Crown Mountain Hike – Vancouver

Crown Mountian on Vancouver’s North Shore is no doubt one of the crucial troublesome hikes near Vancouver. It’s not exceptionally prolonged at a distance of about 10km from the Grouse Mountain lodge, nonetheless there’s various steep climbing then steep down climbing adopted by further steep uphill climbing and a short scramble half to attain the Crown Mountain summit.

All that up and down can actually really feel like way more effort than merely going up! Nonetheless, this hike near Vancouver offers beautiful views (in case you get a clear day) and you might scale back out just a few of the up and downhill by taking the Grouse Mountain gondola.

You’ll even rejoice with a drink on the lodge!

AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for finding, planning, and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you is perhaps assured you’re nonetheless on target, even with out mobile signal.

Crown Mountain hike, Vancouver

Crown Mountain lies behind Grouse Moutain. You’ll see the place it purchased the establish from when you have a take a look at it from a distance; the jagged rocks on the height do make it seem like a crown!

On a clear day, you’ll have the flexibility to benefit from views of The Lions, Capilano Watershed, and downtown Vancouver inside the distance, plus many of the completely different coastal mountain peaks. As talked about, the hike downhill sooner than going once more uphill makes this hike harder than you’d first suppose. You primarily ought to hike the elevation change twice!

Recommendations on the way to get to the Crown Mountain trailhead

By way of attending to the Crown Mountain trailhead you’ve purchased two decisions. You’ll each hike from the underside of the Grouse Mountain gondola by the use of the Grouse Grind, BCMC, or one in every of many alternative trails alongside them. Or, you presumably can take the gondola as a lot because the lodge and hike from there.

You’ll unravel the Grouse gondola by the use of public transit too, making this an vital hike in Vancouver accessible by public transport.

Since I’ve an annual go for the gondola I took the straightforward route and met some mates on the Grouse Lodge.

From the Grouse Lodge, you’ll must take the Alpine Path. You’ll uncover this by following the grizzly bear toes on the bottom in route of the bear den (say hi there to Grinder and Coola!) and persevering with earlier them with them in your left in route of the ski run. Left of the ski run you’ll see a gravel avenue that takes you into the backcountry behind Grouse. That’s the begin of the Crown Mountain path!

Crown Mountain hike stats

Distance: 10km
Interval: 6-8 hours
Subject: Troublesome
Entire Elevation Purchase: 800m

Crown Mountain hike data

Proceed on the gravel avenue as you stroll with steep rocks in your correct and mountain views to your left. This avenue is in depth and good and flat so revenue from it!

As shortly as a result of the trail includes an end you’ll start making your methodology uphill and via the forest. The trail narrows and likewise you’ll go over and beneath only a few pipes, maintain your eyes open for the trail markers and small picket indicators. You may also hear some screaming from the ziplines shut by too! The indications you’re looking out for are these pointing you to the Alpine Path, the first one says Ridge Path, the second has the Alpine Path and likewise you’ll come out to a zipper line platform.

Proceed on the Alpine Path climbing up and going earlier only a few junctions which could take you to Thunderbird Ridge, Dam Mountain, and Little Goat Mountain. After the ultimate junction to Little Goat, you’ll start descending and can take a path proper all the way down to your left marked for Crown Mountain. If it’s a clear day (not like after I hiked it!), it is best to have the flexibility to see your trip spot!

One among many trickiest components of the hike begins now as you stroll, or slide in some mud, downhill in route of Crown Go.

It’s often pretty slippery down proper right here and there are some chains bolted into the rocks that may help you navigate the rocks and filth. Take your time and if you’ve managed that half there’s a small boulder self-discipline to cross. You then head once more into the forest and the junction of Crown Go along with the Hanes Valley Path.

Head uphill to the left and climb steeply over large roots and rocks. It’s steep proper right here until you come out to a special boulder self-discipline, a bit larger than the ultimate one. Observe the yellow spray-painted markers on the rocks to make certain you keep on with the trail. For individuals who don’t see them, merely make certain you’re headed to the opening inside the forest all through the boulder self-discipline.

There’s further climbing to go however as you come out to a special boulder self-discipline!

This boulder self-discipline offers views in route of the Capilano Watershed house. Proceed alongside the trail and up over some rocks until you see an enormous spraypainted dot on the aspect of the rock. That’s your final climb! Each climb up onto the peak by the huge dot or adjust to a small path to the left and climb up onto the rock throughout the aspect. Make sure you’re large cautious proper right here as slipping and falling would possibly end very badly.

For individuals who’ve hiked to Crown Mountain on a clear day, spend some time up proper right here having enjoyable with the view of Vancouver, Hanes Valley, and the mountains as far as Squamish!

Head once more the easiest way you bought right here sooner than taking the gondola or the BCMC down the mountain to the automobile parking space.

What to know sooner than you go

• Biggest time for Crown Mountain: Late July – mid/late September. Lynn Headwaters backcountry (the place this path goes) is closed in winter.
• Be journey wise: Take into account to respect the terrain, environment, and completely different clients whilst you’re having enjoyable with the paths. Comply with the three Ts—journey planning, teaching, and taking the requirements AdventureSmart is an outstanding helpful useful resource that may help you get educated sooner than heading open air
• Pack your 10 requirements.
• Take bear spray, you’re climbing in bear nation! And keep in mind your bear safety recommendations.
• Take into account to depart no trace.

What to pack for the right hikes near Vancouver

Totally different troublesome Vancouver hikes

Trying to find harder hikes near Vancouver? Listed beneath are just a few of the best Vancouver hikes!

• Brunswick Mountain
• The Lions Binkert Path
• Mt Seymour – Three Peaks and Brockton Stage
• Mt Harvey

Remaining Updated on February 28, 2023 by Hannah