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: September 26, 2024 | Print Report

Advisory- Use caution while on Trail System - Large amounts of Trail Maintenance will be performed on our trail systems. Trail Closures will continue throughout the year. Please check specific trails for details

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

Trail	Length	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 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. Large Mammal Research is taking place along Blackfoot Trail between North and Round Up intersections. Please use caution in these area until Advisory is removed 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 July 15, 2024 Trail will remained closed for trail work until further notice	2.0 km	Warning
Central Alleyway Multipurpose Trail	15.2 km	Open
Cutoff Trail is Single Track, and not mowed in the summer months.	0.4 km	Open
Detour	2.1 km	Open
Don's Way Trails repairs are currently under way. Large equipment is on this trail system, some area maybe be impassible. Watch for and obey signs.	3.2 km	Not Advised
Ed's Way	2.0 km	Open
Flattail	0.4 km	Open
Grouse	1.2 km	Open
Hare	0.9 km	Open
J.J. Closed due to beaver activity and flooding. Bridge is off its foundation. Sections impassible.	1.3 km	Closed
Lost Lake Trails repairs are currently under way. Large equipment is on this trail system, some area maybe be impassible. Watch for and obey signs.	14.9 km	Partially Closed
Meadow	0.8 km	Open
Neon Lake Trails repairs are currently under way. Large equipment is on this trail system, some area maybe be impassible. Watch for and obey signs.	1.8 km	Partially Closed
North	3.5 km	Open
Running Dog	3.0 km	Open
Spruce Hollow Trails repairs are currently under way. Large equipment is on this trail system, some area maybe be impassible. Watch for and obey signs.	2.7 km	Partially Closed
Swan	0.5 km	Open
Wanisan	4.0 km	Open
Wapiti North (from Winter to Blackfoot trail) Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories, or call the office 780-922-3293	1.6 km	Open
Waskehegan North (from Central Alleyway to Blackfoot Trail)	1.2 km	Good
Waskehegan South (Central Alleyway to Lost Lake Trail)	1.8 km	Open
Winter North (from Central Alleyway to Wapiti trail)	1.2 Km	Good
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway) Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories, or call the office 780-922-3293	2.4 km	Open

Updated: September 26, 2024 | Print Report

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

Trail	Length	Status
Highline	3.1 km	Open
Lost Lake Trails repairs are currently under way. Large equipment is on this trail system, some area maybe be impassible. Watch for and obey signs.	14.9 km	Partially Closed
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 Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories, or call the office 780-922-3293	1.9 km	Open
Siksika Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories, or call the office 780-922-3293	5.8 km	Open
Winter South (from Lost Lake trail to Central Alleyway) Trail work will occur throughout the year. Please check website and trail heads for advisories, or call the office 780-922-3293	2.4 km	Open

Updated: September 26, 2024 | Print Report

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, 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.

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.

Trail	Length	Status
Baker Springs	1.2 km	Open
Beaver	3.3 km	Open
Central Alleyway Multipurpose Trail	15.2 km	Open
Cutoff Trail is Single Track, and not mowed in the summer months.	0.4 km	Open
Long Run Winter Trail Only Advisory: Fence and Field work is taking place starting Nov 3 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	Closed
N.U.L. Cycling Connector Multipurpose Trail	2.7 km	Open
N.U.L. East Summer only - Gates maybe locked along the East fence line of Faraway Trail when cattle are grazing in the 3 Fields. Use caution while travelling in this area.	4.5 km	Open
N.U.L. North	4.0 km	Open
N.U.L. West Multipurpose Trail	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: September 26, 2024 | Print Report

CLOSURES:

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.

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

Trail	Length	Status
Blackfoot East (from Blackfoot Lake Staging to Round Up trail)	11.2 Km	Open
Buck Run	2.0 km	Open
Central Alleyway Multipurpose Trail	15.2 km	Open
Elkhorn	1.6 km	Open
Faraway East	6.2 km	Open
Faraway West	1.3 Km	Open
Gas Line Winter Use Trail Only - under water in summer Skate Skiing, Dog Sledding, Fat Tire Biking	0.3 km	Open
Heron Hollow	2.5 km	Open
Long Run Winter Trail Only Advisory: Fence and Field work is taking place starting Nov 3 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	Closed
Morningside	2.1 km	Open
Muskrat	1.1 km	Open
N.U.L. East Summer only - Gates maybe locked along the East fence line of Faraway Trail when cattle are grazing in the 3 Fields. Use caution while travelling in this area.	4.5 km	Open
N.U.L. West Multipurpose Trail	2.9 km	Open
Norris Ridge	1.5 km	Open
Outlet	0.3 km	Open
Springs Bridge is out along the fence line towards Norris Ridge intersection	2.0 km	Partially Closed
Wellsite	1.1 km	Open
Whitetail	3.1 km	Open

Trail Report

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA

How to Use the Trails