Chasing Waterfalls - Grotto Canyon and Heart Creek Trail T2

PLEASE READ ALL DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP!!!
I will take 12 hikers max. Microspikes are mandatory. All participants will be waitlisted. I will only add those who have walked with me or hiked with me previously.

How Do I Know This Hike Is For Me?
Are you a Slow to Very Slow Beginner or Intermediate hiker? Do you typically avoid signing up for hikes because their slow is not your slow? We have fun, laughs and really honestly go slow.... We "get there" 99% of the time (weather and trail conditions are the no-go's) but at our pace. So feel good about joining us if you are slow. If you like the destination but not a slow pace please wait for another organizer to put this one together. Thank you.

We will start out by meeting at the Grotto Pond parking lot on the 1A at 9 am sharp! We will gear up and head out on the trail.

It is a 7.2 km in and out (we go back to the hoodoo) and there is ~200 m of cumulative elevation gain. Be prepared for some wet areas and bring extra socks! We will have lunch on the trail so please bring one. From there we head over to Heart Creek Trail across the highway (not a long drive) and gear up again to do a short 4 km in and out beautiful canyon trail with a frozen waterfalls. Again ~ 200 m cumulative elevation gain. After completing this trail we will head back to the city to avoid the skiers returning.

Research on hike:
Grotto Canyon Hike - Canmore, Alberta - Full Guide & GPS
Grotto Creek Canyon Trail - Kananaskis Country | Alberta Parks
Heart Creek Trail - Heart Creek Provincial Recreation Area | Alberta Parks

Please be on time. Do NOT Meetup Message me (Tracy) the day of the hike. Please text me at 780-237-5933 at any time or if you have any concerns about location. Please identify yourself in the text. :)
I do not coordinate carpooling. Suggested carpooling fee from Calgary is $20.

There will be NO hiking ahead and speed demons are not welcome. The enjoyment of hiking is enjoying being in the moment. Kodak moments are encouraged. The leader does reserve the right to change the hike for weather or safety reasons as needed.

What MUST You Bring? I will check gear.

• Minimum 1.5 litres of water preferably in double walled metal bottles
• Lunch and snacks
• Appropriately layered clothing for the weather (NO COTTON) including a toque and mittens are best!
• winter boots and microspikes

What should you have with you?

• gaiters
• Poles if you want them - I use mine every hike.
• mini personal first aid kit
• bear spray
• gatorade or electrolyte replacement drink or warm drink (i.e. tea)

WAIVER:
As per the new policy for waivers, I will bring the group waiver form with me to the Meet-up location and the trailhead. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this event with the group
Waivers are svailable at the meetup