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

Ice Safety: Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions; learn how to assess them for yourself.

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: March 27, 2023 | Print Report

Notice - Spring Skiing Conditions, use caution on the trail system

See specific trail for updates or visit the Nordic Pulse Website for live updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

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 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.

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
Detour	2.1 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Don's Way	3.2 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Ed's Way	2.0 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Flattail	0.4 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Grouse	1.2 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Hare	0.9 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Highline	3.1 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Lost Lake	14.9 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations. Please note - track have been reset from Waskehegan Staging Area down lost lake trail to the intersection of Waskehegan trail only	Open
Meadow	0.8 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Middle	1.3 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Moose Link	2.4 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Neon Lake	1.8 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Porcupine	0.5 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Push Lake	1.9 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Siksika	5.8 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Spruce Hollow	2.7 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Wanisan	4.0 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open

Updated: March 27, 2023 | Print Report

Notice - Spring Skiing Conditions, use caution on the trail system

See specific trail for updates or visit the Nordic Pulse Website for live updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

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 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.

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	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Elkhorn	1.6 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Faraway East	6.2 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Gas Line	0.3 km	Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Morningside	2.1 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Muskrat	1.1 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Outlet	0.3 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open
Wellsite	1.1 km	Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	Open

Updated: March 27, 2023 | Print Report

Notice - Spring Skiing Conditions, use caution on the trail system

See specific trail for updates or visit the Nordic Pulse Website for live updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

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 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.

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		Good
Beaver	3.3 km	Trail maintenance is taking place, debris maybe found on trail system.	Warning
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.	Partially Closed
Boundary	2.0 km		Snow Covered
Cutoff	0.4 km		Snow Covered
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	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Round Up	5.2 km	Multipurpose	Good
Running Dog	3.0 km		Good
Swan	0.5 km		Good
Tie-In	1.0 km		Open
Wapiti South (from Central to Winter trail)	6.5 km	Multipurpose	Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)	1.6 km	Partially Closed due to flooding in the summer	Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km	Multipurpose Trail	Good

Updated: March 27, 2023 | Print Report

Notice - Spring Skiing Conditions, use caution on the trail system

See specific trail for updates or visit the Nordic Pulse Website for live updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

CLOSURES:

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

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.

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 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.

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
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only	Snow Covered
N.U.L. Cycling Connector	2.7 km	Multipurpose Trail	Open
Norris Ridge	1.5 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
North	3.5 km		Open
Springs	2.0 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km		Good
Whitetail	3.1 km	Double Track Set, please note Trail is accessible for Cross Country Skiers. Dog walking, snowshoeing and Biking is Prohibited - see map for alternate locations.	Open

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

Live Grooming Report

How to Use the Trails