The Grouse Grind is a pure workout with very little scenery along the way. It’s a sweat fest, and it will get your heart pumping like crazy! Located on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, the trail climbs relentlessly through the forest, gaining approximately 800 m of elevation over just 2.5 km. Often called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” it’s one of the best-known fitness challenges in British Columbia. I’ve completed it many times, and my personal best is 53 minutes and 12 seconds.

📍 Get Driving Directions ↗

Grouse Grind Trail Stats

Grouse Grind Parking and Gondola Fees

When I used to do the Grouse Grind regularly in 2013, parking was free and the gondola ride down cost just $10. Things have certainly changed!

As of October 2026, Grouse Mountain lists the following prices:

For example, an adult driving to Grouse Mountain and completing the Grind with three-hour parking would pay approximately $30 for parking and the gondola ride down. If you need longer parking, the total would be $32.

A Download Ticket covers a one-way downhill trip on the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola. It is separate from a regular Mountain Admission Ticket.

Prices and operating arrangements can change, so check Grouse Mountain’s Download Ticket prices and parking information before your visit.

Grouse Grind GPS Route Map

The interactive map below shows my historical GPS track climbing from the Grouse Grind trailhead towards the upper mountain. You can zoom in and switch between Map and Satellite views.

The blue route represents a simplified version of my original GPS track, not a current survey of the trail. Follow official signs and obey trail closures and operating hours.

Hiking the Grouse Grind

The Start of the Trail

The Grouse Grind begins near the base of Grouse Mountain, close to the parking area and Grouse Mountain’s gondola facilities.

It’s a popular destination for both local fitness enthusiasts and tourists. I’ve seen plenty of people attempt it wearing ordinary street shoes and clothing that aren’t particularly suitable for such a steep climb. Some don’t make it very far before turning around.

The trail starts climbing almost immediately, and there’s very little opportunity to catch your breath once you get going.

Here’s one of my photographs from the beginning of the trail.

The start of the Grouse Grind.

The beginning of the Grouse Grind.

Climbing the 2,830 Stairs

It’s difficult to appreciate just how steep the Grouse Grind is until you actually try it. The trail consists of a seemingly endless series of uneven stairs, rocks, roots, and short forested sections.

The trail is divided into four quarters, with markers showing your progress. One thing to remember is that the quarter markers do not necessarily represent equal amounts of effort.

Grouse Mountain notes that the second and third quarters are the steepest. So even when you reach the halfway marker, you still have plenty of climbing ahead!

Here are several photographs showing what much of the trail looks like.

One of the best things about doing the Grouse Grind regularly is seeing your fitness improve. You might struggle through the first few climbs, but as you build endurance, you can start measuring your progress and trying to beat your own time.

For me, that became part of the appeal. Rather than stopping to admire scenery, I was concentrating on maintaining a steady pace and getting to the top as quickly as I could.

Finishing the Grouse Grind

There is something satisfying about reaching the top after such a steep climb. Even after doing it numerous times, finishing the Grouse Grind still feels like an achievement.

And if you’re wondering about the descent, here’s an important point: downhill travel on the Grouse Grind is prohibited. After completing the trail, hikers normally return to the base using the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola.

Taking the Gondola Down

Most hikers take the gondola or Skyride down after completing the Grind. The short trip offers excellent views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains, particularly on a clear day.

Here’s one of my photographs of the gondola.

The Grouse Mountain gondola, the usual way down after the Grind.

The original Red Skyride has since been joined by the Blue Grouse Gondola, which opened in December 2024. Both provide downhill transportation, subject to operating conditions.

Be sure to check operating hours before setting out. The first downhill service for hikers is normally scheduled for 7:30 a.m., but operations may change because of weather or maintenance.

Grouse Grind Speed Records

One of the most interesting aspects of the Grouse Grind is how competitive it has become. Many regular hikers time themselves, and Grouse Mountain maintains an official leaderboard through its Grind Timer system.

My best recorded time is 53 minutes and 12 seconds, which I’m pretty happy with.

