Trail Report Trail Report - Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

The trails at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot total approximately 170 km in length and provide recreational opportunities to a multitude of users. From cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding in the winter season to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use in the summer, these trails provide ample opportunity to experience nature first-hand. Weave through forests of spruce, poplar and birch while taking in stunning views of waterfowl-filled wetlands.

Maintaining the trail system is a big job and Parks staff work hard to ensure every user has the opportunity to enjoy their time on the trails. As such, these trails are divided into prioritized sections in the winter season, or zones, to allow for timely and effective mowing, fallen tree removal, snow grooming and track-setting. These zones have been determined based on trail use and demand and weather trends. Priority Zone 1 trails are often maintained first, followed by Zone 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

Select the Priority Zone tab below the map to check the status of those trails.

During the summer, you can view the trail sections by staging area.

Please note, distances on map may vary slightly from the trail report table. Please refer to the trail report table for most accurate distances.

Maps: Winter Trails Map | Live Grooming Trail Report | Summer Trails Map

Updated: November 30, 2023 | Print Report

Advisory- Use caution while on Trail System - Trail Maintenance occurs throughout the year Monday - Fridays

Use caution on Blackfoot Trail between intersections of Running Dog and Baker Springs, and the intersections of Boundary and North. Carnivore research is being conducted starting May 9th, and Oct 21 until further Notice

CLOSURES:

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL - Flooded

General Information:

- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared, bring extra water and snacks.
- Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage.
- Please leave all gates how you find them to prevent cattle from wandering.
- Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
- Be aware of wildlife in the area. Before you go, check out our few simple tips for safety around wildlife.
- Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
- Hunting takes place year round by First Nations and all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
- A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

Winter Information:

- Trail usage has changed to winter, please obey signage and see winter map for activity locations
- Snowshoeing, dogs, biking and hiking are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
- If walking or jogging on SINGLE TRACK SET winter trails, please DO NOT walk on/along the set tracks. This damages ski tracks and makes it dangerous for skiers. Please stay to the side.
- Snowmobiling: All snowmobiling access is closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km	Area wet and muddy	Warning / Wet
Blackfoot West (from Waskehegan Staging to Round Up trail)	13.6 km	Northwest corner of Blackfoot trail (known as J.J. trail) is closed due to beaver activity, flooding and major damage to bridge. Impassible. The Section from Waskehegan and east of JJ intersection all the way to dynamite lodge is open and cleared. Caution - wagons and sleighs not recommended on the portion of trail heading north from the staging area along the inner east trail heading toward the the north park boundary. Trail can be narrow and steep. Advisory- Use caution on Blackfoot Trail between intersections of Running Dog and Baker Springs, carnivore research is being conducted starting May 9th Blackfoot Trail between intersections of Boundary and North, carnivore research is being conducted starting Oct 21st	Partially Closed
Boundary	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Detour	2.1 km		Open
Don's Way	3.2 km		Open
Ed's Way	2.0 km		Open
Flattail	0.4 km		Open
Grouse	1.2 km		Open
Hare	0.9 km		Open
J.J.	1.3 km	Closed due to beaver activity and flooding. Bridge is off its foundation. Sections impassible.	Closed
Lost Lake	14.9 km		Open
Meadow	0.8 km		Open
Neon Lake	1.8 km		Open
North	3.5 km		Open
Running Dog	3.0 km		Open
Spruce Hollow	2.7 km		Open
Swan	0.5 km		Open
Wanisan	4.0 km		Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)	1.6 km	Section of trail has been rerouted. May be muddy during heavy rains. Use with caution	Warning
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km		Good
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km		Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km		Good
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km		Open

Updated: November 30, 2023 | Print Report

Advisory- Use caution while on Trail System - Trail Maintenance occurs throughout the year Monday - Fridays

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared, bring extra water and snacks.
  - Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage.
  - Please leave all gates how you find them to prevent cattle from wandering.
  - Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
  - Be aware of wildlife in the area. Before you go, check out our few simple tips for safety around wildlife.
  - Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
  - Hunting takes place year round by First Nations and all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

Winter Information:

- Trail usage has changed to winter, please obey signage and see winter map for activity locations
- Snowshoeing, dogs, biking and hiking are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
- If walking or jogging on SINGLE TRACK SET winter trails, please DO NOT walk on/along the set tracks. This damages ski tracks and makes it dangerous for skiers. Please stay to the side.
- Snowmobiling: All snowmobiling access is closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

Trail	Length	Status
Highline	3.1 km	Open
Lost Lake	14.9 km	Open
Middle	1.3 km	Open
Moose Link	2.4 km	Open
N.U.L. North	4.0 km	Open
Porcupine	0.5 km	Open
Push Lake	1.9 km	Open
Siksika	5.8 km	Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km	Open

Updated: November 30, 2023 | Print Report

All fields are currently open

Advisory- Use caution while on Trail System - Trail Maintenance occurs throughout the year Monday - Fridays

CLOSURES:

A section of BEAVER TRAIL, between WAPITI and ROUND UP under repair - proceed with caution.

