Ha Ling Peak, Grotto Canyon & East End of Rundle: Canmore's Most Iconic Fall Hikes
Of the many amazing hiking trails near Canmore, three stand out above the rest. The hikes up Ha Ling Peak, the East End of Rundle and Grotto Canyon are truly iconic. From the breathtaking views to the crisp mountain air, fall may be the very best time of year to take on these stunning alpine trails before the snow falls in the Canadian Rockies.
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ha Ling Peak, Grotto Canyon and the East End of Rundle, from getting a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to picking the right hike for your experience level.
Key Takeaways
- Ha Ling Peak, Grotto Canyon and the East End of Rundle are all a short drive from Canmore, and each requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park.
- Grotto Canyon is the easiest of the three: a family-friendly 4.2-kilometre hike that takes two to three hours and leads past ancient pictographs to a waterfall.
- Ha Ling Peak is a 7.8-kilometre hike with 810 metres of elevation gain that takes most hikers three to five hours and rewards them with views of Spray Lakes, Canmore and the Bow Valley. Pack microspikes and poles from mid-October, when snow and ice can appear near the top.
- The East End of Rundle is the toughest of the three, with 826 metres of steep elevation gain and loose scree near the summit. Fall is the best time for experienced hikers to take it on, before snow and ice make the scree sections dangerous.
Ha Ling Peak
Distance: 7.8 kilometres
Elevation: 810 metres
Difficulty: Moderate-to-hard
Kananaskis Conservation Pass required? Yes
The striking Ha Ling Peak towers over Canmore, and while it’s 1,032 metres above the town at its highest point, the Smith-Dorrien Road takes you to a trailhead that gets you part of the way up the mountain to the Goat Creek parking lot. That doesn’t mean this well-maintained trail is easy, though, and it will take most hikers between three and five hours.
The hard work is worth it, though, as the peak rewards you with majestic views of Spray Lakes, Canmore, and the entire Bow Valley. The trail is kept in great condition year-round, with well-maintained switchbacks and staircases getting you most of the way up the mountain before some loose scree on the final stretch to the summit.
The Best Time to Hike Ha Ling Peak
The trail up to Ha Ling Peak is open year-round, although microspikes are recommended in winter. There’s no better time than fall, though, as the cooler temperatures make the switchbacks through the forest much more manageable than they can feel in the heat of the summer. While this isn’t generally considered a larch hike, there are still some beautiful fall colours to take in, as well.
Hikers should be aware that there can be early-season snow and ice near the saddle at the top
Hikers should be aware that there can be early-season snow and ice near the saddle at the top of the mountain by mid-October, so packing micro-spikes and bringing hiking poles can be helpful even if it’s warm and sunny in Canmore.
Grotto Canyon
Distance: 4.2 kilometres
Elevation: 100 to 170 metres
Difficulty: Easy
Kananaskis Conservation Pass required? Yes
Only 10 minutes from Canmore, this great family-friendly trail that takes you through a stunning alpine canyon. Park at the Grotto Pond Day Use Area off Highway 1A and follow a small power line until you hit a beautiful narrow canyon that’s yours to explore. There are ancient pictographs along the walls of the canyon that date back between 500 and 1,500 years, and if you go all the way to the end of the canyon, there’s a waterfall, too.
Walking up the creekbed is an adventure on its own, and you’ll get gorgeous views of Mount Lougheed and plenty of places to stop, rest, and have a snack. Whether you and your family complete the entire hike is entirely up to you, but the whole thing takes about two to three hours.
What to Bring to Grotto Canyon in the Fall
While Grotto Canyon is rightfully considered an easy hike that’s great for families, you still need to prepare for fall conditions when hiking in the fall or any other season. The creek will be reduced to a trickle, at most, by the time autumn rolls around, but there can be icy patches in shaded areas if the weather has been cold, and the rocky creek bed can still be tricky. Bringing hiking poles will be helpful.
East End of Rundle
Distance: 5.5 kilometres
Elevation: 826 metres
Difficulty: Hard
Kananaskis Conservation Pass required? Yes
The East End of Rundle is a significantly more challenging hike than Ha Ling Peak, despite sharing the same parking area. From your first step onto the mountain, you’ll find yourself going straight up, and the trail never truly relents. There’s steep scree near the top, and some areas where the trail is unmarked, so proper hiking boots, lots of water and snacks are required, while hiking poles are definitely recommended. Mountain weather can change quickly, so it’s best to turn back if conditions start to worsen.
With all that said, the East End of Rundle is one of the most rewarding and spectacular views in the area. There are magnificent views of the Spray Valley, Ha Ling and Mount Rundle, and experienced hikers will cherish the challenge.
Why Fall (Not Winter) for EEOR
The East End of Rundle is a tough hike, and it’s the kind of trail you should do before the first snowfall. Scree and scramble sections become much more dangerous when there’s slippery snow and ice. That makes fall the perfect time to test yourself on the East End of Rundle. The temperatures are cooler, but conditions are still safe for experienced hikers.
Which Trail Near Canmore Should You Hike?
- Grotto Canyon is the easiest option, covering 4.2 kilometres with an elevation gain of 100 to 170 metres. The hike generally takes two to three hours.
- Ha Ling Peak is a moderate to hard 7.8-kilometre hike with 810 metres of elevation gain. Allow three to five hours to complete the trail.
- East End of Rundle is the most challenging option. The 5.5-kilometre hike includes 826 metres of elevation gain and usually takes three and a half to five hours.
Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre for Your Next Hiking Adventure
Canmore is a hiker’s paradise, and staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre puts you just minutes away from Ha Ling Peak, the East End of Rundle and Grotto Canyon. Its convenient location makes getting to the trailheads easy, and with a heated pool and hot tub, the hotel is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a great hike.
Book your stay with us today.
FAQ
How long does Ha Ling Peak take?
Ha Ling Peak will take most hikers between 3 and 5 hours. More fit, experienced hikers may be able to grind their way to the top and back down in around 2.5 hours, but it is worth taking time to stop at the many viewpoints on the way up to take in the gorgeous scenery.
How hard is Ha Ling Peak?
Ha Ling Peak is considered a moderate to hard challenge. For first-time mountain hikers who aren’t used to Canmore’s elevation, going slowly and taking lots of breaks for water and healthy snacks is advisable, as there are consistent switchbacks throughout the hike.
Where do you park for Ha Ling Peak and EEOR?
The trailheads for Ha Ling Peak and the East End of Rundle share the same parking lot at Goat Creek, just off the Smith Dorrien Trail (Highway 742), which you can access directly from Canmore. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre to the trailheads.
Are the pictographs at Grotto Canyon easy to find?
While you could easily walk right past the pictographs at Grotto Canyon without noticing them, they’re easy to find if you’re keeping an eye out. It’s important that nobody touches the pictographs themselves, as they can easily be damaged.
Is the East End of Rundle harder than Ha Ling Peak?
Yes. The East End of Rundle is considerably more challenging than Ha Ling Peak as it is steeper for long sections and you will have to hike through loose scree to get to the top.
Do you need a pass to park at these trailheads?
Yes, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for anyone parking at the trailheads for the East End of Rundle, Ha Ling Peak or Grotto Canyon.