Bighorn Backcountry – Trail and area updates

Important notices

Closures due to flooding as of June 24, 2022

Hummingbird camping areas and trails remain closed until further notice due to damage to the road access at the switchback.

Bighorn Creek campground in the Ya Ha Tinda remains closed until further notice.

Updates can also be found at: Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association or Clearwater County.

Panther Road: Change of OHV usage designation

Due to numerous complaints and instances of misuse, the pilot project to allow OHV use on the Panther Road has been cancelled for this year. We will be scouting possible trail connections to rectify the concerns. Signs and notices in the area will reflect this change, the Bighorn Backcountry brochure will be amended for 2023.

Abraham Lake vehicle restriction: April 1 to December 1

No motorized vehicles April 1 to December 1, 2022, 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 and stops growing on the bank) to avoid facing a fine ($300) and getting stuck (tow bills average $1,500).

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 2022 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 2022 Bighorn Backcountry brochure.

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 2022 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