Mt. Shark Day Use

Effective Date: September 19, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Spray Valley Provincial Park , Smutwood Peak, Tryst Lake, Commonwealth Peak

Details: The Commonwealth Valley, Tryst Lake, and and the surrounding area including Smutwood Peak, are closed until further notice due to a grizzly bear bluff charge. 

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

• Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
• Keep your pet on a leash.
• Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible and know how to use it.
• Secure attractants like food, garbage, pet food and any scented items in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.
• Learn more about bear safety.

Report sightings and incidents to 403-591-7755.

Map of Affected Area

Effective Date: July 30, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area , Link Trail , Ribbon Creek Day Use , Ribbon Creek Trail , Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground , Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground , Spray Valley Provincial Park

Details: A temporary detour has been established around the closed section of Ribbon Creek Trail due to a washed-out bridge. The detour involves taking the Terrace Trail across the large bridge from the Ribbon Day Use Area to Kovach Trail and then to Link Trail. A bridge over Ribbon Creek on the Link Trail connects the detour back to the Ribbon Creek Trail. What Visitors Need to Know

• Ribbon Creek Trail is closed from the Ribbon Creek Day Use to the Link Trail junction due to a washed-out bridge.
• Obey all closure signs and follow all posted signage and stay on the designated temporary detour.
• Allow extra travel time, as the detour may increase hiking distance and travel duration.
• Check Alberta Parks trail reports and advisories before departing, as conditions may change. Visit albertaparks.ca for the latest updates.

Ribbon Fall Backcountry Campground, Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground and Lillian Lake Backcountry Campground can now all be accessed from Galatea Trail, Buller Pass Trail, and Ribbon Creek Trail via temporary detour.

Map of Affected Area

Effective Date: July 3, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Chester Lake Day Use , Driftwood Day Use , High Rockies Trail , Sparrowhawk Day Use , Spray Valley Provincial Park

Details: The following sections of the High Rockies Trail are closed:

• From Driftwood Day Use Area to Sparrowhawk Day Use Area (at the Junction of High Rockies Trail and Sparrowhawk Connector)
• From Chester Lake Trailhead (at the junction of Burstall Pass connector and High Rockies Trail) to Sawmill Day Use Area.

Widespread damage from recent significant precipitation and high stream flows. Crews are working to assess and repair the damage.

Map of Affected Area