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Rockies :: Canmore and Bow Valley ::

Echo Canyon

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Seasonal Waterfall at top of Echo Canyon and base of several world class climbing routes

May 14, 2018

Where is Echo Canyon? It is a "Big Gully" separating two Kane scrambling routes to Grotto mountain on north side of Canmore   I learned about it from local website.  It is a hidden gem and still nowhere as busy as other nearby trails (Lady Mac, Cougar Creek, Grotto Mountain, etc.)  Even Gill Daffern that seemingly hiked every possible trail in Kananaskis doesn't mention it!  Upper Echo Canyon hosts series of hard world-class sport climbing routes frequented by local climbing community and as such is of primary interest to technical climbers.  Hikers can still enjoy exploring the canyon utilizing climber access route, but there are several challenging parts.  For comparison it is much harder than ascent of Grotto Mountain (Kane scramble).  Optimal time for visit is in spring when melting snow creates beautiful and quite high waterfall in upper canyon;  later in the summer it will not be flowing.

Access is from ACC Clubhouse at Indian Flats above Canmore.  Park as you would for standard Grotto Mountain trail.  Follow trail for ~15 minutes, then at marked junction with upper Horseshoe Trail loop descend right and cross the creek.  Turn left on the other side and go up (straight is Horse Meadows trail network, seasonally closed till mid-May).  This the same as Kane "Big Gully" direct route up Grotto Mountain.  Well defined moderately steep trail gains switchbacks up for another 20 minutes before reaching signed junction (See gallery).  Turn left and descend to Echo canyon. Almost immediately is first obstacle;  exposed cliff where attached rope is quite appreciated on descent.   Followed is another scrambly step with fixed chain, not as difficult.   After dropping to the creek trail disappears. Simply head up the creek following path of lesser resistance;  some cairns indicate the easiest path.  In spring when Echo Canyon creek is flowing it will be necessary to rock-hop across the creek several times.  Depending on creek height it might not be passable during high spring runoffs -- use caution.  Final part is the most exciting -- steep wall on climber right in order to bypass narrow section of the creek-bed.  Climbers have bolted re-bar ladder in the rock and it is quite appreciated;  otherwise this part would be more than scrambling!  Good stability and caution is still required. Some steps might be lose -- climbing rope helps.  Above the ladder route mellows and you can see the end of the canyon.  Good trail rises above the canyon on climber right to Echo Canyon Waterfall and base of several climbing routes.  This is also the turnaround point.

Return the same way. Highly recommended half-day trip in Canmore area, but not for beginners.

Gallery

Junction ~2km and 300m vertical; ~45 min from ACC Clubhouse - go left.  "The Notch to Grotto Mtn" is Kane Big Gully route