Table of contents

Important notices

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/stops growing on the bank) to avoid facing a fine ($300) and getting stuck (tow bills average $1,500).

Red truck and large RV on Abraham Lake bottom
Black truck on Abraham Lake bottom
White truck and red SUV on Abraham Lake bottom

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 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 February 1, 2021
Trail or Area Public Land Use Zone Details
  • Whitegoat Trail
  • Joyce Creek
  • Clearwater Trail/Skeleton Creek Trail
  • Canary Creek Trail
  • Ranger Creek Trail
  • Job/Cline
  • Kiska/Willson
  • Upper Clearwater/Ram

Trails denoted in dark green are open for snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021 and closed to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use until December 1, 2021.
  • Brazeau River Trail
  • Hummingbird Creek Trail
  • Onion Creek Trail
  • Job/Cline
  • Kiska/Willson
  • Upper Clearwater/Ram

Trails denoted in orange on the brochure are open to snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021 and closed to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use until July 1, 2021.
Effective December 1, 2020
Trail or Area Public Land Use Zone Details
  • Peppers Lake Trails (New)
  • Kiska/Willson

Trails denoted in magenta are currently open to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021.
  • Sugarbowl Random Sledding Area
  • Onion Lake Random Sledding Area
  • Ranger Creek Random Sledding Area
  • Scalp Creek Random Sledding Area
  • Job/Cline
  • Upper Clearwater/Ram

Random sledding areas are open to snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021.
Effective October 1, 2020
Trail or Area Public Land Use Zone Details
  • Allstones Lake Trail
  • Waterfalls Creek Trail
  • Trails to Landslide Lake and Lake of the Falls
  • Kiska/Willson
  • Job/Cline

Trails open for equestrian use. These trails will remain open for equestrian use until May 31, 2021.
Effective July 1, 2020
Trail or Area Public Land Use Zone Details
  • Tershishner Area (Crescent Falls) Trails T1, T3-T9
  • Bighorn Dam Area
  • Eagle Lake Trail (New)
  • Kiska/Willson
  • Upper Clearwater/Ram

Trails denoted in light purple on the brochure are currently open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2021.
Effective July 19, 2010
Trail or Area Public Land Use Zone Details
  • Wapiabi Cave
  • Blackstone/Wapiabi

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
  • 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]