Coyote Lake Complex – West Tetris

The Coyote Lake Complex encompasses about 4,200 acres, featuring diverse landownership and uses including grazing leases. This page is about the largest of four non-adjoined parcels of land. Because of this, access requires permission; there are no facilities.

Looking South from TWP 494 along the East boundary of the PNT adjoining private land (to the left), Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
Looking South from TWP 494 along the East boundary of the PNT adjoining private land (to the left), Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.

A Complex Name. I call the collection of properties making up Coyote Lake a complex rather than a natural area. This reflects the variety of landownership and very different uses permitted on the parcels. In addition to individual landowners, there is Crown Land (both of the OC and PNT variety) and a land trust (Nature Conservancy of Canada, NCC).

Tracking in Tetris. In total, there are more than 4,200 acres to explore excluding private land. Because of the number and diversity of the sites, I have given different parcels of land specific names. This page is about the ‘Tetris-Parcel‘. It covers two sections of land (~1,200 acres) and borders TWP 500 in the North and 492 in the south and lies between RR 51 and 52.

Aliases given to various Coyote Lake areas for ease of description.
Aliases given to various Coyote Lake areas for ease of description.

Don’t Have a Cow. This PNT has grazing leases. That is, the province permits a local farmer to graze cattle on the property. One must contact the leaser before using the trails, etc. [2]. Nevertheless, the cow trails and supporting tracks have potential for great hiking, snowshoeing, or possibly fat biking – just make sure you don’t inadvertently invite any cattle to come along!

Area Description. Assuming you have permission, this area has rolling topography with numerous wetland depressions. Tamarack-black spruce/sphagnum peatland, willow/birch shrubland, sedge meadows and small sloughs are common. The upland vegetation consists of aspen and balsam poplar forests, with some areas of white spruce [1].

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

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 3/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 75 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 32; Access: Granted; Develop: Earthen Track. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: All Season: Four season but with lease holder permission..
    • The Drive Out: Stop for donuts in Calmar (closed Sunday and Monday). Beautiful rural vistas and interesting curios (see photos).
  • The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-10-29. Weather: Warm’ish and very sunny, in the single digits. Comments: Done with AMA and company.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • An ATV tracking running North along the SW corner of site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    An ATV tracking running North along the SW corner of site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking East into the site along TWP 494 at the West boundary, the PNT is on either side, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Looking East into the site along TWP 494 at the West boundary, the PNT is on either side, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking North from TWP 494 along the Western border of the PNT, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Looking North from TWP 494 along the Western border of the PNT, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking North from TWP 494 at the boundary between the PNT and OC portions of the NA, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Looking North from TWP 494 at the boundary between the PNT and OC portions of the NA, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking South from TWP 500 at a classic central Alberta scene - oil and cows, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Looking South from TWP 500 at a classic central Alberta scene – oil and cows, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Morning sun on an abandoned farm house, West of RR 51A and about TWP 495, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Morning sun on an abandoned farm house, West of RR 51A and about TWP 495, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking East into the adjoining parcel of land and the Oil field site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Looking East into the adjoining parcel of land and the Oil field site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Don't try to buy gas here, a faux Texaco filling station at 5110 TWP 492, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Don’t try to buy gas here, a faux Texaco filling station at 5110 TWP 492, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • South terminus of RR51 and looking East, the hills in the distance are a Western boundary of the site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    South terminus of RR51 and looking East, the hills in the distance are a Western boundary of the site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
  • Welcome to Flodenville, hand made signs on the property adjacent to the site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.
    Welcome to Flodenville, hand made signs on the property adjacent to the site, Tetris parcel-Coyote Lake Complex, 2024-10-29, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Opening comment, Coyote Lake Natural Area | SAPAA.
  2. Accessing provincial grazing reserves.

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.