Hike Details
- Difficulty: 5/6 (Very Difficult)
- Distance: 9km
- Duration: 6hrs
- Elevation: 900m
- Type: Out & Back
- Season: Jul - Oct
- Dogs: No
- Camping: No
- Wheelchairs: No
- Public Transport: Yes
- Strollers: No
Description
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Crown Mountain represents the most challenging peak visible from Vancouver. From its distinctive shaped peak, you'll have views back over Capilano Watershed, Vancouver and the rest of the North Shore mountains.
To explore more spectacular hikes, check out the best hiking trails near Vancouver.
Navigation
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The trail: Some junctions or misleading side-trails. Check your map regularly. Phone signal in BC is not reliable when hiking. Always carry an OFFLINE map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ and Gaia Maps.
Highlights
Hike Difficulty And Conditions
The hike is steep and covers much rough terrain, over roots, rocks and boulder fields. In particular, note that many websites underestimate the elevation gain effort required for this hike. True, the start altitude and max altitude are only 350m apart, but this masks the fact that there are significant steep climbs and decents in both directions. The total elevation is closer to 900m, with the added burden that a good chunk of this is effectively done on your way down, when you're already tired. take plenty of water and food and prepare for a long day.
There is a significant section of boulders to cross, though these are very manageable. Take your time and tread carefully.
The unavoidable exposure comes at the top of the hike, near the main viewpoints. Exposure is steep, sudden and surrounds the viewpoints. This is not the place for inexperienced hikers.
Camping
- Camping Possible: No
Hiking Season
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Jul - Oct is the recommended season for Crown Mountain. Outside of this period, the trail is: Closed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
Location & Access
- Public Transport: Yes
- Public Transport By: Translink
- From Vancouver: 0.5hr(s)
- Park: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
- Region: The North Shore
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre Info
- Trailhead: 49.37937, -123.08238
- Vehicle Requirement: Any Vehicle
Getting There
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The hike to Crown Mountain begins at the top of the Grouse Mountain gondola. You'll need to park at Grouse Mountain, and pay for the gondola up. Alternatively you can hike up Grouse Mountain first via the Grouse Grind or BCMC, though that makes this into a monstrous day.
To reach Grouse Mountain, drive up Capilano Road from North Vancouver, or take the bus from Lonsdale Quay. If coming from downtown or further south, the SeaBus is your best bet if using public transport.
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Rent a car, or better still, reduce the demand for cars with Evo Car Share, Vancouver's car sharing network.
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