Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area

Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House Parks and Trails

Winter hiking to lookouts and frozen waterfalls while exploring Thompson Country in Alberta Canada. 

During the winter, Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area is a popular day trip destination near Nordegg Alberta Canada for its spectacular frozen waterfall. The falls are two-tiered and 27m (89ft) high. They are visible from the day use area by two platforms and from the Bighorn Canyon Trail. The area below the falls is closed as it is a special protection zone.

Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area Hiking Trails

There are several hikes in the area including a 5km round trip trail that starts at the falls and follow the canyon to the Bighorn Gorge Lookout. A lesser known, and more adventurous hike is to follow a frozen creek for 2.5km to Isaac's Icefalls, an ice climbing destination.

Nordegg Summer Adventures 

In the summer, this park is a popular day use area and campground. The campground is first-come, first served and has 12 tent only sites and 22 RV spots. Spots are well-treed and have fire pits and picnic tables. The campround has dry toilets, firewood and a community kitchen. As this is bear country, be sure to store your food and toiletries safely.

Equestrian Backcountry Trail

Access to the Bighorn Meadows Equestrian Backcountry Trail is located on the west side of road  below the upper parking lot. Outside of this trail, equestrian use is not permitted. There are no longer any equestrian camping spots in the park.

Bighorn River in Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area

The Bighorn River is a fast flowing and glacier fed, as such it can be very dangerous. Be sure to obey all signs. Despite its beauty and the temptation to get close to the pools at the bottom of the falls, there are dangerous undercurrents that have resulted in the loss of life. Please be careful and obey all signs and trail closures.

Park Lookout 

There is an incredible view of th Bighorn Gorge from a pullout viewpoint on the access road to Crescent Falls. It is 3.5km north of Highway 11 on the same raod as the falls and is well worth the stop. It is a very deep canyon with spectacular views of the valley.

Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area

Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg Parks and Trails