Hike Grotto Mountain

Canmore, Alberta

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Details

Distance

7.5 miles

Elevation Gain

4429.1 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Matt Ford

Grotto Mountain is a quick, easy access hike with some serious altitude gain! Plan on this adventure taking you approximately 6 hours.

From Highway 1A take the exit to the Alpine Club of Canada. Park near the woodpile as the actual parking lot is for Alpine Club customers. The trailhead about 30 metres up the road from the woodpile.

The start of the trail is fairly relaxed but it quickly becomes a steep uphill battle. There are trail signs for the first 2km or so, but after that the trail is marked with cairns and flagging tape. There are many variations so don't concern yourself too much with finding the proper trail, they all lead to the top. You should end up trending towards the western end (climbers left) of the mountain if you come to a creek bed you've gone the wrong way and will need to back track a bit.

Once you're above the treeline the trail turns to scree and is a bit harder to follow so pay close attention to the cairns. The true summit is a bit to the east, but the top is an enjoyable and relatively safe ridge walk. You'll know you've made it if you're close to the weather station that is visible from lower down on the trail.

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