Bighorn Backcountry

Alberta's Bighorn Backcountry is an area including more than 5000 square kilometres (1.2 million acres) of public lands east of the Banff and Jasper National Parks.

There are many recreational opportunities offered in the Bighorn Backcountry area, including:

• Camping
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Sportfishing

Public Land Use Zones

To facilitate area management, the Bighorn Backcountry is subdivided into six Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ), land areas subject to legislative controls under the authority of Alberta’s Forests Act. Recreational activities allowed in each PLUZ can vary greatly depending on local conditions.

Bighorn Backcountry Brochure and Maps

For details about the Bighorn Backcountry and Public Land Use Zones, including maps, access and contact information, permitted recreational activities and types of services offered, see:

• Bighorn Backcountry– Feb 2012 (31 pages)

Area and Trail Brochures and Maps

• Allstones Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Bighorn Dam Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Cline River Corridor Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Coliseum Trail Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Cutoff Creek Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Hummingbird Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)
• Nordegg Area Brochure and Trail Map– May 2013 (2 pages)

NOTE: Wapiabi Cave in the Blackstone/Wapiabi Public Land Use Zone is closed as of July 19, 2010. For details, see: see:

• Trail & Area Updates

Protecting the Bighorn Backcountry through Responsible Recreation

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) is the ministry 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.

Contact

To obtain a paper copy of the Bighorn Backcountry brochure, or for additional information about the area, please contact the nearest Clearwater Area Provincial Office:

Drayton Valley Office Tel: 780 542-6616

Rocky Mountain House Office Tel: 403 845-8250

Sundre Office Tel: 403 638-3805

You can access these and other Government of Alberta offices toll free by dialing 310-0000, followed by the area code and seven-digit number.

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Updated: May 13, 2013