Grotto Canyon
Posted on December 17, 2010 by Scott in hiking, with kids
A walk through a spectacular canyon known for its pictographs. You’re sure to be entertained by rock climbers. Initially, there’s a good well marked trail. Then a poor trail following a stoney creek bed with many minor creek crossings on rocks. In spring run-off or after rain the creek may be impassable. Beware! The water level can rise very quickly. Can be hikes year-round.
THE TRAILHEAD
Follow Highway 1A (Bow Valley Trail) east about 14 km to Grotto Pond day-use area on the left.
THE TRAIL
From the trailhead follow the stoney powerline right-of-way access road. Cross the access road to Enviro Enterprises quarry and continue on the right-of-way. Ahead is the noisy Baymag Plant II.
Level with the plant, turn right onto a signed trail that heads across an alluvial flat. Keep right at a junction with the climber’s access trail.
On the bank of Grotto Creek, the trail turns upstream, following the stoney creek bed into the canyon. Cross to and fro between vertical cliffs. Watch for rock paintings, low down and barely discernible, on a smooth slab to the left.
Arrive at the forks below a high cliff. To right, most of the water in the creek tumbles over a low cliff.
Go left. This is where the cliffs on either side attain their greatest height.
The valley floor widens and the walls on either side fall back a little. Note a capped hoodoo on the right bank and then the huge block of eroded tillite on the left.
Wander up the valley between Grotto Mountain and Gap Peak as far as you have time for. The trail continues on one bank or the other for another 2.5 km. En route you pass numerous climber’s crags.
