Important notices
Flooding and high water flows in the Bighorn Backcountry make some roads, crossings and trails in this area unsafe. There may be unmarked trail damage and stream crossings that have been compromised.
Travellers in the Bighorn Backcountry should exercise caution and be prepared 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.
Trail and area closures
Bighorn Dam Area D5 to D6, D6 to D7, DD to DE, DA to DF - Temporary trail closure to OHVs
Effective July 19, 2019 until further notice, please see this map (PDF, 651 KB) for a temporary trail closure due to restoration work being performed by Bighorn Heritage ATV Society.
Until further notice: Temporary trail closures to OHV traffic due to flooding and erosion
Upper Clearwater / Ram PLUZ: Scalp Creek Trail
- CC8 to the intersection with Eagle Lake Trail.
Kiska / Willson PLUZ – Tershishner, Bighorn Dam and North Ram areas
- T1, T2 to T3 on the east trail
- D15 to D16
- D14, D16, D17, DI and the trail portions shown thereafter
These temporary closures are shown in bright green on the 2019 Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ brochure located at:
For other trail or area closures located outside of the Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ, please visit:
Trail and area updates
| Effective July 1, 2019 | ||
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| Trail or Area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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Wagon trails are open to wagon use until April 30, 2020 |
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Trails denoted in light purple are open to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2020. |
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Trails denoted in orange are open to off-highway vehicle use until February 1, 2020 and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2020. |
| Effective June 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trail or Area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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Trails closed for equestrian use. These trails will re-open for equestrian use October 1, 2019. |
| Effective May 1, 2019 | ||
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| Trail or Area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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Trails denoted in dark green are closed to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use until December 1, 2019. |
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Random sledding areas are closed to snow vehicle use until December 1, 2019. |
| Effective July 19, 2010 | ||
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| 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. Please ensure that you take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome to local bat populations. See: |
Area information for Bighorn Backcountry
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
- Blackstone River
- 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
To connect with AEP 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: laura.raivio@gov.ab.ca
Wayne Crocker
Email: wayne.crocker@gov.ab.ca
Don Livingston
Email: don.livingston@gov.ab.ca
John Tchir
Email: john.tchir@gov.ab.ca