Grouse Grind finally opens after long, cold winter

Vancouver's famous Grouse Grind has opened for the summer.

An especially snowy winter has delayed the opening of the popular hiking trail by a month and a half. Last year, itopened on April 30.

Eager hikers were ready to tackle the difficult trail by the time gates were unlocked at 6:15 a.m.

"It's good for my health and every time I do it I feel good ... I like to do it once a week," said one local, Jagmeet Mangat.

Tree removal and rock scaling work had to be suspended at times due to hikers who ignoredthe closed gates and warning signs to stay off the trail.

Metro Vancouver sent out a number of requests asking eager hikers to stay away.

The 2.9-kilometre trailascends 800 metres to the Grouse Mountain ski area. Hiking down the Grouse Grind is not permitted.

The trail will be open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. PT.