Alberta hiking trail cuts through a rocky canyon and ends in stunning views

Another weekend, another Alberta hiking trail! Leave the haunting dings of work notifications behind and escape to the Rockies. Lucky for us in Calgary, they’re close by.

If you’re looking for a satisfying weekend hike, Grotto Canyon Trail delivers on every count. It has a steady incline, rocky canyons, waterfalls, and spectacular views.

It’s also a pretty good hike if you want your dog or kids to tag along.

Grab those hiking boots and get ready, because the mountains are calling.

What To Expect

You’ll find the Grotto Mountain Day Use area off Highway 1a. You can park here, but please note that you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to stop anywhere in the park.

The trail is considered moderately difficult, but starts out easy. You’ll begin by following a power line, passing an industrial plant before winding up a narrow rocky canyon.

The first milestone you’ll reach is the lookout bench, which offers sweeping vistas of the valley and surrounding peaks.

The pathway from here on out is lovely, with vertical rock walls and a waterfall if you continue up the path. If the waterfall wasn’t enough for you, extend your journey and continue up the path until you reach the Grotto Canyon Cave.

As you make your way, keep an eye out for rock paintings called Hopi pictographs, which are estimated to have been painted 500 to 1,000 years ago. You’ll also find small inukshuks left behind by other hikers.

As always, check the Alberta Parks website for the most up-to-date conditions and advisories.

Get ready, weekend warriors. It’s time to hit the trails!

Grotto Canyon Trail, Alberta

Where: Grotto Canyon Trail Parking Lot, Bighorn No. 8, AB
Distance: 7.1 km
Difficulty: Easy

Recent Posts:
Here’s how you can get into the Calgary Stampede for FREE this year
There’s a vibrant Serbian festival coming to Calgary this spring