If you are up for a hike, then its cue to head out to Grotto Canyon in Canmore. Despite posing a steep challenge ahead of hikers, this is one of the top picks of those yearning an adrenaline rush. If you go on this hike then you will pass through steep lanes overlooking a pictographic background comprising of a magnificent waterfall. Easy access throughout the year makes it a hot favourite of both locals and visitors.
Key Points of Hike
Length: 4.3 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 195 meters
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trailhead: Grotto Mountain Day Use
Reaching the Grotto Canyon Trailhead
For accessing Grotto Canyon, you need to reach the trailhead at the Grotto Mountain Day Use Area. It is situated adjacent to a scenic pond and is fully equipped with long drop toilets, picnic tables and trash cans. There is a well-marked trail starting from the car parking. This trail follows a wide gravel road. It can surely be termed as one of the most scenic hikes in the locality.
On travelling 1km down the path you will reach a rocky creek bed. Feel free to rest your tired legs at the benches which offer a jaw-dropping view of Mount Lougheed. You can enter Grotto Canyon from this point. However, you should be extra cautious as the trail becomes fairly rough and is filled with river rocks. As you move through the trail, the limestone walls close in.
You can also read about 10 Famous Waterfalls in Alberta to explore!
Getting ahead in the Grotto Canyon
As you keep going ahead, the canyon walls start narrowing. The limestone walls attain a greater height above the trail. This point seems utterly dramatic as a waterfall gushes down into the canyon and huge walls flank from all the sides. Although the waterfall lacks volume, the combination of the cliff and canyon amps up the scenic beauty and drama.
You must make it a point to walk up to the end of the trail. The view here is to die for. Get ready as mountain sceneries take your breath away once the canyon walls drop away. You can experience the raw beauty of the canyon from a different angle while returning back.
Is the Grotto Canyon trail a difficult one?
If you are in the Bow Valley region and looking for a comfortable hike then you can embark on the Grotto Canyon quest today. You can easily bring along pets and children to this 5 km long hike. If you feel tired, then you can take an about turn at any point and head back home. You will gain an elevation of 200 meters along the trail. However, the gradual climb won’t let you feel much strain.
When should you ideally hike to Grotto Canyon?
The creek freezes during winter months making it more accessible during this time. First time hikers won’t face any difficulty walking over its level surface. But during spring, as the snow melts away, hiking through the trail can pose considerable challenges.
