Grouse Grind: The Most Famous Vancouver Hike

If you have seen an aerial postcard of Vancouver, then you most likely have seen Grouse Mountain. The Grouse Grind is a hiking trail famously known for it’s brutal ascent from the base to reach the top. Commonly known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, the name is thanks to the 800m ascent over only 2.5km. And given the accessibility to Vancouver, it’s a popular challenge for locals and tourists to race up the wooded route against the clock. Find out everything you need to know to tackle this beast of a hike! Plus tips for the best viewpoints at the top and BCMC trail for the descent.

The Grouse Grind Stats

Distance– 2.5 kilometres (1.55 miles)
Duration – 1.5 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain – 800 metres (2,624 feet)
Highest Elevation – 1,090 metres (3,576 feet)
Difficulty – Hard (very steep)
Season – May to October (snow-free)
Trail Type- One-way Ascent only

** Garmin Map measures 2.3km vs official 2.5km length

Grouse Grind History Lesson

After hiking up the Grouse Grind for the first time, I wondered why it was named after the bird? It turns out the first recorded climb on Grouse Grind was in 1894 when a hunting party shot a blue grouse bird, hence the name. It took several decades for hikers to regularly climb Grouse Mountain in the 1920s. People would attempt to reach the Grouse Mountain Village cabins where The Cut ski run is now located. The Grouse Grind route, that people love, was first developed in 1981 by mountaineers looking for a training route. It’s been designed to be challenging and accessible to help prepare for longer hikes as is steeper than the sister route, the British Columbia Mountaineering Club route (BCMC Trail).

The Grouse Grind® was officially christened with the Grouse Grind Mountain Run®, one of Western Canada’s top trail challenges. This trail is one of the most popular in Vancouver and attracts more than 100,000 hikers to the rugged terrain each year. The average gradient is 30degrees (56%) and starts at the Grouse Mountain valley gondola station and finishes at the mountain’s plateau. The route is regular maintain to ensure safety for the high volume of hikers and to protect the environmental impact. The Grind is broken into quarters with the 1st seemingly the longest but most gentle. Try to pace yourself before the second and third quarters which are the steepest. The last quarter is not as steep which means you can finish strong.

Grouse Mountain: Important Info

• Getting There– There is a very large car park on Capilano Road next to the Gondola and Skyride cable car. Additionally, there are toilets and a Starbucks next to the car park and start of the Grind trial. All the car parks at the base are paid for via the Pay-by-Phone App or machines. (3hours is $8 and a day ticket is $10). For public transport, the #236 bus from Lonsdale Quay or the #232 from Phibbs Exchange, arrive at Grouse Mountain.
• Cost– Even though the hike is free to hike, if you don’t fancy doing the BCMC trail down the 800m slope then the Skyride or Gondola are available. The cost to take the Skyride/Gondola back down is $20 per adult and $10 per child (ages 5-12) when buying Download Tickets online. 
• Open Times– Over winter the trail is officially closed and the openings vary each year depending upon conditions. Usually, the Grouse Grind is a spring to autumn hike only. For day open times, these adjust with the daylight but typically are 7:00am to 7:00pm in summer. It’s best to check Metro Vancouver website times for updates.
• Clothing & Equipment– Good and proper footwear is essential on Grouse Mountain. I have seen many causal hikers in fashionable trainers and whilst the path is well maintained, it is steep with tricky roots, rocks and stairs to navigate. Trail running shoes or hiking boots are the best choices. For clothing, lightweight and breathable sports gear that wicks sweat and moisture away will be beneficial. At the summit, another layer is nice to have as you will cool off quickly and a waterproof could be handy if the forecast is not favourable. A backpack is not necessary and will add weight to carry but water is definitely needed.

Grouse Grind: FAQs

• Fitness Levels– The Grouse Grind has 2830 steps so is classified as a serious workout and requires good levels of fitness. This is a hard cardio workout for potentially several hours so be prepared. If you are in doubt, try the BCMC trail first or other Vancouver trails such as Lynn Peak to test yourself before the Grind.
• Duration– This is hotly debated as it really depends on the individual and trail conditions. Whilst most places say 2-2.5 hours to complete, I have done sub 1hour both times with a fast pace as an experienced and fit hiker. This is my breakdown of paces and levels from professional trail runners to novice hikers. The records are 23:48 by Sebastian Salas (Men) and 29:10 by Madison Sands (Women). Sub 30 minute is elite levels and sub 40 is for fit trail runners. A time of under 1 hour is for fast advanced hikers. Under 90minutes is for an intermediate hiker and under 2hours is for a beginner hiker.
• Trail Etiquette– With over 100,000 people of all ages and abilities doing the challenge each year, it is best to be patient with other hikers. If you are trying to overtake, then politely ask to pass on the left. Generally speaking, it is good practise to keep to the right side of the path. However, it is a narrow trail so it’s not always safe or wise to pass immediately.
• Dogs and Direction– Dogs are not permitted on the Grouse Grind or at the top of Grouse Mountain. This is for the well-being of the environment, other hikers and the wildlife on the trail. There are no exceptions! The Grouse Grind is a one-way ascent with NO down hiking permitted.

The Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind can be likened to jumping on a Stairmaster at the gym. It is a serious challenge to not be underestimated. On the other hand, it’s a great short hike to test your fitness levels and race against the clock if you’re prepared. It is as much a mental challenge as a physical one with the key to conquering it, by pacing yourself and knowing your limits. Are you ready to take on the Grouse Grind?

