Google Map |
Rockies :: Canmore and Bow Valley ::Horseshoe Loop |
GPS Track |
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Bow Valley Panorama from Muskox Bench Memorial Viewpoint |
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| Trip Summary | |||
Multiple Dates, last March 26, 2025
Nice loop traversing lower slopes of Grotto Mtn between Cougar Creek and ACC Clubhouse. Popular with walkers, trail runners and mtn. bikers. It is more scenic than expected, and I tend to do it fairly regularly year-round. Lower Horseshoe is more open with several super nice viewpoints, while Upper Trail is mostly under tree cover. Trail is signed but direction - specially on lower Trail - can be confusing due to maze of criss-crossing Mtn. Biker trails. You can't really get lost, but if in doubt download GPS Track Top of Page. Specially nice is recent addition of "Muskox Memorial" - Wood Bench built by ACC with names of local Climbers that perished in the mountains over the years. This is also best viewpoint of the day (lead photo). Loop can be hiked in either direction; I tend to favour CCW. Horseshoe can also be used as link between Grotto Mtn. Cougar Ridge and ACC trails. |
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Gallery |
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 Cougar Trailhead
Cougar Creek Trailhead at Top of Benchlands. Grotto Mtn above |
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 Horseshoe Junction
Lower/Upper Horseshoe Junction Table (Waypoint '2 - Lower Horseshoe', GPS download Top of Page) |
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 Chair Viewpoint
Cougar drainage from lower Horseshoe, one of nicest Canmore viewpoints. Lady Mac above |
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 Cougar Panorama
Cougar Creek with Eagle Terrace residential. Distant Rundle range behind |
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 Lower Horseshoe
One of several great Viewpoints along lower Horseshoe. At one point there was wood bench here, but it's gone (March '25) |
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 Muskox Sign
Muskox Table by the Bench. More Details here |
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 Muskox Bench
Brand new Muskox Wood Bench with Engraved Memorial plaques |
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 Muskox Memorial
Memorial to people that perished in local mountains over the Years on Muskox Bench |
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 Grotto Mtn
Hiking standard Grotto ACC Trail towards Upper Horseshoe |
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 Three Sisters
Main Canmore landmark, Three Sisters, from ACC Trail just below upper Horseshoe. Echo Canyon Junction below |
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 Upper Horseshoe
Closing the Loop on upper Horseshoe is mostly under Tree Cover |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D1/2 | Easy walking with couple of steeper sections | |||
| Snow Factor | S1 | Low elevation trail frequently bare in winter. Icy sections possible | |||
| Scenery | Bow Valley and Canmore area Peaks. Pleasant Montane forest meandering. Terrific Muskox Memorial Viewpoint | ||||
| Trail/Marking |
Very Good |
Well defined with signed junctions/maps, but maze of criss-crossing mountain biker trails make some parts confusing. | |||
| Suggested Time | 2-3 hrs | Loop starting from Cougar Creek parking at top of Benchlands Trail | |||
| Elevation | Start: 1380m Max: ~1480m Total: ~320m | Round Trip: 7.5km | |||
| Gear | Day hikers, even in winter. Micro-spikes could be useful | ||||
| Water | No water source. Carry ~0.5-1L | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Watch for Mountain Bikers | |||
Grotto Creek Canyon GAIA Map
Grotto Creek Canyon Elevation Profile