OUTSIDE magazine is making waves in local news outlets and social media for proclaiming the Grouse Grind one of the "10 Most Dangerous Hikes" in the world.
The magazine cites three deaths on the trail since 1999 and roughly 80 rescues calls per year. But is it really among the most dangerous in the world? We find the assessment to be, quite frankly, bear scat. It's making a mountain out of a. .. smaller mountain.
Instead, we offer some other superlatives that are closer to the truth describing "God's stairmaster":
Most crowded by unprepared tourists who have been misled by their hotel concierge into how easy it is to climb? Oh my, yes.
Most populated with indignant locals, annoyed at all the tourists taking up space on their personal fitness facility? Certainly.
Most likely to induce profanity in first-time climbers who, red-faced and winded, reach a sign informing them they've only reached the one-quarter mark of the trail? Yup.
Biggest pain in the ass for District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and B.C. Ambulance Service and North Shore Rescue members who are tasked with the climb every time someone in stilettos twists an ankle and has to be carried down? Likely.
But thousands of people successfully reach the top of the Grind each day when the trail is open. The Grind is no picnic, for sure, but with water, a little preparation and a realistic idea about what lies ahead, the Grind probably isn't even on the top 10 most dangerous hikes on the North Shore.
