Fitness buffs, nature lovers, and masochists take note: the Grouse Grind is officially opened for the 2016 hiking season.
Saturday marked the official start of the season, with the 2.9-kilometre, 2,830 step trail open from 6:15 a.m. until 7 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to kick off another season of hiking with the opening of the iconic Grouse Grind trail,” said Julia Grant, Grouse Mountain Communications Manager, in a statement.
Ready, set, Grind! We’re happy to announce the Grouse Grind is opening for the season tomorrow morning at 6:15am! pic.twitter.com/lppSAo38o7
— Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain) April 29, 2016
The Grouse Grind – also known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” is an iconic North Vancouver hike, with more than 150,000 tourists and locals alike conquering the trail each year.
The grueling climb begins at the base of the Grouse Mountain Resort ski area, and finishes at the top of the mountain. Most people take around 1.5 hours to complete the Grind, with more inexperienced hikers taking an average of two hours.
Mother Nature’s Stairmaster has an elevation gain of 853 metres and is free to complete – but Metro Vancouver prohibits climbing down for safety and trail protection reasons.
All hikers are reminded to descent using the Grouse Mountain gondola, which costs $10 per person and features stunning views.
The Grouse Grind as Vancouverites know it today was first developed in 1981 by ambitious mountaineers looking for a fitness challenge.
According to the legend (and the Grouse Mountain website), “they began following well-worn animal paths in the rough." The current trail was completed in winter 1983.
For all your Grouse Grind information, click here.
