12km
Distance
1100m
Gain
7h
Time
About this Trail
An expert-level 17.4 km summit hike with 1,660m cumulative elevation gain to the 1,504m peak of Crown Mountain via the Hanes Valley from Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Features the notorious Crown Pass with permanent chains on steep rock faces, alpine meadows, and 360-degree summit views. Summer only (July-October). For experienced hikers only.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🔹Experienced Hikers
- 🔹Peak Baggers
- 🧭Adventure Seekers
- 📷Photographers
- 🔹Mountaineers
- 🔹Fitness Extremists
The Occasion
- 🔹Summit Hike
- 🔹Challenge Hike
- 📷Photography
- 🔹Full Day Outing
Highlights
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North Shore's highest peak accessible by trail at 1,503m
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Exposed alpine scramble with panoramic 360-degree summit views
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Views from Vancouver Island to Mount Baker to the Coast Range
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The Camel — an iconic narrow rock ridge traverse below the summit
Practical Tips
Best Times to Visit
Insider Tips
- 💡
Take the Grouse Gondola up to skip the Grouse Grind and save energy for the summit
- 💡
Turn back if conditions deteriorate — The Camel is extremely dangerous when wet
- 💡
This is NOT a beginner hike — people die here. Know your limits.
- 💡
North Shore Rescue recommends helmets for the scramble sections
- 💡
Start early — afternoon thunderstorms are a risk in summer
What to Bring
Accessibility & Facilities
Snow on Crown Pass until late June or later. Do NOT attempt in winter, with snow, or in short-daylight months.
Not Available
Not accessible. Technical scrambling, chains, exposed rock, steep terrain.
History
Crown Mountain (1,503m) is the highest peak on the North Shore accessible by trail, located between Grouse Mountain and Mount Fromme in the District of North Vancouver. The final approach involves scrambling along 'The Camel,' a narrow exposed ridge that demands respect and experience.
Source · northshorerescue.com
Location
Getting Here
🚌 Transit
SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then bus 228 to Lynn Valley, then 1.6 km walk to trailhead. Alternative Grouse Mountain approach: bus 246 to Grouse Mountain base, then gondola up.
🚗 Parking
Free parking at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park at the end of Lynn Valley Road. Fills early on weekends in summer -- arrive before 7 AM. Overflow parking lots available nearby.