Grouse Grind opens on Friday

With plenty ofsunshine in store for the weekend, the Grouse Grind is set to open Friday.

The popular 2.9 kilometre trail, often referred to as "Mother Nature's stairmaster,"will be open for hikers from 6:15 a.m. until7 p.m. PT.

"With summer just around the corner, we are very excited that the iconic Grouse Grind trail will open for the season,"said Grouse Mountain general managerMichael Cameron.

The strenuous uphill hike is only recommended for those who are reasonably fit and up for a challenge.

The trail is made up of2,830 steps, with an elevationgain of 853 metres.

What's your personal best?

If it is your first time doing the "Grind,"as locals call it, expect lots of foot traffic along the narrow trail.

Experienced hikers are usually striving for personal best times and often pass many people along the route.

Grouse Mountain recommends you keep to the right if you're hiking the trail and, if you're listening to your iPod, keep your music volume low.

Experienced hikers will usually say "on your left" as they pass by.

It takes people, on average,90 minutesto twohours to complete the trail.

Access to Grouse Mountain is free if you hike up.The cost to take the Grouse MountainSkyrideback down is $10.00.