Bighorn Backcountry – Trail and area updates

Alberta Fire Bans

Advisories – Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area – Alberta Parks

Trails at the Bighorn Dam and Tershishner areas are closed to off highway vehicles (OHV) usage May 1 to June 30 each year to allow for spring runoff to occur, trails to re-harden and wildlife to have their young. Camping is still permitted but while OHV usage closures are in place around the Bighorn Dam, OHVs should remain loaded.  You are able to haul your OHVs with you for use on other designated trails that are open during that time. For alternative areas, visit Public Land Use Zones.

No motorized vehicles April 30 to December 1 below the 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/stops growing on the bank) to avoid facing a fine ($300) and getting stuck (tow bills average $1,500).

Construction will be occurring at the Bighorn Dam to make improvements to the rustic camping areas starting in spring 2023 and will continue until fall 2023. This will be a phased construction process so refer to on-site signage to direct you to areas open for camping. Visitors are advised to obey all signage and stay out of the construction areas.

Parking area, random camping road, structural and trail enhancements will be taking place at various sites along the Highway 11 corridor west of Nordegg. Areas with active construction may be temporarily closed, without notice, for the duration of the work. There are no set dates for each site as it is time and weather dependent. Overall commencement is set to start August 25, 2022 until snowfall, recommencing spring 2023 until August 5, 2023.

Through a collaboration with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, portions of Highway 734 deemed appropriate for OHV trail connectivity have been designated to allow for OHV use. These portions are reflected on the 2023 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.

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 2023 Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ brochure located at:

• Bighorn Backcountry – Overview

For other trail or area closures located outside of the Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ, visit:

• Public land and trail closures