Goat Mountain is a picturesque hike that starts from the top of the Grouse Mountain Ski Resort. On a sunny, clear day, the top of Goat Mountain can offer views of Vancouver and even as far away as Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, and some of the mountain ranges in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish.
From the top of the Grouse Mountain Skyride, follow the paved path, going left towards the Peak chairlift, the highest ski run that is visible in the distance. The paved path will pass the logging show area and grizzly bear pen before becoming a gravel pathway. Veer to the left as the path begins to gradually ascend, with a rocky mountain side on the right and a cliff with a view down towards the Capilano Watershed on the left.
After walking for 15 minutes, you arrive at a wooden sign in board that has trail maps of the area. Continue past the sign and up the steep rocky slope as the trail goes through a few short switchbacks before reaching the Dam Mountain junction. At the sign, go right towards Goat Mountain and continue walking along the trail as it levels slightly. As you continue your hike, look to your right at the scenic view of the mountains and the occasional glimpse of Kennedy Lake below.
The trail eventually arrives at another sign, which points to the right in the direction of Goat Mountain. Walk down the hill and a few minutes later, you arrive at yet another junction. Go straight, following the clearly marked route. On your left, the jagged peak of Crown Mountain stands high above while up ahead you begin to see the rounded shape of Goat Mountain.
After a relatively flat stretch of trail, you arrive at a steep section with a rope and chain to help pull yourself up and over the tree routes. Continue to the right as the trail wraps around Goat Mountain before reaching a sign that leads to Goat Ridge off to the right. A short side trip to Goat Ridge offers a different view down towards the Hanes Valley.
The last stretch of Goat Mountain is steep, however it only take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Make your way up the steep slope in the final scramble onto the peak to witness the full panoramic view. Walk around the top and find the perfect spot to enjoy the view while you eat your lunch.
After enjoying the scenery, head back towards the orange markers and make your way down the steep section and back onto the trail. Follow the route you took, passing the clearly marked signs heading back towards Grouse Mountain.
How to get to Goat Mountain
Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver: 30 minutes
The trail to Goat Mountain begins from the top of Grouse Mountain Ski Resort. You can either choose to hike the Grouse Grind trail first or pay to take the Skyride to the top. To reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot, follow the directions below:
From Downtown
Drive westbound along Georgia Street and continue along the Stanley Park causeway and across the Lions Gate Bridge. Right after crossing the bridge, take the right-hand turn off to North Vancouver and immediately change lanes into one of the furthest left two lanes. At the first set of lights, the left two lanes turn right onto Capilano Road. Following Capilano Road as it continues northbound, passing the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Capilano Dam until it ends up in the Grouse Mountain parking lot.
From Highway #1
Take the Trans Canada Highway (highway #1) westbound across the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge (Second Narrows Bridge) to North Vancouver and take the Capilano Road exit. Turn right onto Capilano Road and head northbound until it ends up in the Grouse Mountain parking lot.
View a map of Driving directions to Goat Mountain.
Videos
The surrounding view from Goat Mountain, near Grouse Mountain.
More Trails
Other trails located in the The North Shore region:
Brothers Creek Loop
Capilano Canyon
Cypress Falls
Dog Mountain
Eagle Bluffs
Grey Rock
Grouse Grind
Hollyburn Mountain
Lighthouse Park
Lynn Loop
Norvan Falls
Rice Lake
St Mark's Summit
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