaboration with Alberta Transportation, portions of Highway 734 deemed appropriate for OHV trail connectivity have been designated to allow for OHV use. These portions are reflected on the 2021 Bighorn Backcountry brochure along the road in yellow.
- Operation is for recreational purposes only and must take place during daylight hours.
- Maximum speed limit is 50 km/hour.
- OHV shall be operated as close as practicable to the right edge of the roadway, unless passing another OHV travelling in the same direction or preparing for a left turn.
- Except when passing, OHVs may not be operated adjacent to one another. They must be operated directly in line when travelling in the same direction.
Change to trail usage timing – Tershishner Trail Highway 11 – T1 – T3 Only
Due to severe damage to portions of this section of trail, it has been temporarily designated with a new timing restriction for OHV use and snow vehicle use until a reroute can be assessed and implemented. This trail from Highway 11 through T1-T3 is only open to OHV use December 1 to April 30, as reflected in the color magenta on the 2021 Bighorn Backcountry brochure.
Abraham Lake vehicle restriction: April 1 to December 1, 2021
No motorized vehicles April 1 to December 1 below high water mark or on lake bottom.
Abraham Lake is a reservoir formed by the Bighorn Dam – water levels in the area fluctuate dramatically throughout the year as the dam helps regulate flows in the North Saskatchewan River.
It is dangerous to drive onto the lake bottom as water levels can change quickly, leading to vehicles getting stuck, being trapped and flooded over. Fluids and contaminants from abandoned vehicles, as well as garbage and human waste from camping, can impact water quality when lake levels rise, which is a concern for downstream drinking water and fish habitat.
Stay above the high water mark (where the vegetation starts or stops growing on the bank) to avoid facing a fine ($300) and getting stuck (tow bills average $1,500).
Other notices related to Bighorn Backcountry
Many areas within the Bighorn Backcountry do not have cell phone service. During an emergency the ability to reach and receive a response by emergency services may be delayed. Be prepared to adequately respond to situations that arise, regardless of your activity or location.
Be aware of your surroundings. There may be unmarked trail damage and stream crossings that have been compromised.
Exercise caution and be equipped for excursions to take longer than anticipated. Whether recreating over land or by water, know before you go, be responsible and encourage others to do the same.
Regular timing restrictions for trails can be found below and on the 2021 Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ brochure located at:
For other trail or area closures located outside of the Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ, visit:
Trail and area updates
| Effective October 1, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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Trails open for equestrian use. These trails will remain open for equestrian use until May 31, 2022. |
| Effective July 1, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|
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Trails denoted in light purple on the brochure are open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2022. |
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Trails denoted in orange on the brochure are open to OHV use until February 1, 2022 and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2022. |
| Effective May 1, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|
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Trails denoted in magenta are closed to OHV use and snow vehicle use until December 1, 2021. |
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Random sledding areas are closed to snow vehicle use until December 1, 2021. |
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Trails denoted in dark green are closed to OHV and snow vehicle use until December 1, 2021. |
| Effective July 19, 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|
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Wapiabi Cave is CLOSED to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome to bats. Ensure that you take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome to local bat populations. |
Area information
Find general information, maps and brochures for Alberta’s Public Land Use Zones both within and beyond the Bighorn Backcountry.
Bighorn Backcountry information kiosks
The Bighorn Backcountry map and brochure are available at information kiosks located in the following areas:
- Allstones Lake Staging Area (north of creek)
- Allstones Random Camping (south of creek)
- Bighorn Dam
- Coliseum Trail Staging Area
- Coral Creek Staging Area
- Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area
- Cutoff Creek Staging Area
- Eagle Creek Public Land Recreation Area
- Eagle Lake Trail / Scalp Creek Trail
- Hummingbird Staging Area (Canary Creek and Ranger Creek)
- Landslide Lake Staging Area
- Nordegg Rail Trail Connector Staging Area
- Nordegg Ranger Station Staging Area
- North Ram River
- Panther Corners Public Land Recreation Area
- Panther River Trail near Panther Patrol Cabin
- Pinto Lake Staging Area
- Preachers Point River Access
- Wapiabi Trail Staging Area
Contact
Connect with Alberta Environment and Parks Resource and Approvals staff for any questions about safety and enjoyment or management of the area:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Laura Raivio
Email: [email protected]
Wayne Crocker
Email: [email protected]
Don Livingston
Email: [email protected]
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