For advisories and closures for this and other areas, visit:
Maps of this area
A map for the Upper Clearwater/Ram Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) can be found at: Bighorn Backcountry: Upper Clearwater/Ram PLUZ.
Additional maps for the Bighorn Backcountry and the Upper Clearwater/Ram PLUZ, including digital mapping options for the entire Bighorn Backcountry PLUZ, as well as the Cutoff Creek and Hummingbird areas can be found at: Bighorn Backcountry - Overview.
Area and trail information
View activity and trail information for the area:
Activities
Camping
- 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 Recreation Area, Provincial Park or a roadway. For further information see: Recreation on public land - Overview.
- 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.
Motorized
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) permitted only on designated trails with the following weight and width restrictions, and date and trail 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 and Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association.
Snow vehicles permitted only on designated trails and in sledding areas.
Motorized boats are not permitted.
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 further information see: Recreation on public land - Overview.
For relevant clubs, trails and other information see, Alberta Cross-Country Skiing, Alberta TrailNet and Alberta Equestrian Federation.
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).
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 created in January, 1985 to provide a year-round network of trails for non-motorized and equestrian use.
This area is 1907 square kilometres (736 square miles).
Legislation, management, and planning relevant to area
- Bighorn Backcountry Access Management Plan
- North Saskatchewan Regional Planning Process
- Public Lands Act
- Public Lands Administration Regulation
Stewardship, monitoring, and biodiversity initiatives
Contact
To connect with Alberta Environment and Parks:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 310-3773 (toll free)