Grotto ChinookTrademark High Pressure Chinook Clouds over Grotto Mountain on North Side of Bow Valley. Grotto Hiking Page

Grotto Mountain from south side of Bow Valley;  Highest point in center, Carter route via Lower Grotto right, Cougar Ridge left

1.  Cougar Ridge
2.  Carter Buttress

Combined they lead naturally for traverse, and this is the most rewarding way of tackling Grotto.  If you decide on this approach,  keep in mind that East Ridge (Carter Route) is harder and better suited for ascent.  You will also need to figure transport logistics as trailheads are ~10km apart;  if going solo, bicycle will do the job.  I suggest leaving the car at Benchlands parking, then cycling down Elk Run and Bow Valley (Parkway 1A) to Carter Trailhead, where you can stash the bike, then simply drive back from Benchlands to pick it up at end of the day.

Due to south exposure mountain is often dry even in winter thus making trip feasible most of the year.  Views from the summit ridge are commendable, in particular north panorama of Fairholme range and several distant not-so-often accessed back-country areas.

Google Map

GPS Track

October 14, 2015

From parking at top of Benchlands Trail walk up left side of the creek, then cross to the right side past last houses. Alternatively you can walk back and cross the bridge on Elk Run blvd, then hike up from the start on the right side.  Find first trail that heads in the woods, then continue parallel with Cougar creek.  Do not follow one of many trails heading right; instead continue north and find narrow, but well defined forest path that continues above the berm, then switchbacks up lower slope of Cougar ridge. This trail emerges to open bench with good views of Bow valley, turns right, dips a bit then starts direct ascent.  There is alternate, bit more adventurous start available as well. For this one hike up Cougar Canyon for ~10-15 minutes When you come to first big gully coming down Grotto on right (east) side, leave the canyon and scramble up on left side; you should be able to pick-up fairly decent trail. This trail eventually dwindles and you must cross the drainage then short bit of bushwhack brings you to "Cougar trail" running up the ridge, about 1/4 of the way up. 

Higher up cliff band can be scrambled directly, or bypassed to the left on wide talus ledge and convenient chimney towards the end .  Upon joining ACC trail follow obvious path in scree climbing up towards skyline ridge.  At the top, turn right and follow the ridge to the summit; it is about 30-40 minutes away.  It is best to stay at the crest of the ridge throughout. Only at one point there is short downclimb (class 2/3) as you must bypass low cliffband; alternatively descend the scree to the right, then grovel back up to the ridge. Final bit is very enjoyable with great views throughout.  Views from the summit are exceptional and in my opinion better than from Lady MacDonald across the street.  If you decide to descend via ACC route - as showcased on GPS Based Map - short couple of km on Upper Horseshoe Cycling trail, just above ACC Clubhouse,  can be followed back to Cougar Parking.

Cougar Creek Construction Note:  Retention Dam Construction at mouth of Cougar Canyon has barred the access to both Cougar Creek at lower part of Cougar Ridge since summer of 2020.  End to this calamity seems to be nowhere in sight, but it is still possible to access Cougar Ridge trail by veering a bit east in the forest on upper Horseshoe cycling trail, then trashing up semi-open forest above blasting site and intersecting normal trail.

Gallery

Cougar Creek View back to Cougar Creek

Google Map

GPS Track

June 1, 2022

This is by margin the hardest of 4 Grotto hiking routes.  It is brutally steep with loose terrain above treeline and several short low class 3 rock steps.  Most hikers turn back at Rock Promontory near treeline called "Carter Buttress";  even this is not trivial as ~850m must be gained just to here!  Route above the Buttress is not always obvious and I do not recommend descending this way first time around if coming up via other routes.  The reward is probably better views overall and feeling of remote back-country route when compared to much more frequently ascended west ridge.

Parking is at pullout along Bow Valley Parkway (1A), just past the quarry - use GPS track.  It is the same as for famous Rats Nest Cave, and first part of hike is shared between the two.  After crossing the powerline Carter route continues straight up.  Grade is moderate, but higher up there are couple of short chimneys that call for use of hands.  About 1hr 15min in is the confusing bit;  trail reaches base of rock cliff, and while it appears logical to continue on climber left, this choice will lead to increasingly harder terrain that requires ropes.  Correct way is zig-zag on couple of ledges to climber right, then continue above the edge of Rats Nest Canyon.   Ensuing part, despite defined trail, is very steep - on return one spring I felt necessary to put on spikes for traction, even if it was not icy!  Eventually trail mellows and reaches the Buttress - 1:45 to 2 hrs from parking.  Views are great and this is obvious spot for break.

Above the buttress trail ascends thinning trees to treeline.  Follow cairns up eroded slabs, then move to loose ridge heading up towards obvious knob above - also known as "Lower Grotto".  Rougher than expected descent to saddle is followed by moderately angled ridgewalk past weather stations to the summit;  about 40-45min from "Lower Grotto", or 1:30 - 1:45 from Carter Buttress.  On return it is possible to angle on rubble below Lower Grotto, and while saving extra bit of elevation gain, it will not really be saving in time as terrain is very loose and concentration will be needed.

Gallery

East Ridge View back down East Ridge to sunlit Lower Grotto, with Snow Squall moving across south side of Bow Valley