Forestry Trunk Road — Hwy 940 Sparwood to Oldman River North
Livingstone Range foothills without the crowds.
The Hwy 940 Forestry Trunk Road through the Livingstone Range is Kananaskis Country’s wilder, less-managed cousin. This northern section from the Oldman River headwaters runs through some of the best foothills terrain in the province — tight valley bottoms flanked by limestone ridges, creek crossings that can turn into axle-deep slogs after any significant rain, and forest roads that peel off in every direction toward fire lookouts and old logging camps. The Oldman River itself is a named waypoint worth stopping at; the braided channels and gravel bars are classic Alberta foothills scenery and a good camp choice if you’re splitting the drive across two days.
This route is genuinely accessible to a stock high-clearance 4WD in dry conditions, but the clay-mud sections in the Livingstone drainage can become impassable even for lockers after prolonged rain — don’t underestimate it when wet. No permits needed. Fuel is available in Lundbreck or Cowley before you commit north. Best season is late June through October. Hunting season in fall brings increased traffic and some very motivated hunters on narrow two-track cutlines, so be aware of your surroundings. The payoff is legitimate mountain scenery without the Kananaskis crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 74 mi / 119 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Lundbreck, Alberta |
| Land manager | Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Hwy 940 from Sparwood to Oldman River North?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. 2WD trucks and crossovers will struggle on wet sections and at the creek crossings — don't chance it.
When does Hwy 940 typically open in spring and is it passable in October?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring snowmelt turns sections into deep mud through May, and early season creek crossings run high. October is generally fine but watch for early snowfall above 5,000 ft that can close the route overnight.
Do you need a permit or pass to drive Hwy 940 through the Forestry Trunk Road?
No permit is required to drive the route itself. Dispersed camping in Alberta's Public Land Use Zones is free and permit-free, but you must follow Alberta Forestry fire restrictions and stay off designated private and restricted land — check current fire bans before you go.
What's the hardest section of this route and what makes it technical?
The creek crossings are where things get honest — water depth and bottom condition change with recent rainfall and snowmelt, so what's a easy ford one week can swallow a rocker panel the next. The trail itself stays moderate, but those crossings demand you get out and walk them before committing.
Is there anywhere to top up fuel along the 74-mile route, and what should I know about cell service?
There is no fuel on route — top up in Lundbreck or Sparwood before you leave. Cell service is nonexistent for the entire stretch, so download offline maps (Gaia or similar) and tell someone your plan before you roll out.
Trail track
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