Visitor Information
Watch our Hiker Information Video
The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area (ASCCA) is open to visitors year-round. The ASCCA is a designated habitat conservation area protected under the Alberta Wildlife Act, and not a park. A series of area guidelines are in place to limit impact on wildlife. The area is open daily from 4:00 am - 11:00 pm, and is monitored by volunteer stewards. We do not allow bikes, dogs, vehicles, hunting, drones or cross-country skiing within the conservation area. All visitors, including parking pass holders, are required to register in our kiosk.
Visitors are only required to book online if their group consists of 10 or more individuals. You will be contacted to confirm your group may hike on your chosen date. This is to minimize impact on the land and to be mindful of the number of hikers visiting the area on a given day. All visitors must register at our Welcome Kiosk sign-in book, located under the large trail map inside the kiosk.
Book a Hike
- Everyone who uses the area must register at our kiosk.
- Groups of 10 or more must book their hike in advance online.
- The ASCCA is closed between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Horses, dogs or other pets are not allowed on site.
- The operation of drones is prohibited.
- Cars, bicycles, and other vehicles are not allowed.
- Access the ASCCA from the lower parking lot only.
- Camping, fires and smoking are not allowed.
- Hunting and discharging firearms are prohibited.
- Snowshoeing is allowed, however, cross-country skiing is not permitted.
- There are no garbage cans on the trails. Please pack out what you pack in.
- Stay on the trails and keep a respectful distance from the wildlife.
- Be respectful towards other hikers, ASCCA staff and volunteers.
- Leave everything in its place. Do not disturb plants or remove anything in nature.
As of January 2020, all visitors are required to pay for parking. Parking fees allow us to maintain the area and go towards the area’s mandate. Please visit our parking page for more information. Frequent visitors may purchase an annual parking pass. If you do not visit the are frequently, you may pay our fee of $10/parking. Parking can be paid online or with cash deposited at our Welcome Kiosk.
Parking Information
A variety of wildlife, including bears and cougars, are present at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. For your own safety and that of the wildlife please keep your distance and make your presence known on the trails. During months when wildlife are more active, consider hiking with others and carrying bear spray. Wildlife sightings will be posted at the Welcome Kiosk when you sign in.
Please download our helpful PDF to learn about how to deal with wildlife encounters.
Please remember that this is a wildlife preserve. It is not maintained as a park. The entire area is hilly and trails are remote. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: wildlife, cattle, fallen trees, fencing, holes, mud, ice, water as well as stinging plants and insects. Visitors use the Cross Conservation Area at their own risk. Please note that we have cattle on our property two times a year and do our best to remove cow patties when they are no longer frozen. Visitors may encounter cow patties on the trail, especially in wooded areas.
Please also note that we cannot guarantee that the interior of Belvedere House will be accessible; if there is an educational program happening inside, visitors can use the exterior washroom attached to Belvedere House instead of those inside. We do not normally rent our building to the general public. If you represent an organization that would like to use our building please contact us at [email protected] or call (403) 931-1042.