East End

Group A

Group B

West-Central

Battle Creek
Fee: $17.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); open June to mid-September.
Total # of Units: 16
Max RV Length(m): 10.7

Beaver Creek
Fee: $34.00/night; $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee; Visa, Mastercard & debit cards accepted; group firepit located near playground for anyone to use (also used for interpretive programs); water is not available from mid-October until mid-May).
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Available Year Round: Yes
Total # of Units: 39
Water Hookups: 39
Electical Hookups: 39
Max RV Length(m): 13.1

Elkwater
Fee: Note: there is a "boil water" advisory in effect for Elkwater campground effective Sept. 10, 2009 until further notice. Power/water sites $34.00/night; unserviced sites $22.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee; loop A sites 1-7 open for winter camping ($15.00/night); Visa, Mastercard & debit cards accepted.
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Available Year Round: Yes
Total # of Units: 80
Water Hookups: 41
Electical Hookups: 41
Max RV Length(m): 16.8

Ferguson Hill
Fee: $22.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee; open until Labour Day weekend.
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Total # of Units: 50
Max RV Length(m): 13.8

Firerock
Fee: Power sites $28.00/night; unserviced sites $22.00/night; Visa, Mastercard & debit cards accepted; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); nonrefundable $10.00 reservation fee; open until mid-September.
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Total # of Units: 99
Electical Hookups: 50
Max RV Length(m): 10.7

Graburn
Fee: Camping free of charge; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); open May-October.
Total # of Units: 2
Max RV Length(m): 9.1

Lakeview
Fee: Power/water sites $34.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee; open mid-May until Nov. 30
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Total # of Units: 13
Water Hookups: 13
Electical Hookups: 13

Lodgepole
Fee: $22.00/night; Visa, Mastercard & debit cards accepted; nonrefundable $10.00 reservation fee; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); open until Labour Day
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Total # of Units: 49
Max RV Length(m): 12.2

Old Baldy
Fee: Power/water sites $34.00/night;firewood $7.00/bunde (at Elkwater Townsite); non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee; group fire pit.; Visa, MasterCard & debit cards accepted; open from mid-May until Sept. 30
Reservation Phone: 1-877-537-2757
Total # of Units: 19
Water Hookups: 19
Electical Hookups: 19

Reesor Dock
Fee: $17.00/night; roads to campground are open as weather permits.
Total # of Units: 10
Max RV Length(m): 12.2

Reesor Lake
Fee: $22.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); open May-October.
Total # of Units: 40
Max RV Length(m): 10.7

Spruce Coulee
Fee: $17.00/night; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite); reduced services after Labour Day; walk in tenting sites; no water in winter (open year round weather permitting).
Available Year Round: Yes
Total # of Units: 10

Highway 41
Fee: $100.00/night first 5 units; $10.00/night each additional unit; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite).
Reservation Phone: 403-893-3835
Total # of Units: 10
Max RV Length(m): 13.8

Main
Fee: $160.00/night first 5 units; $22.00/night each additional unit; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater Townsite). Shelter equipped with covered patio, cooking appliances, chairs/tables.
Reservation Phone: 403-893-3835
Total # of Units: 13
Max RV Length(m): 9.1

Willow Creek
Fee: $100.00/night up to 5 units, $10.00/night each additional unit; firewood $7.00/bundle (at Elkwater townsite).
Reservation Phone: 403-893-3835
Total # of Units: 20

Boat rentals
Canoe, kayak & paddle boat rentals at Elkwater Lake during summer months.

Cabin/lodge rentals
Local motel, cabins and bed & breakfast establishments.

Fast food concession
Located at Elkwater Lake marina.

Grocery/supply store

Marina
For rates at Elkwater Lake Marina, call 403-893-3833.

Mini golf

Ski equipment rentals

Beach

• Excellent beach and swimming areas along Elkwater Lake.

Birding

• More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, half of which nest in the area; gray catbirds, dusky flycatchers & hairy woodpeckers inhabit forested areas; wood warbler species include ovenbird, American redstart & MacGillivary's & orange-crowned warblers; the pink-sided race of the dark-eyed junco nests nowhere else in Canada; there are double-crested cormorants & white-winged scoters on Elkwater Lake, along with migratory waterfowl.

