Solo hiking adventure up Grotto Mountain – Canmore – July 9. This was a serious scramble up a very steep trail, but I was feeling great at the top. The original is shown, or via Blinkwater ravine North branch (often wet) or via a bushy traverse to the head of Blinkwater. Route Description: The climb starts out of Blinkwater ravine, and the bottom tricky pitch in the stream bed is avoided on the buttress out left. There are five routes I have called them #1 A.C.C. — mountaindad • Jun 8, 2017 "Did the Acc route so I could experience the amazing ridge walk twice, saw the rock window and mount Assinaboine, got caught in a T-storm on the way down the mountain, a bit scary, pelted with pea sized hail, soaked to the bone, sliding down mud trails streaming with water, but an awesome hike!" Grotto Mountain (D irect R oute) Kananaskis, Alberta March 13, 2004. This is the second time I’ve climbed this mountain (the first time was via the ACC route), and both times my calves were killing me on the way up. The east ridge offers probably the best rock quality in the Rockies. I've been up it a few times using both the ACC route and the direct route. Grotto Mountain provides a good workout in early season when other peaks are still snowbound. The mountain was named for a grotto-like cave within it. Easiest route: Easy/Moderate Scramble: Grotto Mountain is a mountain located in the Bow River valley, across from Canmore, Alberta, Canada. The first is how steep it is. Had … Near the top of the route there are 3 options. Plan on this adventure taking you approximately 6 hours. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Grotto Mountain (5,630 ft) in Washington There are a couple things that stand out about Grotto. Here Dinah and I climbed it using the direct route which stays right of the massive gully system. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching. Grotto Mountain is a quick, easy access hike with some serious altitude gain! For scramblers and climbers, this mountain offers two straightforward routes, the east ridge rated at Alpine III, 5.3, and the west ridge, a “moderate scramble” in dry condition. Grotto Mountain. The climber's right path is the ascent route for Grotto, whereas the climber's left route will lead you towards the Cougar Creek trailhead area. Hate when a good day turns bad from my own stupidity. Scrambling is the term used for mountaineering without the use of any technical ropes or climbing gear, but something that is more than just a hike. OK that is all the routes up Grotto that I know of completed. Scramble: Class 1 – Steep Hiking, Nice Ridge Walk Altitude: 2,706m (8,876 ft) Elevation Gain: 1,425m (4,674 ft) Ascent Time: 3 – 4 1/2 Hours. August 9th 2019. ... Lady Macdonalds South East ridge is a route that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to it's proximity to Canmore, intro … The Town of Canmore from the Summit It takes at least 2 hours and a kilometre (3,281 ft.) of elevation gain before you'll step foot on the open, rocky slopes which lead to the summit ridge. It is a popular hiking spot among locals and is home to the Rat's Nest Cave. Grotto Mountain - Canmore. Best Season to Scramble: Mid-May to October, relatively little snow on the upper slope is best. Usually I go up a mountain via the least technical way, but this is one of the few exceptions. On the agenda were Grotto Mountain on Saturday, and Middle Sister on Sunday; both mountains overlooking Canmore from opposite sides. Grotto Traverse Trail to Grotto Mountain is a 5.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Canmore, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. 2706m, 1425m vertical ascent over 5.7km. 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