Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

Alberta Parks

Officially named Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area, this park supports a variety of outdoor recreation activities, as well as grazing and Indigenous and seasonal hunting.

 

 


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 09, 2026 | Print Report

Trails are back to summer use designations, please use caution as trails are icy, muddy and wet.  

General Information:

    • Pets must be leashed at all times.
    • Obey all signage
    • Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather. Be prepared
    • Natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooding and open water may occur, cross hazardous areas at your own risk
    • Leave gates as you find them to prevent cattle from escaping.
    • Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
    • Watch for wildlife and review basic wildlife safety tips safety around wildlife
    • Hunting occurs year-round by First Nations, all other hunting seasons follow WMU936. Review the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
    • A Firearms Discharge Permit are obtained online; read all conditions.

Winter Information (Dec 1 - March 31):

    • Winter trail use is now in effect—please follow signage and refer to the winter map for designated trail activities.
    • Snowshoeing, dog walking, biking and hiking are not permitted on double-track set ski trails.
    • Snowmobiling access is currently closed.
Trail Summer Winter Length Status
Baker Springs
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 1.2 km Open
Blackfoot West (from Waskehegan Staging to Round Up trail)
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 13.6 km Open
Boundary
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 2.0 km Open
Central Alleyway
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes 15.2 km Open
Cutoff

Trail is Single Track, and not mowed in the summer months. 

Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 0.4 km Open
Detour
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.1 km Open
Don's Way
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 3.2 km Open
Ed's Way
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.0 km Open
Flattail
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 0.4 km Open
Grouse
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.2 km Open
Hare
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 0.9 km Open
Lost Lake
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 14.9 km Open
Meadow
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 0.8 km Open
Neon Lake
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.8 km Open
North
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 3.5 km Open
Running Dog

 

 

 

Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 3.0 km Open
Spruce Hollow
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.7 km Open
Swan
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 0.5 km Open
Wanisan
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 4.0 km Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 1.6 km Open
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 1.2 km Open
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.8 km Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 1.2 Km Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.4 km Open

Updated: April 09, 2026 | Print Report

Trails are back to summer use designations, please use caution as trails are icy, muddy and wet.

General Information:

    • Pets must be leashed at all times.
    • Obey all signage
    • Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather. Be prepared
    • Natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooding and open water may occur, cross hazardous areas at your own risk
    • Leave gates as you find them to prevent cattle from escaping.
    • Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
    • Watch for wildlife and review basic wildlife safety tips safety around wildlife
    • Hunting occurs year-round by First Nations, all other hunting seasons follow WMU936. Review the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
    • A Firearms Discharge Permit are obtained online; read all conditions.

Winter Information (Dec 1 - March 31):

    • Winter trail use is now in effect—please follow signage and refer to the winter map for designated trail activities.
    • Snowshoeing, dog walking, biking and hiking are not permitted on double-track set ski trails.
    • Snowmobiling access is currently closed.
Trail Summer Winter Length Status
Highline
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 3.1 km Open
Lost Lake
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 14.9 km Open
Middle
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.3 km Open
Moose Link
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.4 km Open
Porcupine
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 0.5 km Open
Push Lake
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.9 km Open
Siksika
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 5.8 km Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway)
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.4 km Open

Updated: April 09, 2026 | Print Report

Trails are back to summer use designations, please use caution as trails are icy, muddy and wet. 

Closures:

Blackfoot Lake Staging Area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31

General Information:

    • Pets must be leashed at all times.
    • Obey all signage
    • Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather. Be prepared
    • Natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooding and open water may occur, cross hazardous areas at your own risk
    • Leave gates as you find them to prevent cattle from escaping.
    • Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
    • Watch for wildlife and review basic wildlife safety tips safety around wildlife
    • Hunting occurs year-round by First Nations, all other hunting seasons follow WMU936. Review the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
    • A Firearms Discharge Permit are obtained online; read all conditions.

Winter Information (Dec 1 - March 31):

    • Winter trail use is now in effect—please follow signage and refer to the winter map for designated trail activities.
    • Snowshoeing, dog walking, biking and hiking are not permitted on double-track set ski trails.
    • Snowmobiling access is currently closed.
Trail Summer Winter Length Status
Baker Springs
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 1.2 km Open
Beaver
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 3.3 km Open
Central Alleyway
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes 15.2 km Open
Cutoff

Trail is Single Track, and not mowed in the summer months. 

Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 0.4 km Open
Long Run

Winter Trail Only - will update once groomed or check Nordic Pulse for live updates 

 

Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 26 Km Closed
Round Up
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes 5.2 km Open
Running Dog

 

 

 

Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 3.0 km Open
Swan
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 0.5 km Open
Tie-In
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.0 km Open
Wapiti South (from Central to Winter trail)
Hiking Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) 6.5 km Open

Updated: April 09, 2026 | Print Report

Trails are back to summer use designations, please use caution as trails are icy, muddy and wet.  

CLOSURES: 

Blackfoot Lake Staging Area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31

OTHER NOTES:

Lamont County has restricted traffic to 50% capacity on range road 195 - from HWY 16. County ban information can be found HERE.

General Information:

    • Pets must be leashed at all times.
    • Obey all signage
    • Trail Conditions may change quickly with weather. Be prepared
    • Natural hazards such as rocks, potholes, downed trees, flooding and open water may occur, cross hazardous areas at your own risk
    • Leave gates as you find them to prevent cattle from escaping.
    • Potable water is NOT available at staging areas.
    • Watch for wildlife and review basic wildlife safety tips safety around wildlife
    • Hunting occurs year-round by First Nations, all other hunting seasons follow WMU936. Review the current Alberta Hunting Regulations for more information.
    • A Firearms Discharge Permit are obtained online; read all conditions.

Winter Information (Dec 1 - March 31):

    • Winter trail use is now in effect—please follow signage and refer to the winter map for trail designated activities.
    • Snowshoeing, dog walking, biking and hiking are not permitted on double-track set ski trails.
    • Snowmobiling access is currently closed.
Trail Summer Winter Length Status
Blackfoot East (from Blackfoot Lake Staging to Round Up trail)
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 11.2 Km Open
Buck Run
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 2.0 km Open
Central Alleyway
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes 15.2 km Open
Elkhorn
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 1.6 km Open
Faraway East

 

 

Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 6.2 km Open
Faraway West
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.3 Km Open
Gas Line

Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer 

Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking 

Hiking Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 0.3 km Open
Heron Hollow
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.5 km Open
Long Run

Winter Trail Only - will update once groomed or check Nordic Pulse for live updates 

 

Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 26 Km Closed
Morningside
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 2.1 km Open
Muskrat
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 1.1 km Open
Norris Ridge
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 1.5 km Open
Outlet
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 0.3 km Open
Springs
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 2.0 km Open
Wellsite
Hiking Cycling Horseback / Equestrian Trail Running Skate Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Hiking (Winter) Fat Biking E-bikes Dog Sledding Skijoring 1.1 km Closed
Whitetail
Hiking Cycling Trail Running Skiing 3.1 km Open