In the fall of 2002, the Alberta Government imposed new access regulations for the Bighorn Backcountry, which restricts the use of motorized vehicles and determines what other means may be used to travel through the area. New regulations are intended to help preserve the area's mountain environment and to protect trail systems from deterioration and abuse. New signs posted throughout the area indicate what is and is not allowed.

Alberta Sustainable Resources Development has developed a free brochure/map which outlines the allowable uses in each of the identified areas of the Bighorn Backcountry. It details:

• Trail routes
• The method of transportation allowed in each area
• The time of year each method is permitted

Examples of allowable use taken from the brochure:

• Conservation officers have new authority to close trails to public access when a trail is too wet or during sensitive times for wildlife in the area.
• Cars and trucks are not allowed to leave roads or parking areas in the Bighorn Backcountry.
• There are restrictions on dirt bikes.
• Some motorized access is limited to soft-tired vehicles, or is eliminated entirely.

If you are interested in visiting the Bighorn Backcountry be sure to pick up a brochure by calling (403) 845-8250, or continue through this website and view the maps for the area:
Blackstone/Wapiabi • Job/Cline • Kiska/Willson • Upper Clearwater/Ram • Panther Corners • Dormer Sheep
Each map will provide you with the rules and regulations for that particular FLUZ (Forest Land Use Zone).

Pack out all garbage - do not burn or bury it. Choose resting areas that will minimize damage to ground vegetation, preferably an established staging area that is at least 30 metres (100 ft.) away from the nearest watercourse. Do not attract, disturb or feed the wildlife. Use backcountry toilets where provided, or bury human waste away from trails and at least 30 metres (100 ft.) away from watercourses. Do not pick plants or harm trees.

Use existing fire pits where possible and dismantle rock rings when finished. Dig down through surface litter such as leaves and grasses into the dirt. Do not cut living trees or branches for fuel. At high elevations, vegetation can take hundreds of years to recover and, in most cases, live material won't burn very well. Never leave your fire unattended and keep it small. Make sure your fire is out when you leave. Stir the ashes to uncover embers and douse thoroughly with water. When you're sure it's out, douse it again. Whenever possible use a stove instead of a campfire. During high and extreme fire conditions, a fire ban may be in effect restricting fires.
Fire Ban Link - Please check before you go

Stay on the designated trails. The widening and development of new trails requires written approval from a Forest Officer. Many trails are used for a variety of recreational activities. Slow down, be courteous and respect other users and their limitations. Avoid wet, soft and sensitive areas. Obey signs and observe the rules for each Forest Land Use Zone. If you have concern about trail conditions or appropriate use, please call (403) 845-8250.

Licenses are required and annually published regulations apply. Hunting and discharge of firearms are prohibited in wilderness areas, all campgrounds, picnic areas, ecological reserves, staging areas and near occupied buildings.

All bears can be dangerous. Never feed or approach a bear. Avoid female bears with cubs and never go near a cub as a mother bear will aggressively protect her young. Remember to give bears a wide berth as they may look large and clumsy but they can run much faster than people, both up and down hills (as fast as 65 km/h for short distances).

Minimize your chances of an encounter:

• Pack out all of your garbage in sealed bags.
• Use dried foods and portable camp stoves whenever possible.
• Hang your food, animal feed, toiletries, garbage and cooking equipment high in a tree to discourage bears from investigating them.
• Never leave food in a camp unattended.
• Where possible, set up camp in designated backcountry campgrounds and staging areas, or open areas away from game trails, streams and lakeshores.
• Your cooking and food storage area should be at least 30 metres (100 ft.) from your sleeping area to prevent food-odor contamination.
• Never sleep in the clothes you wear while cooking. The odor attracts bears.
• Never burn food scraps.
• It is best to leave your pet at home; however, if you do travel with a pet, keep it on a leash at all times as loose dogs can attract and irritate bears.
• Consider using a portable electric fence if camping for extended periods of time.

There are no services or regular patrols in the Bighorn Backcountry, so plan your trip carefully. No regular maintenance occurs in this area and natural and/or man-made hazards may exist and may or may not be marked. Rivers and creeks may rise quickly after a storm and are often higher in the afternoon than in the morning. Consider that the weather can change suddenly in the mountains and temperatures can fall to freezing at any time of the year. Avalanche control and snow studies are not conducted in the Bighorn Backcountry.

Some recommendations:

• Before you plan your trip into the backcountry, let friends or relatives know the route you intend to take and your travel schedule.
• Bring the following items:
  • 1:50,000 topographic map(s) of the area you will travel
  • Compass or GPS unit with extra batteries.
  • Warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat.
  • Matches (in waterproof container).
  • Change of socks.
  • Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Tool kit, spare parts, patch kit for bicycle or OHV
  • Enough food to last the trip, and water to last between fill-ups
  • Carry a shovel, flare, beacon and probe for any winter travel
  • Bear spray
  • Local sporting good stores may sell map sheets and/or trail books of the area
• Travel with at least one companion. In Grizzly country travel in groups of 6 or more.
• Pack out all garbage.
• Do not attract, feed or disturb wildlife.
• Watch for signs or check with information sources about fire hazard condition. Campfires may, at times, be restricted or prohibited. To report a wildfire, call collect at (780) 427-FIRE or #FIRE on the Telus Mobility Network.
• Never hike after dark.
• Know your route.

The Back Country borders on Banff National Park where other regulations apply.

Use weed free feed and, wherever possible, avoid grazing, especially where stream bank damage could occur. Tie horses to your trailer or use an approved high-line method to avoid damage to trees in the staging area and backcountry.

Banff and Jasper National Parks - motorized vehicles and hunting are not permitted. There are some restrictions for non-motorized activities. Check with the Federal Parks staff for further details.

Siffleur and Whitegoat Wilderness Areas - foot-travel only; no mountain bikes or motorized vehicles allowed; no hunting or fishing.

Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve - motorized access, hunting, fishing, grazing and camping are not allowed.