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

COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.

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: June 26, 2022 | Print Report

Due to heavy rains trail conditions are wet and muddy, some areas maybe underwater. High winds have blown down trees and debris on trails. Use Caution while on trail system, crews will be out to clear and assess when conditions allow.

Cattle are in the fields. Please make sure to leave all gates as you find them.

* Notice * Trail maintenance will be occurring on our trail systems throughout the season, please be mindful of large equipment on trails and roadways.

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.
- 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:

- 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	With recent rains, expect trail conditions to be wet with some deep puddles.	Warning / Wet
Blackfoot West (from Waskehegan Staging to Round Up trail)	13.6 km	Sections are Wet and Muddy, proceed with caution 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.	Partially Closed
Boundary	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km		Open
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Detour	2.1 km		Open
Don's Way	3.2 km	There are two wet spots along the trail. It is still passable.	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	Partially Closed due to flooding in the summer	Warning
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: June 26, 2022 | Print Report

Cattle are in the fields. Please make sure to leave all gates as you find them.

* Notice * Trail maintenance will be occurring on our trail systems throughout the season, please be mindful of large equipment on trails and roadways.

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.

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.

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: June 26, 2022 | Print Report

Cattle are in the fields. Please make sure to leave all gates as you find them.

* Notice * Trail maintenance will be occurring on our trail systems throughout the season, please be mindful of large equipment on trails and roadways.

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.
  - 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:

- 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	With recent rains, expect trail conditions to be wet with some deep puddles.	Warning / Wet
Beaver	3.3 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km		Open
Cutoff	0.4 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only	Warning
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		Open
N.U.L. West	2.9 km		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: June 26, 2022 | Print Report

Cattle are in the fields. Please make sure to leave all gates as you find them.

* Notice * Trail maintenance will be occurring on our trail systems throughout the season, please be mindful of large equipment on trails and roadways.

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.

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.

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.

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 With recent rains, expect trail conditions to be wet with some deep puddles around geese and bog area.	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km		Open
Central Alleyway	15.2 km		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
Faraway West	1.3 Km		Open
Gas Line	0.3 km	Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer	Warning
Heron Hollow	2.5 km		Open
Long Run	26 Km	Winter Trail Only	Warning
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		Open
Outlet	0.3 km		Open
Springs	2.0 km	Short Section Closed due to extreme flooding along northside fencing - bridge under water, can go around in winter.	Warning
Wellsite	1.1 km		Open
Whitetail	3.1 km		Open

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

How to Use the Trails