Due to the high to extreme fire danger in many parts of the province, Albertans are strongly advised to restrict outdoor recreation on public land in northwest Alberta. Review current public land restrictions, closures and advisories at:
Public Lands Camping Pass required
A Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
For advisories, timing restrictions and closures for this and other areas, visit:
Maps of this Area
Download current maps of the Bighorn Backcountry including the Kiska/Willson PLUZ, digital mapping options and smaller area-specific Allstones, Bighorn Dam, Cline River Corridor, Cutoff Creek, Nordegg, Shunda/Goldeye and Tershishner maps at: Bighorn Backcountry - Overview.
Area and trail information
View activity and trail information for the area:
Activities
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Camping
Public Lands Camping Pass required
A Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
- Random no-service, camping is permitted. Campsites must be 100 metres from a lakeshore and no permanent camp structures are allowed.
- Campsites and fires must be one kilometre (0.6 miles) from a Public Land Recreation Area (PLRA) or Provincial Recreation Area (PRA).
- Review the regulations and best practices for camping on public land.
- Nearby, partly serviced camping is available through: Alberta Parks.
- Helicopters are not permitted to land on a lake or within 200 metres (219 yards) of the lakeshore.
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Motorized
- Off-highway vehicles (OHV) permitted only on designated trails with the following weight and width restrictions:
- maximum weight of 590 kilograms (1,300 pounds)
- maximum wheel base of 185 centimetres (72.8 inches)
- maximum width of 178 centimetres (70 inches)
- maximum tire pressure of 110 kPa (16psi)
- For relevant clubs, trails and other information see: Alberta TrailNet, Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and Alberta Snowmobile Association.
- Snow vehicles permitted only on designated trails.
- Motorized boats are not permitted.
- Further information can be found at: Motorized Recreation on Public Land.
- Off-highway vehicles (OHV) permitted only on designated trails with the following weight and width restrictions:
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Non-motorized
- Hiking permitted.
- Equestrian permitted; trails available. Horse grazing or tethering must be at least 100 metres (109.4 yards) of a lakeshore. Equestrian users may be required to provide their own feed.
- Cross-country skiing permitted.
- For relevant clubs, trails and other information see, Alberta Cross-Country Skiing, Alberta TrailNet and Alberta Equestrian Federation.
- Review the regulations and best practices for non-motorized recreation on public land.
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Hunting
- Alberta hunting regulations apply. For details on hunting regulations, visit the My Wild Alberta website at: Hunting: Regulations.
- Hunting is not permitted in Provincial Recreation Areas (PRAs).
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Fishing
- Alberta fishing regulations apply. For details on fishing regulations, visit the My Wild Alberta website at: Fishing: Regulations.
About this area/PLUZ
This area was established in October 2002 to provide a network of trails for motorized, non-motorized and equestrian use. Seasonal access for motorized vehicles is permitted only on designated trails.
This area is 1,023 square kilometres (395 square miles).
Legislation, management, and planning
- Familiarize yourself with current legislation and regulations by visiting Public Land Enforcement.
- Bighorn Backcountry Access Management Plan
- North Saskatchewan Regional Planning Process
Stewardship, monitoring, and biodiversity initiatives
- Bighorn Backcountry – Monitoring
- Bighorn Backcountry Recreational Access Recommendations
- Check out the Outdoor Recreation Channel for current information on stewardship projects and citizen science opportunities.
Contact
Connect with us:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Rocky Mountain House Office
Phone: 403-845-8250
Toll free: 310-LAND (5263) (in Alberta)
Call 310-LAND anytime to report illegal activity, public safety issues, and enforcement concerns on Crown land (public land, provincial parks and protected areas).
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