In Pictures: The Grind
In a recent issue of Outside magazine, the Grouse Grind ranked No. 5 on a list of the 10 most dangerous hikes around the world.
The Grind, a gruelling almost threekilometre trek up the face of Grouse Mountain includes 2,830 stairs, earning it the nickname "Mother Nature's Stairmaster."
It was developed in 1981 by a group of mountaineers, but when the group decided they wanted a greater challenge, they began following animal paths and completed the full trail in 1983. The Grind was then rebuilt for safety reasons and erosion prevention in 1996.
According to Metro Vancouver's website, the trail begins at approximately the 300-metre elevation mark and climbs to more than 1,000 metres. Metro encourages those setting out to complete the trail before dark, bring a buddy, and be prepared with food, proper clothing and a cellphone.
The trail closes in November for the winter months and reopens in late spring after the snowmelt. According to the website, there are also short-term closures throughout the season as heavy rain can cause debris flows along the lower parts of the trail.
The Grind attracts around 100,000 hikers a year, some of which take part in the Grind for Kids program, a fundraising campaign for B.C. Children's Hospital. For regular Grind users, or even those taking their first jaunt, a $1 pledge or more is collected for every ascent they do between the opening and closing of the season.
