Team 2017

The Grouse Grind
By: Liza Rozina (2013/09/11)

| Permalink

This past summer, a new trail joined my list of favourite hikes. Short, challenging, and accessible by bus, the Grouse Grind trail in Vancouver, is a great way to get those thighs burning, in a short amount of time. The hike takes about an hour (if you're reasonably fit), but probably faster if the weather isn't rainy and making everything super slippery. Here's the very big and slightly disquieting warning sign that begins the Grind:

Part of the reason it's so disquieting is that it's taller than me.

Here are a few facts about the trail:

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

[Source: http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind]

Here's a view of some of those many many stairs:

Some of the locals even complete the Grouse Grind quite a few times a day! (Once, was more than enough for me). By around 11am, there was someone who had completed the trail 6 times that day! There is even a timer at the base of the mountain, that keeps track of the time it takes you to complete the hike, and puts your name on a monitor at the top. A handy device if you're the competitive type!