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

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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: September 09, 2021 | Print Report

Fire Hazard is High - The fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds, day use and backcountry areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn’t improve. For more information visit Alberta Fire Bans

Trails have wet, muddy, and dry sections. Proceed with caution.

Conditions may change quickly with weather conditions.

CLOSURES:

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL - Flooded

GROUSE TRAIL - Flooded

General Information:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Please leave all gates how you find them.
Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
Be aware of wildlife in the area, for more information click Here
Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage
Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
Discharge Firearms Permit are obtained online, for more information click Here

Winter Information:

Snowshoeing, dogs, and bikes are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
If walking or jogging on 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.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 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. Blackfoot west between Wapiti and Baker Springs has flooding on trail and at the approach just before the bridge. Please note, there is an exposed culvert with a beaver trench running on side it. Still passible proceed with caution. The rest of the trail in the northwest, to Field 6A is open.	Partially Closed
Boundary	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	A section of the alleyway between Winter Trail and Wapiti Trail is wet and underwater due to a nearby spring. Proceed with caution.	Warning / Wet
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Detour	2.1 km		Open
Don's Way	3.2 km	Some sections, may still be wet.	Open
Ed's Way	2.0 km		Open
Flattail	0.4 km		Open
Grouse	1.2 km	Closed due to beaver activity and flooding. Section impassible.	Closed
Hare	0.9 km		Warning / Wet
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	May be some sections that are flood covered and there is beaver trenching between Arrowhead Lake and Meadow Shelter.	Warning / Wet
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	Trail is wet and muddy due to beaver action and flooding	Warning / Wet
Wanisan	4.0 km		Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)	1.6 km	Closed due to flooding	Closed
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km	Culvert at Dynamite lodge recently replaced. Proceed with caution as ground is soft.	Open
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km		Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km		Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km		Open

Updated: September 09, 2021 | Print Report

Trails have wet, muddy, and dry sections. Proceed with caution.

General Information:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Please leave all gates how you find them.
Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
Be aware of wildlife in the area, for more information click Here
Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage
Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
Discharge Firearms Permit are obtained online, for more information click Here

Lake Information:

Help prevent the spread of aquatic species click Here
Clean, Drain, Dry your gear click Here
Blue Green Algae Advisories click Here

Snowmobiling:

All snowmobiling access is closed
30 cm of snow base required to open access

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Highline	3.1 km		Open
Lost Lake	14.9 km	May be some sections that are flood covered and there is beaver trenching between Arrowhead Lake and Meadow Shelter.	Warning / Wet
Middle	1.3 km		Open
Moose Link	2.4 km		Open
N.U.L. North	4.0 km	Beaver Trench and Flooding	Warning / Wet
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: September 09, 2021 | Print Report

Trails have wet, muddy, and dry sections. Proceed with caution.

CLOSURES:

A section of BEAVER TRAIL, between WAPITI and ROUND UP is closed.

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

Equestrian notes:

No equestrian use annually from December 1- March 31 from Blackfoot Staging Area

General Information:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Please leave all gates how you find them.
Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
Be aware of wildlife in the area, for more information click Here
Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage
Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
Discharge Firearms Permit are obtained online, for more information click Here

Winter Information:

Snowshoeing, dogs, and bikes are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
If walking or jogging on 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.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km		Open
Beaver	3.3 km	Section closed between Wapiti and Round Up trails	Partially Closed
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	A section of the alleyway between Winter Trail and Wapiti Trail is wet and underwater due to a nearby spring. Proceed with caution.	Warning / Wet
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km		Open
N.U.L. Cycling Connector	2.7 km		Open
N.U.L. East	4.5 km	maybe wet during rainy season	Open
N.U.L. North	4.0 km	Beaver Trench and Flooding	Warning / Wet
N.U.L. West	2.9 km		Open
Round Up	5.2 km		Open
Running Dog	3.0 km		Open
Swan	0.5 km	Trail is wet and muddy due to beaver action and flooding	Warning / Wet
Tie-In	1.0 km	Closed due to flooding	Closed
Wapiti South (from Central to Winter trail)	6.5 km	Trail is not passable south of the winter/wapiti intersection thru to central alleyway intersection.	Partially Closed

Updated: September 09, 2021 | Print Report

Trails have wet, muddy, and dry sections. Proceed with caution.

CLOSURES:

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

Closures:

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.

The staging area will remain open for access and use but will be closed to heavy truck and trailer access.
A 50% weight restriction has been placed on the road. This means smaller passenger vehicles are permitted, however heavy trucks & horse trailers are not permitted on RGE RD 195.

General Information:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Please leave all gates how you find them.
Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
Be aware of wildlife in the area, for more information click Here
Crossing any hazardous area is entirely at your own risk. Obey all signage
Be aware of natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooded areas and open water may be encountered from flooding.
Discharge Firearms Permit are obtained online, for more information click Here

Winter Information:

Snowshoeing, dogs, and bikes are not permitted on trails that are double-track set in winter.
If walking or jogging on 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.

Trail	Length	Comments	Status
Blackfoot East (from Blackfoot Lake Staging to Round Up trail)	11.2 Km	Section of trail starting at staging area has deep water. Cross only at your own risk.	Warning / Wet
Buck Run	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km	A section of the alleyway between Winter Trail and Wapiti Trail is wet and underwater due to a nearby spring. Proceed with caution.	Warning / Wet
Elkhorn	1.6 km	Closed between Norris Ridge and Springs	Partially Closed
Faraway East	6.2 km	Use caution at start of trail from Blackfoot Staging area. Deep swamp may be difficult to pass through.	Warning / Wet
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Closed due to extreme flooding.	Closed
Gas Line	0.3 km	Trail Under water	Closed
Heron Hollow	2.5 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km		Open
Morningside	2.1 km		Open
Muskrat	1.1 km		Open
N.U.L. East	4.5 km	maybe wet during rainy season	Open
N.U.L. West	2.9 km		Open
Norris Ridge	1.5 km	Closed due to extreme flooding.	Closed
Outlet	0.3 km		Open
Springs	2.0 km	Closed due to extreme flooding along northside fencing	Closed
Wellsite	1.1 km		Open
Whitetail	3.1 km		Open

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

How to Use the Trails