Forestry Trunk Road — Hwy 940 Highwood River to Cataract Creek South (Alberta)
Livingstone foothills in their rawest form.
Drop off Highwood Junction and head south on Highway 940 and the character shifts immediately — pavement disappears, the Livingstone Range rises to your west, and the road narrows into a two-track gravel corridor threading between cattle range and Crown land. The Livingstone River crossing at the Livingstone Falls recreation area is a legitimate ford when spring runoff is running hard, and the approach through Livingstone Gap is one of the more dramatic canyon pinch points on the entire Forestry Trunk Road system. Dispersed camps dot the river benches throughout, and the horizon stays wide open until the timber closes back in south of Plateau Mountain ecological reserve access.
This stretch is moderate in summer — high-clearance 4WD handles it in dry conditions, but the Livingstone ford turns sketchy in June and the clay sections become axle-deep grease after heavy rain. Stock up on fuel in Longview or Nanton before you leave because there is nothing between those towns and Crowsnest Pass. No permit required on the Trunk Road itself, though the Cataract Creek campground at the south end is a designated Kananaskis site. Best run July through September. Cell service drops to nothing once you clear Highwood Junction.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5700 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Longview, Alberta |
| Land manager | Alberta Forestry and Parks — Kananaskis Country |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | alberta.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run Hwy 940 south through this stretch, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this route fine in dry summer conditions. Lifted rigs have more margin at the water crossings, but it's not a requirement — ground clearance matters more than a lift here.
When does Hwy 940 through this section actually open, and is snow a real issue?
The Highwood area of Hwy 940 is seasonally closed from December 1 to May 15 annually — this is a hard government closure, no exceptions. Even after opening in mid-May, expect mud, soft shoulders, and residual snow at elevation; July through September is the reliable window.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this section of the Forestry Trunk Road?
No permit is required to drive Hwy 940. Dispersed camping on Crown land along the route is free and permit-free, but you must camp at designated or established sites within Kananaskis Country boundaries — check current Alberta Forestry and Parks fire and camping restrictions before you go, as they change seasonally.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually be ready for?
The water crossings on the Highwood River tributaries are the honest challenge — depth and current vary significantly with recent rainfall and snowmelt, and there are no bridges. Walk crossings before you commit, and understand that a swollen crossing in July after a rain event can stop the route cold.
Is there any gas or resupply between Highwood Junction and Cataract Creek, and how should I plan fuel?
There is nothing on this 38-mile stretch — no gas, no services, nothing. Longview is your last reliable fuel stop before heading in; fill up there and carry a spare can if your rig drinks fuel on rough terrain.
Trail track
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