Up the direct route, lunch on summit of Mt Grotto admiring the views but hiding from a chilly wind, traverse along ridge to east a ways to drop over a minor bump into a col and then wonder how to descend. Wander around a bit and conclude that we had gone too far, so back up to last bump and aim at the road only to discover a well trodden trail along a ridge with many cairns that ultimately led to the road. Just over 8 hours car to car. Thanks for everyone's patience and cooperation.

The report by Bill from April 2015 was very helpful to lead us up the the direct route to Mt. Grotto. It was steep but with negligible rock fall. We gained the summit of Mt Grotto about 12.30pm for lunch with extensive views but a bit chilly from the wind.


Barbara, John, Gary, Gary and Susan on Mt.Grotto

Two other hikers that we met by the cell tower looked even colder in shorts. Initially we overshot the correct descent ridge, but by pooling rusty memories, paper and digital maps, and observations we found a well marked trail. This led steeply down into the canyon adjacent to the Rats Nest Cave.


John points down the correct south ridge of Mt. Grotto

Ramblers descend south ridge of Mt. Grotto to Rats Nest Cave trail

With several regrouping rest stops we were back at the car just after 5.00pm with plenty of time for a couple of us to attend the social annual bar-b-que put on by the ACC RMS section at the ACC clubhouse above Canmore. A rewarding team effort. One participant found a tick while showering. Just over 8 hours for 11km with 1430m elevation gain.  
Participants: David,Gary,John,Susan,Barbara,Gary

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