Grouse Mtn..Hiking
 

We (family of 5 in good shape) would prefer to hike to the top of Grouse Mountain (in April)...Has anyone done this? How long does it take?

Hello mei: Take a look at http://www.grousemountain.com/adv_hik_grogri.cfm for an overview. That website says 1.5 - 2 hours, but that sounds pretty general and not weather-specific. Good luck! Linda

April is a bit early for the "Grouse Grind" - the name we have for the hike to top from the parking lot. There is often still snow but the main reason it stays closed is that it can be extremely slippery and wet due to its grade. You can always disobey the closure signs but it really can be dangerous. We have had alot of snow this year so I doubt it will be open before May.

The hike is quite challenging. I did it every 2 days for a few months and still have never broken an hour. Most people take about 1.5 to 2 hours when they first start.

There are other hikes that leave from the top of Grouse Mountain and go along the various peaks that might not be as wet and dangerous, but there could still be some significant snowpack in April.

The best local website I've found for updates/photos etc. of the trail is:

http://members.tripod.com/~urbantrek...ike.ggrind.htm

If you would like a challenging hike with a view that's going to be more accessible in April, you might want to try climbing the Stawamus Chief in Squamish which is a bit further from Vancouver but just as beautiful and less crowded.

I forget what it took me to do it - 2.5 to 3 hours, with lotsa puff-puff stops.

The steeper parts are rustic steps (mud and board) and steps chopped into big logs, and that sort. But the trail can be steep.

IIRC the gate is in a chain-link fence about 10 feet high with lotsa yellow warning signs. I wouldn't try ignoring it. On the plus side, you can ride the gondola down.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think we'll skip Grouse Mountain (don't want to break the rules, especially at the risk of injury) and try another hike. I didn't think the conditions would be Okay in April so now I know.

FYI the Grind officially opened on April 9 - surprisingly early! - see www.gvrd.bc.ca.