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

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: April 11, 2025 | Print Report

Trails are open to summer map usuage as of April 1, 2025. Some trails are snow and ice covered with muddy sections.

April 11, 2025 - Blackfoot trail closed from Waskehegan Staging Area to North intersection. New section of trail is muddy with snow and ice cover. Potentally hazardous to equestrian use.

CLOSURES:

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL (north portion) - 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 all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
- A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

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 currently Closed.

Trail	Length	Status
Detour	2.1 km	Open
Don's Way	3.2 km	Open
Ed's Way	2.0 km	Open
Flattail	0.4 km	Open
Grouse	1.2 km	Open
Hare	0.9 km	Open
Highline	3.1 km	Open
Lost Lake	14.9 km	Open
Meadow	0.8 km	Open
Middle	1.3 km	Open
Moose Link	2.4 km	Open
Neon Lake	1.8 km	Open
Porcupine	0.5 km	Open
Push Lake	1.9 km	Open
Siksika	5.8 km	Open
Spruce Hollow	2.7 km	Open
Wanisan	4.0 km	Open
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km	Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)	2.4 km	Open

Updated: April 11, 2025 | Print Report

Trails are open to summer map usuage as of April 1, 2025. Trails are snow and ice covered with muddy sections.

April 11, 2025 - Blackfoot trail closed from Waskehegan Staging Area to North intersection. New section of trail is muddy with snow and ice cover. Potentally hazardous to equestrian use.

CLOSURES:

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL (north portion) - 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 all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

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 currently Closed.

Trail	Length	Status
Blackfoot East (from Blackfoot Lake Staging to Round Up trail)	11.2 Km	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km	Open
Elkhorn	1.6 km	Open
Faraway East	6.2 km	Open
Gas Line Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	0.3 km	Open
Morningside	2.1 km	Open
Muskrat	1.1 km	Open
Outlet	0.3 km	Open
Wellsite	1.1 km	Closed

Updated: April 11, 2025 | Print Report

Trails are open to summer map usuage as of April 1, 2025. Trails are snow and ice covered with muddy sections.

April 11, 2025 - Blackfoot trail closed from Waskehegan Staging Area to North intersection. New section of trail is muddy with snow and ice cover. Potentally hazardous to equestrian use.

CLOSURES:

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

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL (north portion) - 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 all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

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 currently Closed.

Trail	Length	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km	Open
Beaver	3.3 km	Open
Blackfoot West (from Waskehegan Staging to Round Up trail) Northwest corner of Blackfoot trail (known as J.J. trail) is closed due to beaver activity, flooding and major damage to bridge. Impassible. NOW Open to Wagons and Sleighs April 11, 2025 - Blackfoot trail closed from Waskehegan Staging Area to North intersection. New section of trail is muddy with snow and ice cover. Potentally hazardous to equestrian use.	13.6 km	Partially Closed
Boundary	2.0 km	Open
Cutoff Trail is Single Track, and not mowed in the summer months.	0.4 km	Open
J.J. Closed due to beaver activity and flooding. Bridge is off its foundation. Sections impassible.	1.3 km	Closed
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
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail) Trail from Blackfoot trail intersection to Running Dog intersection is flooded	1.6 km	Partially Closed
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km	Good

Updated: April 11, 2025 | Print Report

Trails are open to summer map usuage as of April 1, 2025. Trails are snow and ice covered with muddy sections.

April 11, 2025 - Blackfoot trail closed from Waskehegan Staging Area to North intersection. New section of trail is muddy with snow and ice cover. Potentally hazardous to equestrian use.

CLOSURES:

The BLACKFOOT staging area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31.
JJ TRAIL - Flooded
WAPITI TRAIL (north portion) - Flooded

OTHER NOTES:

Lamont County has restricted traffic to 50% capacity 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 all other hunting seasons follow under WMU936. Be sure to read the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
  - A Firearms Discharge Permit can be obtained online. Be sure to read the special/additional conditions.

Winter Information:

- Trail usage has changed to winter, please obey signage at all trailheads 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 currently Closed.

Trail	Length	Status
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km	Open
Long Run Winter Trail Only - will update once groomed or check Nordic Pulse for live updates	26 Km	Closed
Norris Ridge	1.5 km	Open
North	3.5 km	Open
Springs Bridge is out along the fence line towards Norris Ridge intersection	2.0 km	Partially Closed
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km	Open
Whitetail	3.1 km	Open

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

Live Grooming Report

How to Use the Trails