Grouse Grind

• A legendary 2.9 km trail ascending 853 meters straight up the face of Grouse Mountain.

• Known as 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster' due to its intense 2,830-stair vertical climb.

• Hikers must take the Skyride gondola down, as downhill hiking is strictly prohibited.

• Completion times are often used as a local benchmark for fitness, with an average of 90 minutes.

Vancouver's legendary stair climb — 2,830 steps gaining 853m up the face of Grouse Mountain. One-way up only; you must take the Skyride gondola down.

The Route

1. Grouse Grind Trailhead (290m) — Official start

2. First Quarter Mark (503m) — 25% elevation done

3. Halfway Mark (716m) — Halfway there!

4. The Wall Begins (800m) — Steepest section starts

5. Three Quarter Mark (929m) — Hardest part behind you

6. Grouse Grind Summit (1,143m) — Ring the bell!

Along the Way

• One-way UP only — take Skyride gondola down

• 2,830 stairs in 2.9 km

• Free summit access when you hike up

• Quarter-mark signs track your progress

• Dogs NOT allowed

• Seasonal trail (April–November)

Insider Tips

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  Start before 8 AM on weekends to avoid crowds

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  The fastest recorded time is 25 minutes — average is 1.5 hours

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  Free Skyride download is included when you hike up

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  Bring a dry shirt to change into at the summit

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  The Quarter Mark signs help track your progress

What to Bring

The Grouse Grind opened in 1981 as a rough trail up the face of Grouse Mountain. It earned the nickname "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" as fitness hikers turned it into Vancouver's most popular urban trail challenge. The current 2,830-step staircase was rebuilt in stages through the 1990s and 2000s. The fastest recorded ascent is approximately 25 minutes.

Source · grousemountain.com