Grotto Mountain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grotto Mountain
Grotto Mountain from Ha Ling Peak, 2005
Highest point
Elevation	2,706 m (8,878 ft)
Prominence	238 m (781 ft)
Parent peak	Mount Townsend 2820 m
Listing	Mountains of Alberta
Geography
Grotto Mountain Location in Alberta
Parent range	Fairholme Range
Topo map	NTS 82O/03
Climbing
First ascent	1858 by Eugène Bourgeau
Easiest route	Easy/Moderate Scramble

Grotto Mountain is a cool mountain found in the Bow River valley. It sits right across from the town of Canmore in Alberta, Canada. This mountain is a favorite spot for people who live nearby to go hiking. It's also famous for a special place inside it called the Rat's Nest Cave.

Grotto Mountain: A Fun Adventure!

Grotto Mountain is a big, exciting mountain that stands tall in the Canadian Rockies. It's a great place for outdoor adventures like hiking and exploring. Many people visit it to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

Where is Grotto Mountain?

This amazing mountain is located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It's very close to the town of Canmore, which is a popular place for tourists. You can easily see Grotto Mountain from many spots in the Bow River valley.

Why is it Called Grotto Mountain?

The mountain got its name because of a special cave found inside it. This cave is like a "grotto," which is a small, often pretty, cave. The most famous cave here is called the Rat's Nest Cave. It's a very interesting place to explore, but you need a guide to visit it safely.

Exploring Grotto Mountain: Hiking and Scrambling

Grotto Mountain offers some exciting ways to reach its top. Many people enjoy hiking its trails. For those who like a bit more adventure, there are also "scrambling" routes. These routes can be a bit more challenging than a regular hike.

What is Scrambling?

Scrambling is like a mix between hiking and rock climbing. It means you might need to use your hands sometimes to help you climb over rocks or steep sections. It's not as difficult as true rock climbing, but it's more than just walking on a trail. It's a fun way to explore mountains for experienced hikers.

Popular Routes to the Top

There are two main ways to scramble up Grotto Mountain:

• Northwest Variation: This route starts near the ACC clubhouse. It follows a good hiking trail up the northwest side of the mountain. As you get higher, the trail becomes narrower. Most of this route is hiking, with only short parts where you might need to scramble.
• Direct Route: This path goes straight up under the very top of the mountain. It's a shorter way to the summit. However, it is also more difficult and takes more effort than the Northwest Variation.

Quick Facts About Grotto Mountain

Here are some interesting facts about Grotto Mountain:

• Height: Grotto Mountain stands at about 2,706 meters (8,878 feet) tall. That's pretty high!
• First Climb: The first recorded climb to the top was in 1858. It was done by a person named Eugène Bourgeau.
• Parent Peak: It's part of the Fairholme Range of mountains. Its "parent peak" is Mount Townsend, which is even taller at 2,820 meters.