Important notices
Be aware of your surroundings. 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
Emergency OHV Trail Closure: Tershishner / Crescent Falls Area
The OHV trails on the north side of Highway 11 in the Tershishner / Crescent Falls Area will remain closed for the summer until further notice.
Regular timing restrictions for trails can be found below and on the 2020 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, 2020 | ||
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| 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, 2021.
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| Effective July 1, 2020 | ||
| Trail or Area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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**Tershishner (Crescent Falls) area trails are closed until further notice. All other trails denoted in light purple on the brochure is currently open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021. |
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Trails denoted in orange on the brochure are currently open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use until February 1, 2021 and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021. |
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Wagon trails are open to wagon use until April 30, 2021. |
| Effective May 1, 2020 | ||
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| Trail or Area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
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Trails denoted in dark green are currently closed to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and snow vehicle use until December 1, 2020. |
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Trails denoted in magenta are currently closed to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use until December 1, 2020. |
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Random sledding areas are closed to snow vehicle use until December 1, 2020. |
| 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. |
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
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: 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