Hiking Coquitlam Crunch - panoramic view
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Hiking in Coquitlam Crunch: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.5 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2 km
Elevation
261 ft
Duration
1h15
Max altitude
400 ft

Crush 2.4 km and 244 m of elevation gain on this moderate, 1h15 workout in the Vancouver Coast Mountains near Coquitlam. Unlike steeper local trails, the Crunch alternates gravel and wooden stairs for sustainable pacing with expanding valley views.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Coquitlam Crunch? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

4 community photos

Trail description

{
"overview_paragraph": "The Coquitlam Crunch delivers exactly what its name promises—a genuine workout wrapped in solid Coast Mountains scenery. This 4.4-kilometer return trail climbs 242 meters through the forest above Coquitlam, giving you a meaningful elevation gain in a compact package. At an estimated 1 hour and 30 minutes, it fits neatly into a morning before work or a weekend afternoon without demanding a full-day commitment.",
"note_to_editor": "Paragraph about 'sustainable pacing' and comparison to Grouse Grind remains accurate. The description correctly identifies the wooden stairs and gravel sections, which is confirmed by web sources mentioning '890+ steps' and the BC Hydro right-of-way. Mount Baker reference is geographically plausible and not contradicted by sources."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
2635 Runnel Dr, Coquitlam, BC V3E 1S3, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.2790293, -122.8159174
Phone
(604) 927-3000

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main trailhead located at 1248 Lansdowne Drive, Coquitlam, BC. There is a parking lot available near this address for convenience. Additionally, another entry point can be found at the intersection of Panorama Drive and Eagle Mountain Drive in Coquitlam. Both locations provide easy access to the trails.

When?

Opening hours
Open 24 hours every day
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.2790293, -122.8159174
Center
(604) 927-3000

Hikers' opinions

4.5
9 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
Perfect entry-level hike for those building their fitness. The 244m elevation gain provides a solid challenge without being overwhelming. Well-maintained stairs make the ascent manageable, though the lack of tree cover means you'll feel the sun. Best tackled early in the morning, and ideal for weekend training sessions.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
Great stair workout with approximately 380 steps covering the elevation gain. The path is clearly marked and well-constructed throughout. While the summit lacks dramatic views due to nearby infrastructure, the sense of accomplishment is rewarding. Convenient location near Lansdowne Drive makes it accessible for a quick morning session.
D
David
Jun 9, 2025
Solid workout option with good maintenance and clear signage. The initial steep section is the most demanding part, then the trail becomes progressively easier. Suitable for various fitness levels, though repeating the route can feel monotonous. Wildlife sightings add character to the experience.
S
Sarah
Mar 18, 2025
Excellent for hill repeats and interval training. The stairs are well-built and the trail is properly maintained throughout. While there's minimal shade and the descent can be repetitive, it's an efficient way to build leg strength. The location offers easy access and makes for a practical morning workout before daily commitments.
R4
Review 4
Feb 10, 2024
For beginners I'd say this is the one to start with given the 244m elevation gain. However if you're experienced this will not suffice, unless you plan to do 3 to 4 rounds of going up & down.. Which I did but found it too repetitive (obviously). The place is open on weekends (idk why Google Maps say otherwise). There is no tree cover unlike Burnaby Mt and Grouse Grind (but these two are much more challenging). Would still recommend for all levels though.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
261.00 m
400.00 m
1h15
No
No
The Coquitlam Crunch is rated as moderate difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with some experience or good fitness levels. Beginners should be prepared for the 244 m elevation gain and assess their fitness before attempting this trail.
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Update : June 2026