Allstones Lake Road — Bighorn Backcountry to Allstones Creek Basin

Allstones Lake sits at the headwaters of Allstones Creek inside the Bighorn Backcountry — one of Alberta’s largest and least-visited wildland areas between Nordegg and the Forestry Trunk Road. The access road branches west off of Hwy 734 and deteriorates fast, crossing Allstones Creek twice on unimproved gravel fords before climbing through a dense spruce and fir drainage that sees almost no maintenance. The track is rutted, wet in spots even in August, and narrows to single-lane for much of the upper section. The payoff is a small alpine lake basin with stunning views of the Bighorn Range’s rolling upper ridges and zero other overlanders.

This is genuinely remote — plan for self-recovery, full fuel, and a satellite communicator. A locked 4WD with high clearance is the minimum; a lifted rig with lockers is the smarter call given the mud potential and creek crossings. The Bighorn Backcountry has no cell service and limited signage — a printed topo or offline map is non-negotiable. No permits required. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the backcountry area; check current fire restrictions before building any fire. Best season is mid-July through September before the snow returns to the upper basin. Fuel up in Nordegg — it’s the last stop before a long stretch of nothing.