The Grouse Grind will be closed Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.
The Grouse Grind trail will be closed for a month starting Monday for maintenance and upgrades.
Metro Vancouver, which maintains the gruelling hiking trail to the top of Grouse Mountain in the regional park, said the trail will reopen on Nov. 4, weather permitting.
Because the trail hosts about 250,000 visitors every year, with the bulk of the traffic in spring and summer, work is required each fall to keep it in good shape.
“Crews will be working on multiple sections of the trail to repair and replace steps, stairs and retaining walls to increase trail resilience,” said Metro in a news release.
The closure is needed because the upgrades are being done on steep and hazardous terrain, and detours aren’t a safe option.
“Visitors are urged to stay off the trail while it’s closed,” said the release. “Ignoring the closure may result in serious injury and delay reopening.”
Alternative routes including the BCMC trail, which is slightly more rugged but similar to the Grind, and the Baden-Powell trail will remain open. Anyone who uses the BCMC route is advised to wear hiking shoes, carry lots of water and a snack, and an extra layer of clothing for warmth.
The Grouse Grind was upgraded in spring, including a new trailhead entrance and seating, a water fountain, stretching bars, better access for first responders and environmental restoration. A foot bridge over a creek near the quarter mark was also replaced.