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

Ice Safety: Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions; learn how to assess them for yourself.

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: January 07, 2025 | Print Report

Our staff work hard to provide the best trail condition for our visitors. Trails are groomed as weather/snow conditions and equipment allow. Please check Nordic Pulse for most recent updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Dec 30, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area

JJ TRAIL - Flooded

WAPITI TRAIL - Flooded

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 closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

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.

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: January 07, 2025 | Print Report

Our staff work hard to provide the best trail condition for our visitors. Trails are groomed as weather/snow conditions and equipment allow. Please check Nordic Pulse for most recent updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Dec 30, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area

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 closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

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.

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 The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Dec 9, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area	6.2 km	Closed
Gas Line Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	0.3 km	Open
Morningside The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Nov 12, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area	2.1 km	Warning
Muskrat	1.1 km	Open
Outlet	0.3 km	Closed
Wellsite	1.1 km	Closed

Updated: January 07, 2025 | Print Report

Our staff work hard to provide the best trail condition for our visitors. Trails are groomed as weather/snow conditions and equipment allow. Please check Nordic Pulse for most recent updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Dec 30, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area

CLOSURES:

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

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 closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

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.

Trail	Length	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km	Open
Beaver	3.3 km	Open
Blackfoot West (from Waskehegan Staging to Round Up trail) Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories. A new trail system is beginning to be constructed, please refrain from using until otherwise posted. Northwest corner of Blackfoot trail (known as J.J. trail) is closed due to beaver activity, flooding and major damage to bridge. Impassible. Open to Wagons and Sleighs	13.6 km	Open
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
N.U.L. North	4.0 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
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail)	1.6 km	Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km	Good

Updated: January 07, 2025 | Print Report

Our staff work hard to provide the best trail condition for our visitors. Trails are groomed as weather/snow conditions and equipment allow. Please check Nordic Pulse for most recent updates.

https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/CA/AB/Cooking-Lake-Blackfoot

The cross fence between field 3B and 3C will be under maintenance starting Dec 30, 2024 - Please use caution in the Area

CLOSURES:

Faraway East, Wellsite and Outlet Trail closed due to mulching along fence line.
The BLACKFOOT staging area is CLOSED seasonally to all equestrian use from December 1- March 31.

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.

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 closed, 30 cm of snow base required to open access.

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.

Trail	Length	Status
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km	Open
Long Run Winter Trail Only - will update once groomed Advisory: Fence and Field work is taking place starting Dec 9, 2024 in Field 3B. Hunting is prohibited from this trail location South into the section of the field until further notice. Please contact the office if required 780-922-3293	26 Km	Warning
N.U.L. Cycling Connector Multipurpose Trail	2.7 km	Open
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	Good
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