Grotto Mountain Trail

Near Canmore · Kananaskis Conservation Pass area

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 64 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Grotto Mountain Trail is a 8.1 km out and back trail near Canmore in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area. It runs 4.1 km each way. The route gains 1,265 m in total and tops out at 2,702 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 7 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Grotto Mountain West Ridge Route at 2.0 km and Grotto Mountain North Peaks Route at 3.9 km. Along the way you pass the summit of Grotto Mountain and a stream crossing.

Length: 8.1km; 4.1 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,265m
Estimated time: 7h45min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,702m
Lowest point: 1,459m

Elevation profile

1,459 m to 2,702 m

Highest point 2,702 m, lowest 1,459 m, 1,265 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 67% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.0 kmStream crossing
4.0 kmGrotto MountainSummit · 2,706 m

Good for

Hiking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Summit, Views, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.0808° N, 115.3024° W.

Driving directions

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Vehicle pass required when parking

Buy pass

Pass details

Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this pass. It is registered to the licence plate. People arriving without a vehicle do not need one, and official exemptions and free days may apply.

$15 daily for one vehicle · $90 yearly for up to three vehicles

Information and prices checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 330 trails in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30