Forestry Trunk Road — Highwood Pass to Kananaskis Country South
Foothills, fords, and grizzly country.
The southern stretch of Alberta Highway 940 — better known as the Forestry Trunk Road — runs from the Highwood River lowlands up through foothills ranching country toward Kananaskis Country’s southern gate. You’ll cross the Highwood River multiple times at shallow seasonal fords, pass the Cataract Creek campground complex, and push through stands of lodgepole pine before the peaks of the Livingstone Range shoulder into view. The road narrows and roughens noticeably past the Cataract Creek junction, with loose shale sections and washboard that punishes anything without a suspension tune. Keep your eyes open — grizzly bear sightings in this drainage are not rare, and elk are practically a guarantee in the mornings.
This is a solid moderate run; a stock high-clearance truck handles it in dry summer conditions, but early June snowmelt and fall rain turn those fords honest. The Highwood Pass section of Highway 40 closes to vehicles December 1 through June 15 to protect wildlife, so time your run accordingly. No permits required. Cataract Creek has designated camping with outhouses. Fuel in Longview or Nanton before you head in — there’s nothing on the road itself. Cell coverage disappears within the first few kilometers and stays gone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5650 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Longview, Alberta |
| Land manager | Alberta Environment and Protected Areas |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle this route without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD with decent ground clearance (8+ inches) can run this route in dry summer conditions. The water crossings are the wildcard; if water levels are high after heavy rain, a lifted rig with more clearance is a real advantage.
When does this section of the Forestry Trunk Road open and close for the season?
July through October is the reliable window. Spring runoff keeps water crossings sketchy well into June, and early snowfall can make the route slippery and muddy by late October. Check Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for any seasonal closures before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this route?
No permit is required to drive the Forestry Trunk Road itself. Dispersed camping in the Forest Reserve is allowed without a fee, but you must follow Alberta's Public Lands camping rules — no staying more than 14 consecutive days in one spot and no fires during restrictions.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what makes it technical?
The water crossings are where most people pucker up — the Highwood River and its tributaries can run fast and deeper than expected after rain. There are no extreme rock obstacles, but soft muddy sections after wet weather can swallow a rig without lockers, and the crossings demand you read the water before you commit.
Is there anywhere to fuel up along the 109 km route, and how far is the nearest gas?
There is zero fuel on the route itself — fill up in Longview before you head out. Longview is a small town, so confirm the station is open; your next reliable fuel options are Turner Valley or High River, both roughly 30-40 minutes east of Longview. Budget your range accordingly.
Trail track
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