Rockies Tour: Climbing at Grassi Lakes with Teens and Stunning Views

Hi, I’m Ernesto Lozano, Director and Founder of Dare and Explore. After more than 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies, I still find places that feel brand new every time I visit. One of them is Grassi Lakes, a magical climbing area just outside Canmore, Alberta. In this blog, I want to share with you the story of our latest Rockies tour, where we took a group of teenagers to discover the joy of climbing, the beauty of nature, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.

Why is it called Grassi Lakes?

Before diving into the adventure, let’s talk about the name. Grassi Lakes are named after Lawrence Grassi, an Italian immigrant who came to Canada in the early 1900s. He worked as a miner, but became famous for his mountaineering skills and for building many of the trails we still use today. His legacy lives on in every step we take on the trail that leads to the lakes that bear his name.

Rockies Tour: A day of climbing in paradise

Grassi Lakes is one of the most accessible and beautiful climbing spots in the Rockies. What makes it unique are the two small lakes with crystal-clear waters that shine turquoise and emerald depending on the light. It’s a place that feels unreal, surrounded by mountain cliffs, forests, and natural silence—except for the joy of people discovering it.

The climbing routes here range from easy beginner levels to more technical challenges, making it perfect for mixed-experience groups. And being just minutes from Canmore, it’s an ideal destination for a one-day adventure.

Early start, full hearts

Like every great Rockies tour, our day started early. Backpacks on, helmets ready, ropes coiled—we hit the road with a group of excited teens eager for what was ahead.

When we arrived, the parking lot already had a few cars. That’s normal at Grassi Lakes, especially as the tourist season picks up. It’s a very popular spot with locals and travelers alike.

Hiking to the lakes — and a hidden waterfall

The hike to Grassi Lakes is short but beautiful—just 1.6 km with 200 meters of elevation gain. There are two trails: an easier wide path and a steeper, more scenic one. Of course, we took the “difficult” route, which includes a hidden waterfall and sweeping views. It’s a bit more effort, but 100% worth it.

Once we reached the lakes, we paused for a few minutes to take in the view: clear water, deep blues and greens, rock walls towering above, and pine trees framing the scene like a postcard.

Climbing up: 23 meters of challenge and reward

We chose a climbing route that’s 23 meters high, with a 5.8 difficulty grade—just right for beginners with a touch of excitement. After checking and securing our rope setup, one by one, the teens began their climbs.

Some needed a few attempts. Others raced to the top. But every single one of them reached the summit—and that’s the kind of success that stays with you forever.

The view from the top? Spectacular. You see the lakes and the surrounding mountains from a new angle, and for a moment, you feel like you're standing above the world.

Nature, community, and Lola

Between climbs, we sat down to eat lunch, chat, laugh, and rest. As always happens on our adventures, friendships formed quickly. Sharing a challenge and cheering each other on creates a powerful bond.

That day we were also joined by Lola, my adventurous dog, who always comes along when it’s safe to do so. She’s a loyal trail buddy and a favorite among our groups.

Hiking down and enjoying the ride

Once the climbing was done, we packed up the ropes, cleaned the route, and began the hike back. This time we took the easier, wider path down. It gave us time to reflect on the day, swap stories, and talk about how much we had enjoyed it all.

And of course—we wrapped up the adventure with a well-earned ice cream stop before heading home.

What we gain on a Rockies tour: more than just a view

One of my favorite parts of these tours is seeing how people, especially young adventurers, step out of their comfort zone and discover what they’re truly capable of.

Climbing a wall of rock might seem like a physical challenge—but it’s also a mental and emotional one. It teaches resilience, builds confidence, and shows you that what once seemed impossible is actually within your reach.

That’s what Dare and Explore is all about. Our Rockies tours are not just about visiting beautiful places—they’re about transformative experiences that stay with you long after the hike is over.

Ready for your own Rockies tour?

If this story inspires you, we’d love to take you on your own Rockies tour. Whether you want to climb, hike, bike, or simply enjoy the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies, we’re here to guide you.

📩 Contact us to plan your adventure.📍 Departures from Canmore, Banff, and Calgary.🌲 Adventures in both English and Spanish.🐾 And yes—sometimes Lola will join too.

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