Distance: 10.2 km (Start from upper station of the Gondola)
Elevation Gain: 889 m (Start from upper station of the Gondola)
Difficulty Level: Hard
Crown Mountain is located in the backcountry above North Vancouver, between Grouse Mountain and Lynn Headwaters. The most common route begins at the Grouse Mountain upper station. However, if you are looking for an extra challenge, you can start at the base of Grouse Mountain and hike either the Grouse Grind or the BCMC Trail to the top before continuing toward Crown Mountain.
Trail signs and markers are clear throughout the route. As with any backcountry hike, I strongly recommend downloading an offline map before heading out. Cell service can be unreliable, and weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Reliable water sources along the trail are virtually non-existent. While you may find a small trickle of water in the spring, it can dry up quickly, so be sure to bring enough water for your hike.
The section between Grouse Mountain and the Lynn Valley trail junction is relatively uneventful, with gentle terrain and minimal elevation gain. The real work begins after the first junction.
From there, you will descend deep into Crown Pass before climbing steeply back up toward Crown Mountain. This section accounts for most of the elevation gain on the hike. There are several chain-assisted sections where you can use fixed chains to help yourself climb or descend. These sections are not particularly steep, and experienced hikers may not need to use the chains at all, but they provide extra confidence and stability.
You will also encounter several boulder fields along the route. Photos and online discussions can make these sections seem intimidating, but they are generally straightforward when you are there in person. Simply follow the painted markers on the rocks and take your time.
The final few meters to the base of the the summit require some easy scrambling over large boulders. I found a less challenging route on the left side of the largest boulder near the top.
The summit itself is small and rocky. It can’t accommodate too many people. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, Mount Baker, and the surrounding North Shore peaks.
There is also a sharp, prominent boulder at the summit that many people consider the true high point of Crown Mountain. If you’re comfortable with the short scramble, it makes for a great photo opportunity.
After soaking in the views, retrace your steps back to Grouse Mountain—or all the way back to the base if you started there. Keep in mind that the return journey still requires you to descend into and climb back out of Crown Pass, which can feel surprisingly demanding at the end of a long day.
Crown Mountain is a challenging hike that rewards the effort with some of the best alpine views on the North Shore. Come prepared with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and enough time to complete the hike safely.
Note that the Lynn Valley backcountry is closed during winter and spring. It usually reopens in June or July. Check the trail status before heading out.
