Grotto Mountain

Grotto Mountain
Grotto Mountain from Ha Ling Peak, 2005
Highest point
Elevation2,706 m (8,878 ft)
Prominence238 m (781 ft)
Parent peakMount Townsend 2820 m
ListingMountains of Alberta
Coordinates51°05′16″N 115°16′05″W / 51.08778°N 115.26806°W / 51.08778; -115.26806
Geography
Grotto Mountain
Location in Alberta
LocationAlberta, Canada
Parent rangeFairholme Range
Topo mapNTS 82O3 Canmore
Climbing
First ascent1858 by Eugène Bourgeau
Easiest routeEasy/Moderate Scramble

Grotto Mountain is a mountain located in the Bow River valley, across from Canmore, Alberta, Canada. It is a popular hiking spot among locals and is home to the Rat's Nest Cave.

The mountain was named for a grotto-like cave within it.

There are two main scrambling routes:

  • Northwest Variation - from the ACC clubhouse, ascends the northwest side of the mountain on a good hiking trail. At tree line, the trail narrows to the false summit. From there, it is a gradual ascent to the summit with brief stints of scrambling but mostly hiking.
  • Direct route. Ascends directly under the summit. Shorter but more arduous.