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

Read our COVID-19 update by clicking this.

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: January 20, 2022 | Print Report

Grooming is taking place in the north east corner of the park Jan 19 - 21, 2022

Dogs, walkers/hikers, bikes, and snowshoes are not permitted on these trails (two sets of ski tracks). Help to reduce accidents between skiers and other users, surprising dogs and damaging ski tracks by using designated trails only. Please use map for proper trail use.

Going for a hike or walking your dog from Waskehegan Staging Area? Please stay - Along fence lines, Central alleyway and Blackfoot Trail

** New this season - Check out the Nordic Pulse for current grooming conditions **

CLOSURES:

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL - Flooded

Winter Information:

- 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.

General Information:

- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared.
- 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 our open hunting season is for the month of November. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
- A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Detour	2.1 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Don's Way	3.2 km	Double Set Tracks = Skiers Only	Good
Ed's Way	2.0 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Flattail	0.4 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Grouse	1.2 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Hare	0.9 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Highline	3.1 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Lost Lake	14.9 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Meadow	0.8 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Middle	1.3 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Moose Link	2.4 km		Snow Covered
Neon Lake	1.8 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Porcupine	0.5 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Push Lake	1.9 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Siksika	5.8 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Spruce Hollow	2.7 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Wanisan	4.0 km	Double Set Tracks - Skiers Only	Good
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km	Double set Tracks = Skiers only Tracks are set only on the the trail section from lost lake to the Meadow/Waskehegan trail connector	Good
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km		Snow Covered

Updated: January 20, 2022 | Print Report

Grooming is taking place in the north east corner of the park Jan 19 - 21, 2022

Going for a hike or walking your dog from Islet Lake Staging Area? - No trails are accessible to dog walkers. Ski trails only.

** New this season - Check out the Nordic Pulse for current grooming conditions **

Winter Information:

- 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.

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared.
  - 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 our open hunting season is for the month of November. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km		Open
Beaver	3.3 km		Open
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. Blackfoot west between Wapiti and Baker Springs has had flooding on trail and at the approach just before the bridge. proceed with caution, may still be wet. Section around Geese and Bog lake has high water - heavy beaver action - watch for felled trees 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.	Open
Boundary	2.0 km		Open
Cutoff	0.4 km		Good
J.J.	1.3 km	Closed due to beaver activity and flooding. Bridge is off its foundation. Sections impassible.	Closed
N.U.L. North	4.0 km		Snow Covered
Round Up	5.2 km		Good
Running Dog	3.0 km		Snow Covered
Swan	0.5 km	Trail is wet and muddy due to beaver action and flooding	Snow Covered
Tie-In	1.0 km	Closed due to flooding	Closed
Wapiti South (from Central to Winter trail)	6.5 km		Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)	1.6 km	Closed due to flooding	Partially Closed
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km		Snow Covered

Updated: January 20, 2022 | Print Report

Grooming is taking place in the north east corner of the park Jan 19 - 21, 2022

Going for a hike or walking your dog from Central Staging Area? Please stay - Along fence lines, N.U.L road, Central Alleyway, Round Up and Wapiti Trail (Wapiti is partially closed)

** New this season - Check out the Nordic Pulse for current grooming conditions **

CLOSURES:

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

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

Winter Information:

- 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.

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared.
  - 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 our open hunting season is for the month of November. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online.

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 icy, muddy and slippery. Cross only at your own risk.	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km	Set with a single ski track currently	Open
Elkhorn	1.6 km		Open
Faraway East	6.2 km	Please note: The stove inside Faraway Shelter is currently unavailable. The outside firepit is still accessible.	Open
Gas Line	0.3 km	Set with a single ski track currently Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer	Open
Morningside	2.1 km		Open
Muskrat	1.1 km	Set with a single ski track currently	Open
Outlet	0.3 km		Open
Wellsite	1.1 km	Set with a single ski track currently	Open

Updated: January 20, 2022 | Print Report

Grooming is taking place in the north east corner of the park Jan 19 - 21, 2022

Going for a hike or walking your dog from Blackfoot Staging Area? Please stay on - All trails, please stay to side of single sets of ski tracks.

** New this season - Check out the Nordic Pulse for current grooming conditions **

Please note: The stove inside Faraway Shelter is currently unavailable. The outside firepit is still accessible.

CLOSURES:

The BLACKFOOT staging area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31.
Springs and Norris Trail is closed due to flooding

OTHER NOTES:

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

Winter Information:

- 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.

General Information:

- - Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  - Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions. Be prepared.
  - 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 our open hunting season is for the month of November. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Single Track Set = Multiuse	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km	Single Track Set = Multiuse	Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only	Snow Covered
N.U.L. Cycling Connector	2.7 km		Snow Covered
Norris Ridge	1.5 km	Set with a single ski track currently	Open
North	3.5 km	Set with a single ski track currently	Open
Springs	2.0 km	Short Section Closed due to extreme flooding along northside fencing - bridge under water	Open
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km	Culvert at Dynamite lodge recently replaced. Proceed with caution as ground is soft.	Snow Covered
Whitetail	3.1 km	Single Track Set = Multiuse	Open

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

Live Grooming Report

How to Use the Trails