Forestry Trunk Road — Hwy 734 Wildhorse Creek to Beaverdam Flats (Alberta)
Northern Trunk Road wildlife corridor, rain or shine.
North of the Berland River country, Highway 734 threads through classic Alberta foothills — rolling spruce ridgelines, open willow flats thick with moose sign, and the kind of two-track side spurs that don’t show up on Google Maps. The Wildhorse Creek to Beaverdam Flats section specifically runs through active wildlife corridors where wolf, elk, and black bear crossings are a daily reality in shoulder seasons. The road surface alternates between solid packed gravel and clay-over-hardpan that turns glass-slick in rain — and it rains here, a lot. Side spurs to the river bottom involve short but steep descents and crossings that require a genuine read of water level before you commit.
Stock 4WD with high clearance handles this in dry conditions, but lockers and recovery gear are not optional for the wet season. This is a multi-day run if you’re exploring side spurs — fuel in Grande Cache before heading north, as there is nothing between settlements. No permits required on the Trunk Road itself. Alberta’s Switzer Provincial Park sits adjacent and adds a staging option. Cell service is nonexistent. Bring a sat communicator. This stretch of Trunk Road is the real deal — remote, unpolished, and honest about what it asks of you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4150 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Grande Cache, AB |
| Land manager | Alberta Environment and Protected Areas — Forestry Division |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | alberta.ca |
| 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 this stretch of the Trunk Road?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. Lifted or equipped rigs will have an easier time at the river bottom crossings, but a capable stock rig driven carefully will make it through.
When does this section of the Forestry Trunk Road open up after winter?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring melt can leave the approaches to water crossings soft and deeply rutted well into late May — check with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas or locals in Grande Cache before pushing it early season.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this section of the Trunk Road?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under Alberta's public land camping rules — no fee, but you're limited to 14 consecutive nights at one spot and must stay 1 km from developed facilities.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what makes it challenging?
The river bottom water crossings are where rigs get into trouble, especially after rain when water levels rise fast and the banks get slick. Depth and current can change quickly — walk crossings first if you're unsure, and don't attempt them in high water without a recovery setup.
Is there any fuel or resupply between the trailhead and Beaverdam Flats?
There is nothing on route — Grande Cache is your last stop for fuel, food, and water. Top off your tank and carry extra fuel; the nearest services are back in Grande Cache, roughly 30–50 km depending on where you are on the route.
Trail track
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