Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
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.
Overview
Alberta's Bighorn Backcountry covers 5,000 square kilometres (1.2 million acres) of public lands east of the Banff and Jasper National Parks. To facilitate area management, the Bighorn Backcountry is subdivided into 6 Public Land Use Zones (PLUZs), land areas subject to legislative controls under the authority of Alberta’s Forests Act and Public Lands Administration Regulation. Recreational activities allowed in each PLUZ can vary greatly depending on local conditions.
Current management of the Bighorn Backcountry will continue while government consults on the Bighorn Country proposal.
Plan your visit
Explore brochures and maps of the area
Review area conditions and amenities, and recreation best practices
Check for trail and area closures
There are many recreational opportunities in the Bighorn Backcountry. Before heading out, check for any trail and area closures in effect:
Review best practices and regulations for outdoor activities
Learn more about where to go, activity rules and best practices to have a safe and fun trip!
- Camping
- Motorized recreation on public land
Review guidelines for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use including ATVs, snowmobiles and more. - Non-motorized recreation on public land
Find information about the following activities:- Canoeing and kayaking
- Climbing and caving
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Cycling
- Equestrian use
- Hiking
- Visit the My Wild Alberta website for information about:
- Hunting
- Sportfishing
Responsible recreation
The Alberta government is responsible for managing the Bighorn Backcountry. Area management helps ensure environmental protection while allowing responsible and sustainable recreational use.
If you are planning a visit to the Bighorn Backcountry, remember that it is your responsibility to become familiar with recreational activities allowed in the area. Visitors who do not follow the rules could be fined or charged under provincial legislation.
Learn more about responsible recreation at:
Download a copy of the Public Land Trail Guide
Start planning your next adventure:
Use caution when travelling in the Bighorn Backcountry
Due to extreme weather events and natural occurrences such as fire, flood and heavy snowfall that can take place in the region, travellers in the Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones should exercise caution. For details, see:
Trail and area updates
Effective December 1, 2024
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
| Trails denoted in light tan colour are open to OHV use until February 1, 2025 and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2025. |
|
| Trails denoted in dark pink are open to OHV and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2025. |
|
| Random sledding areas are open to snow vehicle use until April 30, 2025. |
Effective October 1, 2024
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
| Trails open for equestrian use. These trails will remain open for equestrian use until May 31, 2025. |
Effective July 1, 2024
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
| Trails denoted in light pink on the brochure are open to OHV and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2025. |
|
| Trails denoted in orange on the brochure are open to OHV use until February 1, 2025 and snow vehicle use until April 30, 2025. Temporary closure at Hummingbird between H4 and H5 until end of day July 11, 2024. |
Effective July 19, 2010
| Trail or area | Public Land Use Zone | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
| Wapiabi Cave is CLOSED to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome to bats. Ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome to local bat populations. |
Contact
Connect with the nearest Clearwater Area Provincial Office to obtain a paper copy of the Bighorn Backcountry brochure, or for additional information about the area:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Rocky Mountain House
Phone: 403-845-8250
Toll free: 310-LAND (5263) (in Alberta)
Drayton Valley
Phone: 780-542-6616
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).
Back to
Bighorn Backcountry