Image courtesy of janheuninck | Flickr.com
No visit to Vancouver is complete without a trip up the Peak of Vancouver , and for many visitors and locals alike, the best way to get up Grouse Mountain is by foot. The only way you can go about doing that is by conquering the Grouse Grind, Vancouver’s notoriously hard hiking trail that’ll get you sweating, cursing, and shaking your fist at the world.
This past long weekend, the Grouse Grind opened up for the season after weeks of maintenance. Often referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, the Grouse Grind is a great excuse for a workout in the woods.
Feel the burn! Image courtesy of Grouse Mountain
The 2.9 kilometre trail may not seem like too much of a task, but when you’re stretching your legs to the limits with every big step over boulders and across tree roots, it seems like an eternity.
But, while the Grouse Grind has labelled as one of the most dangerous hiking trail in the world (which had many people shaking their heads in disbelief) it’s still an amazing workout.
The trail is very challenging, and often takes people 1-2 hours to complete it. You’ll probably produce buckets of sweat, want to give up as you reach the 1/4 mark, and slowly regain hope after the 3/4 mark. But just keep thinking how great that pitcher of beer and huge plate of nachos will taste at the end!
The Grouse Grind is open daily from 6:15am until 7:30pm until the snow comes back. If you are planning on going, the best times are earlier in the morning or later at night when the crowds are much thinner.
Grouse Grind – Photo Credit – Vancouver Trails
If this is your first time trying out the Grouse Grind, check out this awesome article on 5 tips for first timers . You don’t want to have to turn back around half way (in fact, you can’t even do that!).
As one commenter perfectly put it, “all you need is a positive attitude, a good pair of shoes and water to stay hydrated. Don’t worry about how long it takes you – just focus on completing it”.
The Grouse Grind is open from 6:15am to 7:30pm every day of the week. Access to the Grind is located next to Parking Lot D at the bottom of the mountain. You may need to bring some cash for parking, and the ride back down in the gondola will cost you $10.
