COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
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 Upper Clearwater/Ram PLUZ, digital mapping options and smaller, area-specific Cutoff Creek and Hummingbird 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.
- 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 at: 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 and in sledding areas.
- 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 January 1985 to provide year-round opportunities for motorized, non-motorized and equestrian recreation. Seasonal access for motorized is permitted only on designated trails.
This area is 1907 square kilometres (736 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 Alberta Environment and Parks:
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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