Quarter 1

To start with, enter the forest through the wooden arch and begin hiking up the trail. The Grouse Grind and BCMC share the same first section before they split off with the Grind clearly marked to the left. The path immediately kicks upwards with a rocky staircase for starters. The first quarter is the easiest compared to the rest but after the flat car park, it hurts. There is a metal bridge in the quarter to give some rest before the steps and steep climb continues. As you climb higher, it’s easy to elevate you heartrate so please take a break if needed. And even s you gain height, it is a sweaty workout with the humidity in the trees. The trail continues up with some switchbacks past the quarter marker. Keep following the orange markers up the wooden steps into the hard middle quarters.

Middle Quarters

The 2nd and 3rd quarters are consistent in gradient over the same terrain of roots, rocks and wooden stairs. From experience, other hikers are spread throughout the trail but it is more difficult to pass on the narrow path in the middle section. By the halfway mark, you’ll find a natural rhythm and pace that can be managed. Despite the lack of views, there is support and greetings from others on the Grind. No matter how fast you’re pushing, the lactic will be building as you work higher into the forest. Occasionally, a gondola can be seen or a view of downtown through the branches. It’s worth noting, the steps are inconsistent and the large ones really sap the energy from you. For reference, there are markers on the trees out of 40 to give an idea of the progress as you climb higher and higher.

Last Quarter

I think the last sector feels the best as the gradient lessens slightly. The path widens up in the last few corners where people are either struggling to make it or attempting to finish fast. Even though the trail has become flatter, the main obstacles are the rocks over the path. The last part is a mini scramble up a smooth rock face as you emerge onto the gravelled plateau. The Chalet and Skyride Station are to the left with the track to the BCMC off to the right. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Grouse Grind! Was it as difficult as expected?

Grouse Mountain

The reward for completing the Grouse Grind is stunning views down the mountain south over towards Vancouver downtown, Stanley Park and further afield. At the top, there is washrooms to freshen up next to shops, cafes, restaurants and lots more at the Peak Chalet. There is the Altitudes Bistro, the Observatory, the Rusty Rail, Coffee Bar and Lupins Café to choice from if you need a refreshment. It’s worth walking around to the Rainbow coloured chairs with the Grouse Grind counter there to showcase your time and grab a pic! The Lions are visible over to the West and even better views behind the Chalet.

Vancouver Lookout

After the Grouse Grind, if you have enough energy it is worth heading up another 122m (400ft) to The Peak. First, pass by the Rusty Rail & Grizzly Habitat then choose either the chairlift up or the very steep gravel track to the side. The track took around 5-10mins to hike up past snow banks in early June. The top view point is better than the lower lookout next to the end of the Grouse Grind. On a clear day, the view of Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island in the distance is stunning!

Wilderness Lookout

Located under the Eye of the Wind (currently closed), the Wilderness Lookout is on the east side of Grouse Mountain. It looks past Lynn Peak and over to Mount Seymour provincial park with great views north as well. The mountains are covered in pine trees with snow splattered on the summits. We enjoyed a lunch spot here in the relative quietness compared to The Peak and the other mountaintop attractions. It’s a steep descent down the gravel track where trekking poles were handy.

The BCMC Trail

The BCMC Trail is the quieter and gentler sibling of the Grouse Grind. I have hiked down the BCMC once and trail run it another time, both times was peaceful after the crowds at the top. There is a slight detour to start with so join the BCMC next to the metal shipping container. The upper sections are muddy and more technical to descend so be careful. Similar to the Grind, there are wooden steps and large rocks but even more tree routes. With the Grind being a one-way only route, the BCMC is a nice downhill route that takes around 1-1.5hours to descend.

The lower half of the trail feels much easier with wooden steps making it a fast section. There are some quarter markers like the Grind but there are more places to rest and stop. I enjoyed seeing only 10 people hiking up compared to the maybe 100 on the Grind. The last section is like a small boulder field along fallen trees before it joins up with the Grouse Grind and Baden Powell Trail. I have not had a chance to climb up the BCMC path yet but I did enjoy the route as a trail run.

Trail Tips

• Bring water and make sure you’re fuelled before the Grouse Grind. An energy bar, banana or snack is good to bring along to keep you energised during or after the Grind.
• Wear appropriate footwear and breathable layers. A 2nd layer could be useful for after the hike.
• No dogs or downhill hiking on the Grouse Grind, use the BCMC as an alternative route down.
• Keep hiking to the right and allow others to pass on the left.
• Don’t rush out too fast and break the hike down to the quarter sections to pace yourself.
• At weekends it is busy on the Grouse Grind, so early mornings and weekdays are quieter

Hiking Highlights

• Completing the Grind– With little views on the way up, the rewards is the satisfaction of completing the gruelling grind up the 2830 steps.
• Vancouver Lookout at The Peak– The best mountain top view of Vancouver and Stanley Park. Either do the short but steep hike up or take the chairlift for incredible views!
• Wilderness Lookout– My preference was the viewpoint under Eye of the Wind (Turbine) which shows the backcountry mountains. It is much more peaceful than the Vancouver Lookout too.
• Grouse Mountain Attractions– A family friendly plateau with something for everyone. There are shops and places to eat & drink after the grind or ascent. Then you can watch bird shows, lumberjack shows, ranger talks or see bears in the grizzly habitat. There are options to pay extra for ziplines, rope courses and the bike park.

Hike Rating

Rating – 3.5 / 5
The Grouse Grind might be one of the most popular and famous hikes in Vancouver but it is not the most exciting or interesting route. It’s unique in it’s steepness and one-way direction which makes it a perfect challenge in close proximity to civilisation. But the trail is crowded with little places to rest, overtake or viewpoints along the way. Admittedly, the view point by the Gondola is nice but it is worth hiking higher or getting the chairlift to The Peak for the Vancouver Lookout and Wilderness Lookout.

Stay tuned for more Vancouver & British Columbia (BC) hiking trails and ratings!