The Grouse Grind is Open for 2019 + 5 Reasons You Should Seek the Peak
Are you ready to challenge your legs and seek the peak? Known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, the Grouse Grind is now open for the season at Grouse Mountain! The popular trail recently had a facelift and is ready for its closeup. If you haven’t yet experienced this epic and iconic trail, here are some fun facts, tips, and five reasons to give it a go.
Every year, locals who clamber up every morning (and I mean every morning, and early) rejoice, while visitors and later-to-rise Vancouverites approach the Grind with cautious excitement. I’m in the cautiously excited category, as though I’ve completed the challenge many times, it never gets easier — but it does get more fun!
The first time I hiked the Grouse Grind, I almost didn’t make it to the top. I hit the first quarter mark and was ready to give up. This was back when you could still walk or run down, and I was ready to call it a day. My pride would survive. But then a gentleman of a certain age briskly trotted past me with his walking sticks; and I thought “well, if he can do it!”. I was so inspired by that man, and that moment motivated me to the top. I did it at my own pace and was fiercely proud. But I definitely took the Skyride back down!
Grouse Grind facts*
- Length: 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 853 metres (2,800 feet)
- Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet)
- Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet)
- Total Stairs: 2,830
- Statistics: Annually, over 150,000 people hike the trail.
- Average Time: On average it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended.
- Participants: Hikers range in age from 7 to 90, with an equal male/female split.
*Stats from GrouseMountain.com
5 reasons you should experience the Grouse Grind
1. Push your limits – They don’t call the Grind “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” for nothing. It is a true challenge for both your body and mind — both will scream at you. But you can do it!
2. It’s not far away – A convenient 15 minute drive or taxi ride away, or approximately 45 minutes by transit, Grouse Mountain is right at Vancouverite and visitors’ fingertips.
3. The view at the top makes everything worth it – I promise.
4. You will feel amazing – It’s the best way to start the day. There is no better feeling than your endorphins doing a happy dance. Ride the high all the way to brunch!
5. You don’t have to hoof it back down – While you may have chosen to trek to the mountaintop along the newly refurbished stairs, you don’t have to use your wobbly legs to get back down. Take the Skyride down and enjoy the extra minutes you have to appreciate and capture the view!
If the Grind isn’t your cup of tea, there are several trails at mountaintop, as well as other ways to stay active while at Grouse Mountain. Take the Skyride up and off you go!
Getting there & hours
Grouse Mountain is a 15-20 minute drive from Downtown Vancouver or a Seabus and short bus ride (approximately 45 minutes). The trail is open from 6:15 am to 6:30pm.
For more information on the Grouse Grind and other activities, click here.
Share your #VeryVancouver Grouse Grind adventures with us by tagging @inside_vancouver on Instagram!
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