There’s nothing like standing on a ridge and looking back at the switchbacks and scree that brought me here. After too many flat-ish trail days, my body has been craving some serious vert. I set my sights on Grotto Mountain.
Two years ago, Grotto Mountain was my first climb of the new year. I went up on a bright January day where the ridge was mostly covered in snow. I didn’t quite hit the summit – it turned out I would have to traverse another kilometre. I really couldn’t tell because of all the snow.
I don’t know why I haven’t been back since that day in January. Sure it was a grind but it’s such an iconic mountain.
This spring day in May was perfect for exploring the ridge. I parked at the Cougar Creek car lot, which was surprisingly nearing capacity when I rolled in just before 8 a.m. My bet was most people were heading up Lady Mac.
The route to the ridge is quite runnable because it’s mostly on well-trekked trails below the tree line. Once you start climbing the switchbacks, it’s simply a grind. But it is worth the effort because after you emerge from the trees, you can finally enjoy those mountain views.
I was pleasantly surprised at the length of the ridge – no wonder there are many options to summit and traverse. It was a lovely morning with little wind. A few patches of snow remained on the ridge but nothing dangerous or anything you could not avoid.
Thankfully there was little wind just sunny skies. The ridgeline was relatively easy to navigate. There were a few rocks to climb over but nothing too scary.
A blue metal box marked the summit, around the 8ish kilometre mark from where I started at Cougar Creek. I could see the weather tower a few 100 metres away. The summit and ridge offered great views of the Bow Valley, and even the Three Sisters.
I returned the same way I came. One day I would like to try a different route including a traverse along the entire ridge. Thankfully this time I paid better attention to the route, and I didn’t get lost in the maze of trails.
Grotto Mountain from Cougar Creek: 16.6 kilometres and 1,400/ metre gain.
What’s your favourite grind that rewards you with amazing views? I would love to hear in the comments below.