Camping

Canoeing/kayaking

Cross-country skiing

• Groomed and ungroomed trails; downloadable trail maps available on the park web site at: www.cd.gov.ab.ca/parks/cypresshills (go to "Visitor Information", click on "Information Services", then go to "Downloads" and click on "Cross-Country Ski Trail Map").

Downhill skiing

• Hidden Valley ski area; ski school; lounge (lounge open during winter only); phone: 403-893-3961.

Fishing

• Refer to the "Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations" for seasons and catch limits, or contact the park visitor centre at 403-893-3833.

Group use

Hiking - front country

Horseshoes

• There are horseshoe pits at various locations throughout the park; horseshoes may be borrowed from the park visitor centre.

Hunting

• Limited elk hunting season.

Ice fishing

Power boating

• Marina located at Elkwater Lake.
• Electric motors only on Reesor Lake.

Sailing

Swimming

• Restricted swimming area.

Tobogganing

Water-skiing

• Water-skiing is permitted on Elkwater Lake only.

Wildlife viewing

• Moose, elk, white-tailed & mule deer, pronghorn (antelope), red fox, porcupine & bobcat; 3 important amphibian species: endangered northern leopard frog, boreal chorus frog & tiger salamander; park became a RANA (Researching Amphibian Numbers in Alberta) site in 1998; it is the only RANA site where the largest & most threatened Alberta frog, the northern leopard frog, is encountered; visit http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/amphib/amph.html for more information.

Windsurfing

Beaver Creek
Winding through poplar & spruce forest, this trail leads to a series of beaverdams, where a loop trail crosses the creek & returns to the campground; as the main trail continues uphill, it becomes more strenuous, with some wet sections; combining Beaver Creek, Horseshoe Canyon & Plateau trails forms a 9 km loop; "downhill travel only" recommended for mountain bikers using this trail.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 4.10
Elevation Gain (m): 229.00
Trail Head: southwest corner of Beaver Creek campground
Trail Activities:

Firerock
Trail climbs steeply to an open grassy area, passes a large glacial erratic, then climbs gently through mature poplar & spruce forest, emerging adjacent to "D" loop of Firerock campground; mountain bikers in particular will enjoy this trail, although the bumps and steep sections make for some tough going; at approximately the mid-way point, this trail links with Horseshoe Canyon Trail & Old Baldy Viewpoint.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 1.60
Elevation Gain (m): 46.00
Trail Head: just south of West-Central day use area
Trail Activities:

Highline
This trail goes through a lodgepole pine forest.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 1.30
Elevation Gain (m): 77.00
Trail Head: offshoot of Rodeo Loop
Trail Activities:

Horseshoe Canyon
This fairly strenuous trail climbs 200 metres along an abandoned road through open fields & mixed forest, providing panoramic views of Elkwater Lake & townsite; spectacular views of Horsehoe Canyon landslide & rolling rangeland to the north; returns via Beaver Creek Trail; the wide, road-like nature of this trail makes it ideal for mountain biking; an exciting alternative is to follow the 0.5 km trail along Old Baldy Ridge to the viewpoint overlooking Elkwater Lake.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 4.10
Elevation Gain (m): 190.00
Trail Head: turnoff north of Beaver Creek campground
Trail Activities:

Lakeside
This loop trail through spruce and lodgepole pine forest goes along the reservoir's west shoreline & back to the campground; not recommended for mountain biking.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 2.00
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: near Spruce Coulee boat launch
Trail Activities:

Lodgepole
This trail descends 71 metres to join Beaver Creek Trail.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 0.70
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: Lodgepole campground entrance
Trail Activities:

Mitchell Creek
This trail climbs steadily through mixedwood & lodgepole pine forest; it ends at Murray Hill Road at the top of the plateau; an informal viewpoint about 1/3 of the way up overlooks Elkwater Lake; there is limited parking available at both ends of the trail; not recommended for mountain biking.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 2.80
Elevation Gain (m): 174.00
Trail Head: south end of Elkwater campground
Trail Activities:

