The Grouse Grind is a pure workout with no real scenery. It’s a sweat fest and it will get your heart pumping like crazy. Apparently it’s also a tourist destination, as many people attempt it in their street shoes and pants – many turn back.

But, it’s a real achievement when you finish – Out of the general population, very few people can do this.
When I used to do it in 2013, the parking was free and the fee for the gondola was $10. Now there is a parking fee.

Time (my best): 53 min 12 sec
Record time (Sebastian Salas): 25 min 24 sec
Distance: 2.9 km (one way)
Low point: 274 m
High point: 1127 m
Elevation gain: 853 m
Number of stairs: 2830
Trailhead: 49° 22’ 16.7” by  123° 5’ 54.5” (Google Map)

The route…

Here is the start of the trail…

Some trail pictures…

Here is the gondola (fee) most people take on way down…

They have two Grizzly bears at the top…

And a great ‘birds of prey’ show in the summer…

And if you wonder what a Grouse is, it’s a bird…

You can reward yourself with Mountain Nachos in the restaurant…

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Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

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