Tag Archives: Grouse Mountain

BCMC trail, 25 Apr 2017

Chris M. on the BCMC Trail:
“Two of us earned our 20% pack weight badges on Tuesday evening. The BCMC trail up Grouse was easy to follow and somewhat busy. We saw around 20 people in total and our microspikes were helpful once we reached the snow towards the end. The added weight really engaged my leg muscles which made for a fun workout. Sylvia thought ‘like’ was too positive a word. It took us 1 hour & 40 minutes to reach the chalet, where we took the blue gondola back down.”

Hanes Valley, 14 Sep 2014

Ronald W. in Hanes Valley:
“The day started with much anticipation as Jenn, Kevin, Melissa, Pooya and Ronald commenced on the Hanes Valley trail.

After 1 1⁄2 hours from the start at Lynn Headwaters, we reached the major creek crossing. The pile of carefully placed logs allowed for an easy crossing. The trail is well marked through the beautiful forest and the dry conditions made for easy hiking. Over an hour later we arrive at the helicopter pad – the perfect spot for lunch. However, minutes later the sounds of a fast approaching North Shore Rescue chopper cut our lunch short, as volunteers disembarked to search for missing hikers that set out on the Hanes Valley trail a day earlier (note: the hikers were found later that day).

The scramble up the well flagged boulder field was made easier with the shade cover from the surrounding mountains. Ensuring we could see the next flag before continuing made for a safe scramble. As we looked back down Hanes Valley the views were breathtaking. The rest of the trail from Crown Pass to the top of Grouse Mountain was a test of endurance and stamina as it entailed more elevation gain, but on a easy to follow and dry trail. Seven hours from the start we arrived at the top of Grouse Mountain. It was truly a spectacular day filled with engaging conversation, majestic beauty and physical challenges.”

Bike ‘n Grind, 25 Jun 2013

Tu Loan cycling to the Grouse Grind:
What does it take to entice a Bowen Islander to sign up for her first Wanderung activity? A Bike and Grind! Sarah G. showed up with her mountain bike to impress TLT, who was ecstatic that someone actually would want to join her on this callout! Sarah spun her way up to Grouse with ease as she channeled her former ironman and adventure racing days. TLT was in awe!

After about half an hour, they reached the parking lot. Transition from biker to hiker took about 7 minutes. The weather was cooperating and one could see patches of blue sky. This of course was all planned out by TLT. With her MapMyRide app, Sarah was eager to see how she would fare after a 7 year absence from the Grind. This is typical elite athlete attitude. TLT was just happy to have someone to chat with while doing the Grind.

The trail was not very crowded; although you had your usual Grinder with their Lululemon gear powering their way up and the casual tourist with their jeans and checkered shirts. The lighting was nice enough for a couple of pictures. Chatter about food and triathlons were animatedly shared, mostly with TLT asking all the questions. She was kindly told to go ahead to give Sarah some peace and concentration. By the three-quarter mark, the steepest section of the Grind, no chatter was heard as the two were eager to focus all their attention to the finish.

Reaching the top after under an hour AND a bike ride up, the two were elated with their efforts! They meandered their way to the grizzly enclosure to say “hi”. By then, the clouds broke and the beer and nachos (best post-workout combo EVER!) were enjoyed with a great view of the city.

The trip ended with a drop-off to Horseshoe Bay where Sarah was able to catch the 8:50 ferry. Thank you Sarah for making the Bike and Grind so much fun!”

Bike and Grind - June 25, 2013

Crown Mountain 11/07/09

Su-Laine on Crown Mountain:
“Ow, my legs hurt. Other than two sections of moderate scrambling, the statistics on this one make it look like a moderate 9 km hike from the top of the Grouse Mountain Skyride. There are several climbs and descents each way, so although the overall elevation gain is only 455 m, in total you’re probably climbing over 1000 m, and I found it a lot more tiring than another 1000+ m hike I’d done a few weeks ago (Eagle Bluffs). Maybe it was the hot sun, or maybe the fact that the trail requires so many damned deep knee bends for smaller people like me.

I’d posted this as a 5-6 hour hike but it ended up taking us about 8.5 hrs, including breaks and half an hour off-trail when some of us missed a marker. The off-trail part took us down some slippery rocks and wasn’t fun; other than that the scrambling was fun. It was good to be in a group so we could spot each other and learn from others’ techniques. The summit is snow-free but we had to cross a couple of patches of packed snow lower down where hiking poles were useful.”

Mt Fromme 20/06/09

Peter B. on Mt Fromme:
“Four hikers – Eileen, Kristie, Jana and Peter – started hiking up Mosquito Creek (rough in parts) and in a combined effort found their way through the maze of old logging roads, trails and downhill tracks up to the south summit of Mt Fromme where we had good views of Lynn Valley and the surrounding mountains. We encountered patches of snow and almost no other people. Instead of returning the same way, we walked (and got a lift) up the Old Grouse Mountain Highway and enjoyed the obligatory nacho bowl in the chalet before taking the gondola down.”

Baden-Powell Trail 18/05/09

Heather on the Baden-Powell trail:
“Seven of us decided to tackle the eastern half of the Baden Powell trail. We took the bus bright and early to Deep Cove and huffed and puffed our way up the first section to the great lookout over Indian Arm. From there is was a varied ramble across lower Seymour Mtn, enjoying the forest, crossing creeks, being in awe of the numerous trail runners and mountain bikers passing us by. After the first 13 km section, and battling our way through the tourist mobs at Lynn Canyon, we took a leisurely lunch at the coffee shop, where two of the group decided that was far enough and bussed home. The five remaining continued another 11 km to the base of Grouse Mountain, stopping to chat with other hikers and at the surprise discovery of a couch on the middle of the trail. This photo op also led to the discovery that one of the cameras had stayed at the coffee shop, but with the help of cell phones for internet surfing (while couch surfing), all was eventually restored to proper order. Total trip was nine hours long – a pleasant hike with great company!”