This traverse of Grotto Mountain starts at Cougar Creek in the NW and ends at Rats Nest Cave parking lot in the SE. While considerable endurance is required with 10 km of distance and 4400 feet of elevation gain, there are no technical difficulties to speak of, and the time to complete the trip lay within the bounds of the shortened daylight of late fall.

Twelve Ramblers (Rita Polt, Lech, David, Bernard Muller, Steve Campbell, Rosina Schmidt, John Duerden, Yolande deVisser, Doug Kosowan, Rick Collier, Greg Deabler, and Bob St.John (coordinator, scribe)) started off at 9:15 from Cougar Creek parking lot. A short time later one participant decided to turn back, unbeknownst to the coordinator. Luckily it was only a short distance back to the starting point, but still it is one of our guidelines to consult the coordinator when leaving the group.

The first third of the traverse involves a moderate but steady climb up through open forest to the ridge proper. We took our time, and had many short breaks to adjust clothing and to admire the views of the Bow Valley and the peaks to the south. This last day of November brought unusual summer-like weather. The past two weeks had been clear and warm, wiping out most of the snowfall of early November, especially on south facing slopes such as the one we now laboured. By 12:30 we had reached the NW end of the summit ridge, and had a leisurely lunch in the sun.

Rita on ridge of Grotto Mtn, Nov 2002

The walk along the ridge to the summit took about 45 minutes, and was a pleasant change after the morning's grunt.

Rita on Grotto Mtn, Nov 2002

After a short break on the summit, including the obligatory register signing, we were off on our descent by 2:00 pm. It was a short 30 minute walk along the ridge to the small summit marking the top of the "Rats Nest Trail". This may or may not be its official name, but it originates at the parking lot for the Rats Nest Cave and seems appropriate. The Trailminders of Canmore had recently done much work on the trail, and we thank them for their good efforts. In places it is a little hard to follow, but with further usage it will become more apparent. In Rambler terminology it could be rated Trail 4, although some may point to a short scrambly section and rate it otherwise. In any case it is a fun trail that winds its way down an impressive grotto. It should be noted that with snow or ice cover this trail would be treacherous. Indeed even while dry it can pose some hazard as one of our participants did an Olympic standard somersault down a short rocky section. (a little shaken, but luckily ok otherwise)

At 5:00 pm we arrived to a crowded scene at the parking lot, with 15 or so vehicles including several Search and Rescue and K-Country pickups. It seems a practice rescue in the Rats Nest Cave had turned into the real thing as someone had suffered a knee injury.

After a long day, most opted to return directly to Calgary, but Yolande, Rick, and I decided to round off the trip with food and libation at the Drake.

Almost forgot... there was one more serious incident. At a rest stop on our descent Rick was observed to be lying down dazed, red-faced, and spluttering incoherently. Having observed this condition on many numerous trips with him before, I took no notice. However, several others observed him gasping and pointing to his neck, and went over to observe and perhaps offer assistance. All were dumbfounded as to how to help him, when finally { mu} got out his knife and made a surgical incision. This provided instant relief to Rick and the group could finally proceed down the trail. Let this be a lesson for those who cannot operate fleece jacket zippers - always bring your wife (or husband) with you if you're not sure how to dress (or undress) yourself.

Some digitized slides added by David in 2020.

Lunch on the NW end of the summit ridge

Grotto summit

Ridge SE of summit

Descending to Rats Nest Trail

Rats Nest Trail in gorge