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared, bring extra water and snacks.
  - Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage.
  - Please leave all gates how you find them to prevent cattle from wandering.
  - Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
  - Be aware of wildlife in the area. Before you go, check out our few simple tips for safety around wildlife.
  - Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
  - Hunting takes place year round by First Nations and all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

The BLACKFOOT staging area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31

Winter Information:

- Trail usage has changed to winter, please obey signage and see winter map for activity locations
- Snowshoeing, dogs, biking and hiking are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
- If walking or jogging on SINGLE TRACK SET winter trails, please DO NOT walk on/along the set tracks. This damages ski tracks and makes it dangerous for skiers. Please stay to the side.
- Snowmobiling: All snowmobiling access is closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km	Area wet and muddy	Warning / Wet
Beaver	3.3 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only Advisory: Fence and Field work is taking place starting Nov 3 in Field 3B. Hunting is prohibited from this trail location South into the section of the field until further notice. Please contact the office if required 780-922-3293	Closed
N.U.L. Cycling Connector	2.7 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
N.U.L. East	4.5 km	Summer only - Gates maybe locked along the East fence line of Faraway Trail when cattle are grazing in the 3 Fields. Use caution while travelling in this area.	Open
N.U.L. North	4.0 km		Open
N.U.L. West	2.9 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Round Up	5.2 km		Open
Running Dog	3.0 km		Open
Swan	0.5 km		Open
Tie-In	1.0 km		Open
Wapiti South (from Central to Winter trail)	6.5 km		Open

Updated: November 30, 2023 | Print Report

All fields are currently open

Advisory- Use caution while on Trail System - Trail Maintenance occurs throughout the year Monday - Fridays

Advisory- Use caution on Blackfoot Trail between intersections of Running Dog and Baker Springs, and the intersections of Boundary and North carnivore research is being conducted starting May 9th, and Oct 21

CLOSURES:

The BLACKFOOT staging area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31.

OTHER NOTES:

Lamont County has restricted traffic to 50% capacity along the main access road - range road 195 - from HWY 16 south to Blackfoot Staging Area. County ban information can be found HERE.

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared, bring extra water and snacks.
  - Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage.
  - Please leave all gates how you find them to prevent cattle from wandering.
  - Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
  - Be aware of wildlife in the area. Before you go, check out our few simple tips for safety around wildlife.
  - Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
  - Hunting takes place year round by First Nations and all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

Winter Information:

- Trail usage has changed to winter, please obey signage and see winter map for activity locations
- Snowshoeing, dogs, biking and hiking are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
- If walking or jogging on SINGLE TRACK SET winter trails, please DO NOT walk on/along the set tracks. This damages ski tracks and makes it dangerous for skiers. Please stay to the side.
- Snowmobiling: All snowmobiling access is closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Blackfoot East (from Blackfoot Lake Staging to Round Up trail)	11.2 Km	Section of trail starting at staging area had deep water, may be muddy and slippery. Cross only at your own risk - in summer Advisory- Use caution on Blackfoot Trail between intersections of Running Dog and Baker Springs, carnivore research is being conducted starting May 9th	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Elkhorn	1.6 km		Open
Faraway East	6.2 km		Open
Faraway West	1.3 Km		Open
Gas Line	0.3 km	Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only Advisory: Fence and Field work is taking place starting Nov 3 in Field 3B. Hunting is prohibited from this trail location South into the section of the field until further notice. Please contact the office if required 780-922-3293	Closed
Morningside	2.1 km		Open
Muskrat	1.1 km		Open
N.U.L. East	4.5 km	Summer only - Gates maybe locked along the East fence line of Faraway Trail when cattle are grazing in the 3 Fields. Use caution while travelling in this area.	Open
N.U.L. West	2.9 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Norris Ridge	1.5 km		Open
Outlet	0.3 km		Open
Springs	2.0 km		Open
Wellsite	1.1 km		Open
Whitetail	3.1 km		Open

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

How to Use the Trails