Opal NA (East Parcel)

Two discrete blocks of land have a surprising guardian angel looking after them.

A young jack pine providing a tasty snack for likely a moose in Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
A young jack pine providing a tasty snack for a moose in Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.

North of the Opal NA is the Peaskie gravel mining operation. As they are lease holders of the natural area, for the past 6+ years they have restricted access to the area for all but foot traffic.

According to John, the retired police officer and part-time security guard, the area was previously lawless. Dozens of ATV’ers converged every weekend and there was widespread destruction. Since then, through education and enforcement, encounters have dwindled to almost nothing.

If you plan to access the area in any manner other than on foot, you need to contact the leaseholder two weeks in advance. Even so, and as a matter of courtesy, call the security guard on duty and let them know you are on site: 780-782-3436.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

  • Winter Challenge Category: High Beginner due to remoteness and rutted trails.
  • Definitely Worth Visiting
  • No Washrooms.
  • Older Kid Focused

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council and Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5: Purged of ATV’ers, their former tracks make for great hiking trails.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 51.5km
  • Trail Classification: Overall (4 out of 5);
    • Rating: 24; Access: Granted;
    • Develop: Limited Development.
    • Maint: In Disrepair or Abused;
    • Season: All Season:
    • Although making a wide trail, the deep ruts can make walking treacherous.
    • The Drive Out: A pleasant drive out on highway 28. Be sure to look for the field stone house in the hamlet of Opal.
  • The Other Shoe: Foot based access is permitted. Fat Biking, etc., would require permission of the landowner.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-03-09. Weather: Warm winter day with temperatures around 0C, overcast. Comments: I met John the security guard who recommended the starting location.
  • Cute as a button, a field stone house in the hamlet of Opal and off highway 28, Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    Cute as a button, a field stone house in the hamlet of Opal and off highway 28, Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
  • One of numerous public notice signs for Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    One of numerous public notice signs for Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
  • Entrance to the mine north of Opal NA (eastern portion), 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    Entrance to the mine north of Opal NA (eastern portion), 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
  • Southeast entrance, at the end of RR 225, to Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    Southeast entrance, at the end of RR 225, to Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
  • ATV track criss-crossing Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    ATV track criss-crossing Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
  • A young jack pine providing a tasty snack for likely a moose in Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.
    A young jack pine providing a tasty snack for likely a moose in Opal NA, 2024-03-09, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. SAPAA – Opal Natural Area.
  2. Peaskie Minerals

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.

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