However, the fastest climbers complete the trail in less than half that time!

Fastest Recorded Ascents

According to Grouse Mountain’s all-time Grind Timer leaderboard, the fastest recorded men’s ascent is 23 minutes and 48 seconds, by Sebastian Salas.

The fastest time listed on the women’s leaderboard is 29 minutes and 10 seconds, by Madison Sands.

These are the times shown on the official Grind Timer leaderboard as of October 2026, rather than necessarily race-course records under every possible timing system.

For current times and rankings, see the Grouse Mountain Grind Timer leaderboard.

The Multi Grouse Grind Challenge

Completing the Grouse Grind once is challenging enough for most people. But every year around the summer solstice, some exceptionally fit athletes attempt to complete it as many times as possible in a single day.

The event is called the Multi Grouse Grind Challenge, and it raises funds for North Shore Rescue.

The Record: 21 Grouse Grinds in One Day!

On 20 June 2025, North Vancouver resident Sean Green set a remarkable record by completing 21 Grouse Grind ascents in a single day, breaking the previous record of 19.

That’s an astonishing amount of climbing. Using Grouse Mountain’s published elevation gain of approximately 800 m per ascent, 21 Grinds represents roughly 16,800 m of cumulative uphill climbing, more than the elevation of Mount Everest above sea level, and about 52.5 km of uphill trail travel.

The athletes use the gondola to descend between ascents, so they can spend more time climbing.

The 2026 Challenge

The 2026 Multi Grouse Grind Challenge took place on 22 June. Ross Hamilton of North Vancouver won with 19 ascents, while Maxime Duterloo completed 18 and finished second overall.

The 2026 event attracted 130 participants, who collectively completed more than 1,100 Grouse Grind ascents while raising over $57,000 for North Shore Rescue.

For more details, see Grouse Mountain’s official 2026 results.

The Grizzly Bears at Grouse Mountain

One of the attractions I always enjoyed at the top of Grouse Mountain was seeing its resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

Both bears arrived as orphaned cubs in 2001 and became well-known ambassadors for grizzly bear conservation.

Here’s one of my earlier photographs of a grizzly bear at Grouse Mountain.

One of Grouse Mountain’s resident grizzly bears, photographed during an earlier visit.

Sadly, Grinder passed away on 31 July 2026 at the age of 25, after spending approximately 25 years at Grouse Mountain. His companion Coola remains at the refuge.

It’s worth checking the current schedule for wildlife ranger talks if you’re interested in learning more about Coola and grizzly bear conservation.

Birds of Prey Demonstrations

Another attraction I enjoyed during the summer was the birds of prey demonstration, now known as Birds in Motion.

The demonstration features trained birds of prey and provides an opportunity to learn about their behaviour, hunting abilities, and importance in the ecosystem.

Birds in Motion is a seasonal activity, generally presented during the summer. The 2026 season has ended, with the program expected to return in 2027.

Check Grouse Mountain’s Birds in Motion schedule before planning a visit specifically for the demonstration.

What Is a Grouse?

If you’ve ever wondered where Grouse Mountain gets its name, a grouse is a bird!

Grouse are ground-dwelling birds found in forested and mountain habitats. They are generally well camouflaged, making them difficult to spot unless they move or make a sound.

Here’s a photograph of a grouse I encountered along a trail on Eagle Mountain.

A grouse I spotted along a trail on Eagle Mountain.

Rewarding Yourself at the Top

One of the nice things about finishing the Grouse Grind is that you don’t have to pack up and immediately head back down the mountain. There are restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, and other attractions at the top, depending on the season.

Restaurant menus and availability change, but it’s nice to have the option of sitting down and enjoying something to eat after your workout.

