| Athabasca Sand Dunes
Here, wind and sand combine to create Alberta’s moving desert. Shifting up to 1.5 metres a year, these powerful dunes bury forests and fill in lakes, leaving behind a flat, barren plain. Yet that, and the surrounding landscape of forests, lakes and marshes make the area an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.
Located in Maybelle River Wildland Park, the Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve protects the largest of these active sand fields. Within its boundaries are impressive natural features: 12 metre tall sand dunes and 60 metre high kames among the largest in the world.
Camping is permitted within the Wildland Park, but access is restricted to foot only. However, due to its protected designation, camping and OHV use are not permitted within the Ecological Reserve.
For those looking for an afternoon of backcountry hiking, the area provides scenery unequalled anywhere else in the province.
For ATV enthusiasts, the Richardson River Sand Dunes Access Trail offers hours of adventurous riding. Located west of the Richardson River, the trail follows the eastern perimeter of the Richardson River Dunes Wildland Park. The park itself is a protected area, preserving paleo-longitudinal dunes whose size and development are not recorded elsewhere. Motorized access in the park is prohibited. The Access Trail into the Richardson River Sand Dunes off the winter road heading west to Embarrass Portage and watch for the access path into the Richardson Dune Complex. From here, you have nothing to do but head north, enjoy the scenery and enjoy yourself.
The Richardson Backcountry is also ideal for camping and fishing enthusiasts. Rustic, lakeside campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. These are user-maintained sites with no major facilities and visitors are required to pack-out what they bring in. Anglers are also asked to check local fishing regulations before casting a line. Before embarking on any trip into the area, all visitors must ensure they are well prepared for a true wilderness adventure.
So come out and enjoy what Alberta’s Sahara has to offer.
You won’t be disappointed. |
