Alberta Land Rover Enthusiasts Club Forum

General => Events => Topic started by: JohnnyO on April 11, 2022, 07:15 AM

Title: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on April 11, 2022, 07:15 AM
Would anyone be interested in a trip to Cypress Hills this summer?  I've camped there a few times on both Alberta and Saskatchewan sides.  Beautiful area and would like to see more of it.  Having grown up in Manitoba I just love the wide open spaces.  It might be the closest thing Southern Canada has to Mongolia.  We'd need input from the regulars of the area to get beta on the trails.  I was thinking of a 3-4 day weekend.  Camping is preferred but I'd stay in a place if I have to.  Accommodations might be a challenge this late but I'd be willing to do some digging around if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Matt H on April 11, 2022, 08:37 AM
Seeing as I'm so close I'm in, depending on dates, but I'll at least be able to make it out for the day.

Zero services camping is the best bet as the park fills up quickly with family campers and their holiday trailers.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Red90 on April 11, 2022, 11:14 AM
I would be interested.  Probably would need to be May or July long weekend for me.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on April 11, 2022, 04:05 PM
Should I be looking for accommodations on the Alberta or Sask. side?


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Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Red90 on April 11, 2022, 04:20 PM
There is a big government campground.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on April 11, 2022, 04:51 PM
Haha, you are correct sir.  There are actually two big government campgrounds. One in Alberta and another one in Saskatchewn. I'd say we have a 50/50 chance of getting it right!


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Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Red90 on April 11, 2022, 05:10 PM
I think the big one in on the Saskatchewan side. They have a big group/overflow area where people can camp together.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Red90 on April 11, 2022, 05:11 PM
Plus camping at an Alberta provincial park is nearly impossible.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: binch on April 11, 2022, 08:32 PM
Saskatchewan side has always worked we for the club.....especially if it snows.....MAJOR FUN THEN!!!!!!
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Matt H on April 13, 2022, 07:30 AM
Free firewood on Saskatchewan side too.
There's really not much 'wheeling' to be done but there are a few short hunting trails and backroads to some interesting places.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on April 14, 2022, 10:18 AM
Perfect. I'm much more of a 'overlander' than a hard core 4x4 mud bogger.


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Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on April 17, 2022, 06:20 PM
The Cypress Hills plans are coming together for the July long weekend.  Arriving Thursday, June 30th – departing Sunday, July 3rd.  For those wishing to camp there are tenting and RV sites available at Willowbend Campground, in Maple Creek, SK.  This on the edge of town and close to amenities.  Maple Creek is ~30 kms from Cypress Hills Saskatchewan Interprovicial Park.

Call Joan & Darcy to book a site:

http://www.willowbendcampground.com/
(306) 662-3006

For meals, we can cook on our own/gather at someone's fire pit to eat.  If someone wants to come forward and organize a group dinner or something I'm all for it.

Willowbend will be our base camp for the weekend.  Group drives will be organized for Friday and Saturday.  There's always an option for a drive Sunday morning for those that are keen.  I'm hoping the Medicine Hat regulars will be around to give us some route ideas.

Let me know if you're interested.

Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Red90 on April 18, 2022, 08:13 AM
I plan to be there, but doubt Thursday is possible.  Will plan to drive there Friday.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Matt H on April 19, 2022, 09:07 AM
I'm in.

I'll need to dig out my old maps and tax what is left of my memory but I'll do my best to come up with a few suggestions of places we can go. 
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Matt H on May 04, 2022, 02:26 PM
I'm all booked in at the willow bend campground for the July long weekend. Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on May 06, 2022, 07:56 AM
Right on Matt. I spoke with Willow Bend yesterday. There are still sites available but they are expected to fill up. I'm thinking this will be a good shakedown for the BC trip.


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Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on June 24, 2022, 11:44 AM
Hey guys,  I'm just checking in to see if there are any other Landy folks interested in the July Long Weekend trip to Cypress Hills.  There are still camp spots available at the moment.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: Matt H on June 24, 2022, 12:39 PM
Sadly I had to cancel. Got too much happening on the farm for me to get away right now. Still going to try to come out for a day though.
Title: Re: Cypress Hills 2022
Post by: JohnnyO on June 30, 2022, 05:46 PM
The Cypress Hills trip planned for this coming weekend has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts and lack of interest.  It is still a place I'd like to explore. Keep me posted if there's anyone out there who'd like to check it out and we'll resurrect the idea.


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