Plateau
This trail joins Horseshoe Canyon, Beaver Creek & Mitchell Creek trails; enjoy the view from Horseshoe Canyon Viewpoint or tour the Tom Trott Forestry Museum.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 2.60
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: Horseshoe Canyon Viewpoint
Trail Activities:

Rodeo Loop
Although rated "easy" for hikers, mountain bikers using this trail should be experienced; this less developed trail offers an enjoyable hike through aspen, pine & spruce forest.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 2.20
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: rodeo grounds
Trail Activities:

Shoreline
This asphalt pathway follows the south shore of Elkwater Lake; there are boardwalks over marshy areas; plenty of parking available at both ends of the trail.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 2.40
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: West-Central & East End day use areas
Trail Activities:

Soggy Bottom
This asphalt and boardwalk route offers an easy stroll through open field, forest and marsh; excellent for a family bike ride; continuation of Shoreline Trail; parking available at the East End day use area.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 1.00
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: East End day use area
Trail Activities:

Spring Creek
This excellent series of loop trails is ideal for novice cross-country skiers; a warm-up shelter is provided at Willow Creek group campground.

Difficulty: Easy	Trail Length (km): 10.20
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: Murray Hill Road, 1 km west of Hwy. 41, 7 km south of Elkwater Lake
Trail Activities:

Spruce Coulee
Although this trail has an easy to moderate degree of difficulty for hikers, it is rated difficult for x-c skiing; mountain bikers using the trail should be experienced; trail follows an abandoned road through woodland & open fields; it crosses Bull Trail Road and continues on to Spruce Coulee campground; gravel surface; good trail for an overnight hike.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 8.40
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: just south of rodeo grounds (watch for signs on Hwy. 41)
Trail Activities:

Streamside
Follows stream through spruce forest, climbs to the top of the plateau and joins Trans Canada Trail for the return trip to the campground; not recommended for mountain biking.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 2.80
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: Spruce Coulee parking lot
Trail Activities:

Sunset
This beautiful trail continues across the road from the east end of Soggy Bottom Trail; spectacular views of waterfowl habitat; trail extends to Hwy. 41, where you can access the Spruce Coulee trail head; there are some rough sections along the route but it can be easily hiked by those at an intermediate skill level.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 1.10
Elevation Gain (m): N/A
Trail Head: east end of Elkwater Lake, adjacent to park office
Trail Activities:

Trans Canada
Trans Canada Trail joins Reesor Lake, Reesor Lake Viewpoint & Spruce Coulee; from the parking lot, it climbs to the top of the plateau; the climb is quite strenuous for both hikers & mountain bikers; excellent views of surrounding countryside from the plateau; trail then follows an abandoned road before veering off through grassland to Reesor Lake Viewpoint; continuing north the trail winds through forest & grassland before emerging at Spruce Coulee Reservoir.

Difficulty: Moderate	Trail Length (km): 8.30
Elevation Gain (m): 127.00
Trail Head: Reesor Lake campground causeway parking lot
Trail Activities:

Elkwater Lake


Fish Species:
Northern Pike, Yellow Perch

Reesor Lake


Fish Species:
Rainbow Trout, White Sucker

Spruce Coulee Reservoir


Fish Species:
Brook Stickleback, Brook Trout, Iowa Darter, Logperch, Walleye

Cultural Site
Stampede Archaeological Site shows evidence of more than 8500 years of human use; 1873 Cypress Hills massacre site located nearby at Fort Walsh (this massacre led to creation of the Northwest Mounted Police).

Environmental Education Programs
Visit the park's web site at www.cd.gov.ab.ca/parks/cypresshills for detailed information about environmental education programs and bookings.

Indoor Exhibits
A display provides insights into natural & cultural history of Cypress Hills area. There is also an indoor exhibit associated with Tom Trott Memorial Forestry Museum at Medicine Lodge Fire Tower (summer viewing by reservation only).

Interpretive Programs (regularly scheduled)
Visit the park's web site (www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/cypresshills/summerrec.asp) for detailed information about interpretive programs.

Outdoor Exhibits
Tom Trott Memorial Forestry Museum has self-guided outdoor exhibits.