Another weekend, another Alberta hiking trail! Leave the haunting dings of work notifications behind and escape to the Rockies. Lucky for us in Calgary, they’re close by.
If you’re looking for a satisfying weekend hike, Grotto Canyon Trail delivers on every count. It has a steady incline, rocky canyons, waterfalls, and spectacular views.
It’s also a pretty good hike if you want your dog or kids to tag along.
Grab those hiking boots and get ready, because the mountains are calling.
What To Expect
You’ll find the Grotto Mountain Day Use area off Highway 1a. You can park here, but please note that you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to stop anywhere in the park.
The trail is considered moderately difficult, but starts out easy. You’ll begin by following a power line, passing an industrial plant before winding up a narrow rocky canyon.
The first milestone you’ll reach is the lookout bench, which offers sweeping vistas of the valley and surrounding peaks.
The pathway from here on out is lovely, with vertical rock walls and a waterfall if you continue up the path. If the waterfall wasn’t enough for you, extend your journey and continue up the path until you reach the Grotto Canyon Cave.
As you make your way, keep an eye out for rock paintings called Hopi pictographs, which are estimated to have been painted 500 to 1,000 years ago. You’ll also find small inukshuks left behind by other hikers.
As always, check the Alberta Parks website for the most up-to-date conditions and advisories.
Get ready, weekend warriors. It’s time to hit the trails!
Where: Grotto Canyon Trail Parking Lot, Bighorn No. 8, AB
Distance: 7.1 km
Difficulty: Easy
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Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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