Hiking the Coquitlam Crunch in Coquitlam
Contents
Coquitlam Crunch Hike Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.80Km
Elevation Gain: 260m
Highest Elevation: 280m
Average Gradient: 8.95%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Very Low
Time Needed:
– Slow: 1.50 – 2 Hours
– Moderate: 1 – 1.50 Hours
– Fast: 0.75 – 1 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Coquitlam Crunch Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°16’44.5″N 122°48’52.9″W
Coquitlam Crunch Overview
The Coquitlam Crunch trail is an urban hike set within the City of Coquitlam. This is a very popular trail, primarily with locals looking for a bit of exercise not far from home that can be completed within an hour or so. While steep in parts, the Crunch is a fairly straightforward “hike”, with the entire trail either paved, gravel or wooden staircases.
The majority of the trail is situated beneath BC Power Hydro lines, and in fact you can hear the buzz of electricity overhead throughout much of the hike. This trail is popular with a variety of people, attracting families, dog walkers, hikers and trail runners year round. Many people complete the trail repeatedly to try and beat their best time, much like the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver (though considerably easier). Don’t expect a lot in terms of views, this is decidedly more of an exercise outing than a scenic hike.
In terms of seasonality, this is a year-round endeavour thanks to its low elevation in an urban setting. There are a number of parking lots along the trail allowing people to enter the route wherever they please, but the full trail begins from a parking lot on Runnel Drive and ends at Eagle Mountain Drive. If you’d prefer to shorten the route you can also park on Lansdowne Drive, which is at the base of the first staircase and the point of which the climbing portion of the trail begins.
Dogs are welcome on the trail, and you should be prepared to see other dogs along the way as there are several parks that are popular with dog walkers.
Maintaining this website requires a significant investment of both time and money, if you find this website a useful resource, please consider making a donation using this button.
Is the Coquitlam Crunch worthwhile?
The Coquitlam Crunch is more of an urban trail that most consider a form of exercise rather than a hike. There aren’t many views and the terrain is very simple. If you are looking for some fresh air and an easy option to work on your cardio, this is a good choice. I certainly wouldn’t suggest this on a beautiful summer day, but as an off season fitness maintenance outing, it’s a decent option.
How difficult is the Coquitlam Crunch?
The Crunch is a fairly straightforward hike at just 5.8km and 260m elevation gain. This can be reduced down further to around 4km and 240m elevation gain if you park at Lansdowne Drive rather than Runnel Drive. After a fairly steep climb up 474 (small) stairs, the majority of the rest of the trail is at a mild gradient mostly on gravel and pavement. All sorts of abilities can and do complete this hike year round, including children and seniors.
There is nothing technically difficult about this trail.
Coquitlam Crunch Route Information
As noted, there are a few parking spots for the Crunch, but the true beginning is from the Runnel Drive parking lot. There isn’t much benefit to parking here, however, as the trail to the next parking (Lansdowne Drive) is a mostly flat walk. The steep part of the Crunch begins at the Lansdowne Drive parking lot.
Assuming you park on Runnel Drive, the trail begins on the easternmost point of the parking lot. You’ll follow a paved pathway through Eagle Ridge Park and Harrier Park, before crossing over Guildford Way. You’ll now pass by a lacrosse court before reaching the Lansdowne parking lot and shortly ahead Lansdowne Drive. There are washrooms here if needed.
Next to the washrooms is the true beginning of the Crunch, a staircase with 474 steps to ascend. Thankfully these are very approachable, low steps that can easily be taken in stride. If you’re the kind of person who has a hatred of steps you can also opt to hike on the gravel next to them, but this could be slippery, especially on the descent.
Most people can climb the staircase without needing to stop for a breather, and at the top you’ll cross over Lansdowne Drive once again. After a little more hiking you’ll pass by a church and cross David Avenue. The trail continues past an off-leash dog area and then a basketball court, before crossing the final road, Panorama Drive.
The remainder of the trail is simple, passing by a sports field as you work towards Eagle Mountain Drive. Once there you will find a sign indicating the end of the trail. It’s a fairly underwhelming ending, with nothing much to do except turning around and heading back the way you came.
When should I hike the Coquitlam Crunch?
This is a year-round, rain or shine hike. I’d suggest completing this on those overcast or rainy days when you’re just looking for some exercise and fresh air. Don’t bother wasting a sunny day on this if you are looking for nice views.
Top Tip
You may as well park at the Lansdowne Drive parking lot, as the Runnel Drive lot involves around 1.5km of pretty pointless, flat trail to reach the staircase, where the Crunch truly begins.
