This hike is short, easy, scenic, and close to town. Minus some busyness due to the popularity, what more could you ask for?
Difficulty: easy
Round trip: 3.8 km
Hiking Time: approx 1 - 1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 250 m
FitBit: approx 80 flights of stairs and 6,500 steps
Location: Canmore
TRAIL HEAD
Marked: Yes
Facilities: Yes
How to get there: From Canmore get onto Hwy 742 and pass the Canmore Nordic Center. Very soon after take a left following the Grassi Lakes sign and then a right into the Grassi Lakes Recreational area.
Click map for directions from Calgary
HIKE DETAILS
The trail head is found at the west side of the parking lot. When the path forks and identifies an easy route and a difficult route your choices include to the right, a wide, gravely path with an gentle and steady incline and no views one option. Or to the left, a narrower, rooty, scenic path with relatively no incline until the end where it takes to a short section of stairs and switchbacks.
It should be a no brainer that the 'difficult' trail is the one to take as it provides beautiful views of a waterfall, Canmore and the valley below, and it truly isn't that hard. Opt for this path at least one way or else you are missing out!
From either route the trail is self explanatory. Once you get to the lakes you can explore around. Most people end up congregating on the s/w side of the lakes where you'll very likely see some climbers scaling the rock walls. It's very fascinating to watch.
If you've made it that far and want more adventure don't stop there. At the end of the 2nd lake you'll see some stairs ascending and it's labeled 'climbers route'. It's steeper with stairs to assist, but it's a short distance. Follow this about another 15 min to Whiteman's Pond. You'll see many more climbers along the way. This pond can be accessed via the highway as well, but hiking to there means the view is well earned! When you are ready to depart, return the way you came.
EXTRA TIPS
-This is an extremely popular trail. If you want less congestion you'll have to go at times that are less optimal for the majority, such as early in the morning or rainy or cold days.
|
| Click map for directions from Calgary |
It should be a no brainer that the 'difficult' trail is the one to take as it provides beautiful views of a waterfall, Canmore and the valley below, and it truly isn't that hard. Opt for this path at least one way or else you are missing out!
From either route the trail is self explanatory. Once you get to the lakes you can explore around. Most people end up congregating on the s/w side of the lakes where you'll very likely see some climbers scaling the rock walls. It's very fascinating to watch.
If you've made it that far and want more adventure don't stop there. At the end of the 2nd lake you'll see some stairs ascending and it's labeled 'climbers route'. It's steeper with stairs to assist, but it's a short distance. Follow this about another 15 min to Whiteman's Pond. You'll see many more climbers along the way. This pond can be accessed via the highway as well, but hiking to there means the view is well earned! When you are ready to depart, return the way you came.
EXTRA TIPS
For extension to Whiteman's Pond:
Round trip: add approx 1 km
Hiking Time: add approx 30 min
Elevation Gain: add 33 m
FitBit: approx 800 steps and add 11 flights of stairs.
Happy Hiking!
Happy Hiking!