Interesting Facts About the Grouse Grind

• 2,830 stairs: Grouse Mountain’s official trail description lists 2,830 steps along the approximately 2.5 km route.
• 800 m of climbing: The trail rises from approximately 290 m to 1,090 m, making it exceptionally steep for such a short distance.
• More than 100,000 hikers annually: Grouse Mountain reports that over 100,000 people tackle the Grouse Grind each year.
• The fastest recorded men’s time is 23:48: Sebastian Salas holds the top position on Grouse Mountain’s all-time Grind Timer leaderboard, as checked in October 2026.
• The fastest recorded women’s time is 29:10: Madison Sands leads the women’s all-time Grind Timer leaderboard.
• The most ascents in one day is 21: Sean Green established the official Multi Grouse Grind Challenge record on 20 June 2025.
• A challenging community fundraiser: The Multi Grouse Grind Challenge takes place around the summer solstice and raises funds for North Shore Rescue.
• The Blue Grouse Gondola opened in December 2024: The new gondola provides an additional way for hikers and visitors to travel between the mountain base and summit.
• Grinder and Coola were rescued grizzly bears: The two bears arrived at Grouse Mountain in 2001. Grinder died in July 2026, while Coola remains at the wildlife refuge.
• Biogeoclimatic Zones: The Grouse Grind climbs through elevations associated with the Coastal Western Hemlock and Mountain Hemlock biogeoclimatic zones. The transition to cooler, higher-elevation forest helps explain changes in vegetation along the route.

Preparing for the Grouse Grind

Although the Grouse Grind is close to Vancouver and attracts many visitors, it is still a demanding mountain trail. The steep climb places considerable strain on your legs and cardiovascular system.

Wear proper footwear with good traction, pace yourself, and avoid treating the hike as a race unless you’re adequately trained and familiar with the route.

The trail is especially difficult during hot weather, and wet stairs or roots can become slippery after rain.

It’s also important to recognize that there are limited opportunities to leave the route once you begin. If you’re unsure about your fitness, consider an easier trail first.

Preparing for the Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind is a short but extremely strenuous climb, so wear proper footwear with good traction, dress for the weather, and bring water, a charged phone, and a light jacket. Pace yourself, especially on hot days, and know your fitness limits. Although this isn’t a remote wilderness hike, it’s still important to be prepared. See North Shore Rescue’s Ten Essentials for general hiking safety recommendations.

Grouse Grind Rules and Safety

• Uphill travel only: Descending the Grouse Grind on foot is prohibited. Arrange for a gondola or Skyride trip down.
• Respect trail closures: The Grouse Grind closes during certain seasonal conditions and maintenance periods. Do not enter when gates are closed.
• No dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the Grouse Grind or at Grouse Mountain’s mountaintop facilities.
• Know your limits: The trail is physically demanding and may be unsuitable for people with limited hiking experience or conditioning.
• Allow enough time: Check trail opening and closing hours before starting, and account for the time required to reach the top.

Always check Metro Vancouver’s official Grouse Grind information before heading out.

Leave No Trace

Despite its popularity, the Grouse Grind passes through a natural mountain environment that deserves protection.

• Stay on the trail: Avoid shortcuts that damage vegetation and contribute to erosion.
• Pack out all garbage: Take food wrappers and other waste with you.
• Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
• Be considerate of other hikers: Allow faster hikers to pass safely and avoid blocking narrow sections.
• Protect the forest: Leave plants, fungi, rocks, and other natural features undisturbed.

Final Thoughts

The Grouse Grind isn’t what I’d call a scenic hike. For most of the climb, you’re staring at the next set of stairs rather than admiring the mountains.

But that’s not really the point. It’s a fitness challenge, and the satisfaction of reaching the top is what keeps people coming back.

My best time of 53 minutes and 12 seconds certainly isn’t close to the records, but I’m happy with it. After all, completing the Grouse Grind is an accomplishment in itself.

And if you still have some energy left when you get to the top, there’s always something interesting to see on Grouse Mountain, followed by a relaxing gondola ride back down.

Trail Conditions and Disclaimer

This article includes my original Grouse Grind experiences, photographs, and GPS track, together with updated information researched in October 2026. Trail conditions, access rules, operating hours, parking fees, gondola fares, records, and mountaintop attractions may change. Always confirm current information with Metro Vancouver and Grouse Mountain before visiting.