Trail Closures and Conditions

Last review/updated: August 21, 2008

Horse and Quad
  • Effective September 2nd, 2008 and until further notice, the area west of Whirlpool Point and north of the North Saskatchewan River will be closed due to a prescribed fire. Please see the attached map.
    Upper Saskatchewan River Prescribed Burn
    Questions & Answers
  • Please use extreme caution when crossing all water bodies. Creeks and rivers will have higher water levels after noon and late day than in the morning.
  • In the Upper Clearwater/Ram FLUZ, a sign relocation and temporary trail closure for all off-highway vehicles is in effect for the portion of the trail from Canary Creek southbound to the South Ram River. Previous summer conditions resulted in erosion and safety concern for travelers. Please obey the relocated trail closure sign.
  • In the Kiska/Willson and Upper Clearwater/Ram FLUZs, the North Ram Trail has been closed to off-highway vehicles due to erosion and public safety reasons.



  • Effective July 1, 2008 in the Job/Cline, Upper Clearwater/Ram and Kiska/Willson FLUZs, the following trails re-opened to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use:
    • Brazeau River Trail;
    • Onion Creek Trail;
    • Hummingbird Creek trail;
    • Canary Creek Trail, and
    • trail to James Lake and Eagle Lake.
    These trails will remain open for off-highway vehicle use until March 15, 2009. These trails will remain open for snow vehicle use until April 30, 2009.
  • Effective June 1, 2008 in the Kiska/Willson FLUZ, the following trails closed to equestrian use::
    • Allstones Lake Trail;
    • Waterfalls Creek Trail, and
    • trails to Landslide Lake and Lake of the Falls.
    These trails will re-open to equestrian use on October 1, 2008.
  • Effective May 1, 2008 in the Kiska/Willson, Job/Cline and Upper Clearwater/Ram FLUZs, the following trails closed to off-highway vehicle use and snow vehicle use:
    • Whitegoat Trail/Littlehorn Trail;
    • Ranger Creek Trail, and
    • Clearwater Trail/Skeleton Creek Trail.
    These trails will re-open to off-highway vehicle and snow vehicle use on December 1, 2008.
  • Effective May 1, 2008 in Blackstone/Wapiabi FLUZ, Wapiabi Cave is re-opened for use. Entry and closure dates are subject to the hibernating bat population residing in the cave. Bats are very active during the month of August.  During this month all visitors must vacate the cave and be 100 metres (328 feet) away from the cave entrance one hour before sunset until one hour after sunrise.
  • Only non-motorized use is permitted in the Blackstone/Wapiabi and Panther Corners FLUZs.
  • Sustainable Resource Development recommends equestrian trips on hard trails only.
  • The Bighorn Backcountry map and brochure can be found in information kiosks located at the following areas:
    • Allstones Lake Staging Area
    • Aylmer Trail
    • Bighorn Dam
    • Blackstone River
    • Canary Creek
    • Coliseum Trail Staging Area
    • Crescent Falls Forest Recreation Area
    • Cutoff Creek Staging Area
    • Eagle Creek Forest Recreation Area
    • Eagle Creek/Scalp Creek Trail
    • Forty Mile Patrol Cabin
    • Hummingbird Staging Area
    • Landslide Lake Staging Area
    • North Ram River
    • Panther Forest Recreation Area
    • Pinto Lake Staging Area
    • Preachers Point River Access and
    • Wapiabi Gap

  • Random camping with on-highway vehicles in the Kiska/Willson FLUZ is restricted to within 75 metres of Highway 11 and Highway 734 (Forestry Trunk Road) unless otherwise posted.
  • The road to and through the Hummingbird Forest Recreation Area received upgrading in 2003. It is unlikely that the road in that area will be ploughed during unforeseen snowfalls. A parking area is maintained at the gravel pit located one kilometer west of Highway 734 (Forestry Trunk Road).
  • Clearwater County has posted enforceable speed limit signs on the road to and through the Hummingbird Forest Recreation Area.
  • Considerable trail and facility work has been completed by many volunteers. In the Hummingbird, Cutoff Creek and Eagle Lake Forest Recreation Areas, this includes the installation of user-maintained toilet facilities, new camping sites with fire rings, installation of tie rails and re-graveling of roads. Thank you to all volunteers who contributed to the maintenance of the trails and the facilities.
  • Black bears, grizzly bears and other wildlife live in the Bighorn Backcountry. Please exercise caution if you encounter any wildlife. See the tips for bear awareness, cougars, and wolves or print a copy of the Bighorn Backcountry brochure.
  • Many people visit the area during the summer season. Please respect your neighbors and the lands that we are all privileged to use. Follow the Shifting Gears and Respect The Land programs and practice Leave No Trace recreation so that you and all other users may enjoy your experience in the Bighorn Backcountry.
  • Please contact staff with any questions about safety and enjoyment or management of the area.
  • Please be aware that all off-highway vehicles or snow vehicles operating on Crown land must have the following:
    • valid registration and insurance
    • one headlight and one trail light
    • approved muffler and spark arrestor and
    • a properly affixed licence plate
    No one under the age of 14 years may operate an off-highway vehicle or snow vehicle unless accompanied by an adult. Please refer to the Forest Recreation Regulations and the Traffic Safety Act.

For additional information, please call Sustainable Resource Development, Rocky Mountain House Office. For toll free access dial 310 0000 and enter the area code and phone number 403-845 8250.