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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 more information, visit:
For advisories, timing restrictions and closures for this and other areas, visit:
Maps of this area
Maps for the Bighorn Backcountry including the Upper Clearwater/Ram PLUZ, digital mapping options and smaller, area-specific Cutoff Creek and Hummingbird maps 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 Public Land Recreation Area (PLRA) or Public Recreation Area (PRA). 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:
- 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.
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 motorized, non-motorized and equestrian use. Seasonal access for motorized is permitted only on designated trails.
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
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
Alberta Environment and Parks Info Centre - Phone: 310-3773 (toll free)
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