There was no better way to kick off 2023 then a solo adventure on Grotto Mountain. Plans fell through with a friend at the last minute so I decided to solo. It was late in the day for me but the weather was gorgeous. Besides what else am I going to do?
There are four routes up Grotto Mountain, another backyard gem (and beast) in Canmore. I took the route offered from AllTrails, which started across from the Lady MacDonald parking area in a trail system that led me to the Horseshoe trail and eventually the Grotto Mountain Trail.
I had never run in this area before so I didn’t know the trails very well. The trails were wide and well used. Thankfully I had downloaded the route on my Garmin.
Truthfully might have gone off route a few times in the trails on the ascent (and definitely on the descent). (Shout out to this Calgary mom and her daughter who pointed me in the right direction and assured me more than once that I wasn’t an idiot.) The trail in the trees was very runnable. I’d like to come back and run the trails another time.
From the Horseeshoe Trail, I eventually (after a few wrong turns) reached the Grotto Mountain Trail, which presented me with switchback after switchback that keep getting steeper and steeper. My Kahtoolas were great on the trail. It wasn’t icy just packed-down snow.
Many, many times I questioned what the hell I was doing. To say it was a grind was an understatement. I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent so that could have been part of it or that I did Sulphur 2x two days before. Mainly because I think it was because I am out of shape. What a grind.
Eventually I climbed the last of those relentless switchbacks to where it finally opened up to outstanding views of Canmore and the surrounding mountains. Someone had clearly been on the mountain in recent days so I had a clear path to follow. The snow wasn’t too deep and surprisingly I still had dry shoes by the time I started the climb to the summit.
I lucked out because there was little to no wind. I could take my gloves off for more than a minute without the fear of frost bite. A definite win for winter. What a glorious day. All the blue and clear skies. More than once I counted my blessings for such a bluebird day.
Reaching the ridge, I was even more blown away. It is the kind of beauty that brings tears to your eyes. Snow-capped mountains. Blue skies. No wind. Perfect conditions.
I stayed away from the edge of the ridge because it wasn’t safe. I managed to grab a few photos but nothing can truly capture the sheer beauty. You really have to see it to believe it.
My intention was to do an out and back. There’s a traverse loop but I wasn’t feeling anymore exploring since it was late in the day. I just wanted to enjoy the views and get down. The description on AllTrails makes Grotto sound very intimidating. I guess it depends on the route you go up the mountain because it is technically considered a scramble. I just thought it was super steep (and I am out of shape) but I didn’t venture further on the ridge because of my spikes.
I didn’t quite reach the summit. According to my Garmin, I was probably about 80 metres to go. I didn’t feel 100 per cent confident climbing over this last bit of ridge (right) with my spikes on (and I didn’t feel like struggling to take them off.) so I turned around and began my descent.
Pretty smooth heading down – just retracing my steps. I was surprised to see a dog (and his owner) shortly before I reached the trees. It was nearly 2 p.m. so I thought it was late to start but what do I know. Other than the hiker, I didn’t see anyone all day.
While I was painfully slow navigating the switchbacks, it turned out to be an awesome way to kick of 2023. I can’t wait to do Grotto again!