Forestry Trunk Road — Hwy 940 Cataract Creek to Upper Livingstone River (Alberta)
Clay, elk, and zero cell bars south of Longview.
South of Longview, Highway 940 threads into the Livingstone Range and drops toward the upper Livingstone River — a corridor that sees far fewer rigs than Kananaskis but rewards those who make the effort. Starting near Cataract Creek campground, you follow the river north through open meadows hemmed by spruce-covered ridges, crossing Livingstone Creek and navigating several low-water dips that can swell fast after upstream storms. The road surface alternates between packed gravel and raw clay — the kind that turns greasy with a single overnight shower and will swallow an all-season tire whole.
Stock high-clearance 4WD is the realistic minimum here; a locker helps when conditions go sideways. There are no services between Longview and Pincher Creek — fuel both ends, carry two days of water, and don’t count on cell service past the pavement. Best conditions run late June through early September before fall snowfall turns the clay lethal. Dispersed camping is legal along most of the corridor under Alberta Public Lands rules. What you get is elk, raptors, and a legitimate sense of isolation less than two hours from Calgary — that’s the whole point.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 41 mi / 66 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| 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 | |
| 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 through the Livingstone without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and it's adequate in dry conditions. The clay sections after rain are the real threat — even lifted rigs get sideways on wet grades, so mud tires make a genuine difference here, not just a nice-to-have.
When does this section of Hwy 940 typically become passable after spring, and should I worry about fall closures?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring snowmelt keeps the clay greasy and the creek crossings high well into May. Fall can close fast — early October snowstorms hit the Livingstone drainage hard, and the road can go from fine to impassable in a single afternoon.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this stretch of Forestry Trunk Road?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping on public land is allowed under Alberta's Public Lands Act — no fee, no reservation, just don't camp within 100 metres of a water body or posted closure area. Check Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for any seasonal wildlife closures before you go, as Livingstone elk calving zones can restrict access.
What's the sketchiest part of this route and what actually makes it hard?
The clay sections south of Cataract Creek are where people get into trouble — they look passable until they aren't, and the camber on some grades will push you toward the ditch if the surface is wet. It's not a rock-crawling challenge; the difficulty is entirely conditions-dependent, and a moderate trail in dry July becomes a genuinely committing situation after two hours of rain.
How do the water crossings on the Livingstone run, and is there anywhere to resupply fuel before dropping into this route?
Crossings are typically shallow and manageable mid-summer but can run thigh-deep and fast during spring runoff or after heavy rain — check conditions before committing, because there's no bail-out once you're deep in. Fuel up in Longview before you leave; it's the last reliable stop, and you're looking at a 66 km route with zero services and zero cell signal the entire way.
Trail track
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