Bighorn Trail

About this trail

Bighorn Trail is a 77.0 km out and back trail near Nordegg in Blackstone/Wapiabi Public Land Use Zone. It runs 38.5 km each way. The route gains 1,456 m in total and tops out at 1,911 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 23 hours of moving time. It meets Blackstone Gap Trail at 37.0 km, and passes four other mapped junctions. Between 8.6 km and 8.8 km a 0.3 km alternative with the same name runs beside the route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a waterfall and a stream crossing. Much of the route follows George Creek. Also used for backpacking.

Highest point 1,911 m, lowest 1,550 m, 1,456 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 22% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 34.6 kmWaterfall
2. 36.8 kmStream crossing
3. 36.9 kmStream crossing
4. 37.3 kmStream crossing
5. 37.4 kmStream crossing
6. 37.6 kmStream crossing
7. 38.2 kmStream crossing

Good for

• Hiking, Backpacking
• Dog friendly (on leash)
• Waterfall, River or creek

Rankings

• 1in Best hikes in Blackstone/Wapiabi Public Land Use Zone
• 5in Best backpacking trails near Nordegg
• 15in Best hard hikes near Nordegg

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.3991° N, 116.4608° W.

Driving directions

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Avalanche Canada
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Bighorn River TrailHard · 47.4 km · 2,322 m gain · 1.2 km away
• Littlehorn TrailHard · 37.8 km · 1,532 m gain · 1.9 km away
• Sunkay Creek TrailHard · 14.4 km · 250 m gain · 2.6 km away
• Bighorn Canyon TrailModerate · 5.0 km · 181 m gain · 7.2 km away
• Allstones Lake TrailEasy · 2.4 km · 82 m gain · 10.8 km away
• Wapiabi Creek TrailHard · 16.9 km · 196 m gain · 11.0 km away