Vancouver - Grouse Grind

Grouse Grind - 1.8 mile one way, 2800 ft elevation gain

We went for a vacation in vancouver recently. I started looking for nearby hikes when we were planning the trip. Grouse grind particulary caught my attention because of the challenge it offers :)

Sep 7th - I precariously drove to the mountain early in the morning. At the trail head, there is a notice with attention to hikers, which can scare you :). I started the hike around 6.45 am. The trail was kind of dark with all the tall trees blocking the sunlight. I had expected to see more hikers as it seemed to be a popular trail but there were hardly any, may be because it was a weekday.

It was still kind of dim till the 1/4 marker. As the elevation increased, it was getting brighter. Occasionally few hikers would pass by me. I was just going steadily at my pace. The hike was stairs all the way.

Once i reached the 1/2 marker, i felt better and confident that i will make it to the top. I was enjoying the change of scenery, thankfully there was no rain also.

I reached the top of the moutain in 2 hrs. It was surprising that there was no marker stating that you are on the top.

Once on the top, it was a easy ride down on the gondola. It is not recommended to hike down this trail.

It was definitely an achievement for me to do a hike of this difficulty and i was glad that i was in good shape to do :).

Home trail

Telegraph pass in south mountain is my home trail. Whenever i am not prepared in advanced on where to go, I just go and do this trail.

July was a very hectic month - I had cold for sometime, we moved into new place, setting up the place, work was also busy. This was the trail which kept me going and helped me in keeping my resolution despite everything.

Few things which I like about it:

1. Driving time - it just takes 15 min to get to the trail
2. Trail is of medium difficulty
3. Few nice spots to sit and ponder :)

Having done this trail so many times, now i have become a pro at it. Last 2 times, i did not have to take any breaks. I did the round trip in 1.15 min. And maybe this is one of the few trails where i overtake other hikers now and then :).

I am sure i am going to do this many more times :).