The start of this trail has been re-routed because of the Cougar Creek dam project. GPX track and maps updated as or June 1 2022.
The best views of Canmore and of the Three Sisters from across the valley! "Goats of Grotto", as it is called by local runners, starts on the Horseshoe loop. A few minutes into the run, a junction will have you branch off to the West Ridge route on Grotto Mountain. The climb is relatively long and steep, but the views are worth it. After 25 to 30 minutes of effort, you will be rewarded. You will arrive at a junction after a steeper section of climbing, and by following it to the right, you will run along Grotto Mountain all the way to the "ACC" Grotto hiking trail. From there, a steep and technical descent will take you back to the top Horseshoe connector. Follow the Horseshoe loop back to Cougar Creek. A true classic!
- Distance: 8 km for the shortest way, but it's really easy to add distance on Horseshoe or G8
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Where to park: Cougar Creek Parking Lot
- Surface: Technical
