You’ll need to be a weekend warrior to take on North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind trail for the next five weeks, as the popular climb will be closed on weekdays to allow for trail upgrade work to be completed.
Now through to Nov. 7, the Grind is closed all day every weekday, except for the Thanksgiving holiday Monday (Oct. 11), according to a release from Metro Vancouver.
“Due to safety hazards [possibility of falling rocks or lumber], steepness of terrain, narrowness of the trail and other factors, it is not possible to have the trail remain open during construction work,” Metro Vancouver stated in the release.
The closure takes place at a time of year when there are typically fewer people visiting the trail, and coincides with Grouse Mountain Resort’s annual maintenance closure, which is scheduled for Oct. 18 to Nov. 5. During that time, there will be no access to the Grouse Mountain Skyride or mountaintop facilities. During the temporary closure of the Grouse Mountain Skyride, trail users will be required to hike down the BCMC Trail. Hiking down the Grouse Grind is not permitted.
The gruelling climb will be open on weekends as long as conditions allow, although Metro reminded hikers that they will be passing through active construction sites on the weekends and to take extra precaution on the climb.
With fall’s rainy season upon us, Metro had other reminders for folks interested in hiking the Grouse Grind. Warmer temperatures at the base of the climb can quickly change to snow and freezing temperatures at the top. Heavy rainfall can also prompt Metro to close the trail.
Here are some other tips for hitting the Grind during the shoulder season:
- Wear clothing appropriate to the weather. Temperatures at top can be 10 degrees cooler than at bottom.
- Bring water. Even in cool temperatures, your body needs fluids.
- Bring a snack, e.g. an energy-rich food such as nuts or dried fruit.
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Darkness comes quickly this time of year, especially in the forest.
- Bring a cellphone.
- Leave enough time to finish your hike before it gets dark.
