Grotto Canyon Unique Canmore Hike in Kananaskis Country
Grotto Canyon trail in Kananaskis Country, near Canmore Alberta, is unique in several ways including the pictographs on the canyon wall. I might have missed the rock paintings but another hiker pointed out the general location earlier along the hike.
The trailhead to Grotto Canyon hike is on the left side of the parking lot. Starting off with a strange twist to hiking trails in Alberta, you will walk past the Baymag (magnesium oxide) facility in Exshaw at the start of the hike. Driving from Calgary to Banff you see the industrial site from across the Trans-Canada highway and Lac des Arcs.
Grotto Canyon hiking trail winds through rocky terrain in Kananaskis
Who would imagine a cool hiking trail exists on the other side of a lake behind an industrial plant in the Rocky Mountains?
If you’re thinking who the hell wants to see an industrial facility during a hike, then maybe you will enjoy a more serene hike close to Canmore. Try Grassi Lakes trail instead.
Read on to find out more about this unique hiking trail near Canmore Alberta in the beauty of Kananaskis Country.
Hiking the Grotto Canyon in summer
Grotto Canyon hike description
Starting from the trailhead this hike is not going to win you over but trust me when I tell you it’s worth your time to check out this easy Kananaskis hiking trail.
Baymag facility is seen from the Grotto Canyon trail
Walking past the Baymag plant there is a sign explaining the many uses of magnesium oxide such as water treatment and acid neutralization.
Baymag (magnesium oxide) mineral processing facility info
Continuing on the trail past the Baymag site the trail is mostly straight and uneventful but then turns towards the canyon and a change of scenery.
Now if you’ve been to Johnston Canyon in Banff this hike may prove underwhelming. But the Grotto Canyon has something Johnston Canyon does not. Pictographs from several hundred years ago. So it’s worth it to hike the Grotto Canyon trail, plus there are way fewer people on this hike!
Start of Grotto Canyon hiking trail Exshaw Alberta
You’ll want to wear proper hiking shoes on Grotto hike because there are a lot of rocky areas and it’s easy enough to slip or twist an ankle if you’re wearing the wrong footwear.
Hiking through the narrow canyon at the Grotto hike in Kananaskis
Velvet Erineum patches on leaves of maple trees at Grotto Canyon in Kananaskis Alberta
Grotto Canyon Pictographs
Shortly after entering the narrow canyon there is a spot with several pictographs that you’ll miss unless you are looking for them. Watch for the pictographs on the left side of the canyon, around 4 to 5 meters (12 – 16 ft) up the canyon wall.
See the photo below to help guide you to the pictograph site in Grotto Canyon.
Location of the pictographs along Grotto Canyon trail
Did Hopi Indians visit Grotto Canyon?
In the southwestern United States the Hopi Indian tribe lives in what is now Arizona, the area where their ancestors lived for thousands of years. The Book of the Hopi, written by 30 elders of the Hopi nation, includes the story of a journey to the land of ice and snow.
Pictograph image at Grotto Canyon hiking trail near Canmore
Could the pictographs in the Grotto Canyon be from the Hopi Indian trip to the northern lands?
Rust colored pictograph at Kananaskis Country hiking trail Grotto Canyon
According to this Globe and Mail article a Canadian archaeologist believes the Hopi made the pictographs in Alberta, including one of a flute player which resembles the Kokapelli.
Pictograph of animal on the wall of Grotto Canyon in Kananaskis
Practical info for Grotto Canyon hike
Location
Only 10 minutes from Canmore Alberta the Grotto Canyon hiking trail is a favorite for all types of hikers, from families and group outings to solo hikers.
Address
Grotto Trail, Bighorn No. 8, Alberta
Kananaskis hiking trail Grotto Canyon
From Canmore
Take Bow Valley Trail (Hwy AB-1A East) for 12 km (7.5 miles) and turn left into the Grotto Canyon parking lot.
Allow 10 – 15 minutes driving time.
Trailhead is on the left side of the parking area.
From Calgary
Take the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 West to exit 114 towards Seebe/Exshaw/Stony Indian Park.
Merge onto AB-1X North, you’ll cross the Bow River, then shortly afterwards at the T intersection take a left onto Bow Valley Trail (Hwy AB-1A West) signs for Kananaskis/Exshaw.
Follow Bow Valley Trail (AB-1A W) for 11.2 km (7 miles) then turn right into the Grotto Canyon Trail parking area.
Allow 1 hour driving time.
The trailhead is on the left side of the parking lot.
An unusual start to a hike, passing by the cement plant at Lac des Arcs Alberta
Hike distance
4.2 km (2.6 miles) out and back trail
Time required
Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours
Elevation gain
100 meters (328 ft)
Squirrel in Kananaskis Country
Difficulty
Easy
Rocky Mountain view while hiking the Grotto Canyon trail near Canmore
Best time to hike
From May through October and throughout winter you can also hike this trail provided you are prepared for winter conditions with possible ice and snow. Be sure to wear crampons in the winter and hiking poles are also a good idea.
Highlights/Features
- Waterfall
- Pictographs
- Narrow canyon
Grotto Canyon trailhead at Kananaskis Country AB near Canmore
Facilities
- Washrooms
- Garbage cans
- Paved parking area
Dogs allowed on trail?
Yes, but dogs must be on leash at all times
Hiker and signage for Grotto Creek Canyon
Fascinating to learn that the Hopi may have made this trek. I have never heard of this. Weather and time have tried to hide these amazing petrographs.
Yes it’s so intriguing, the Hopi could be the artists who painted these pictographs. The art on the canyon walls is amazing to see but it’s easy to hike right past unless you know where to look.