Coquitlam Crunch

The Coquitlam Crunch is a steep, urban trail that follows a route under large hydro power lines and offers a great workout. With the trail's location directly under the power lines, all of the views are obstructed by these lines and giant towers. However, the Coquitlam Crunch is a shorter, less intense version of the Grouse Grind with the sole purpose of exercise.

From the wooden signboard next to the gravel parking lot, walk up the gravel trail and just a short distance later, you arrive at a crosswalk on Lansdowne Drive. Cross the street and continue your hike uphill. This section is the steepest, most difficult part of the trail as the route climbs quickly without much of a break. The trail begins to level as you approach the next street crossing which, again, is Lansdowne Drive.

After crossing the street, the trail climbs at a much gentler rate before making a right and heading up a few stairs. The next road to cross is David Avenue, where the trail changes from gravel to a paved pathway. Continue past the dog off-leash area and up to a junction. Go left at the junction and up a few stairs towards the basketball and tennis courts, staying on the right side of the courts and following the path up to the road. Walk left, along the side walk up to the 3-way stop and cross the street, heading up hill on the other side of the intersection.

The final section of the Coquitlam Crunch climbs up a wide, paved path and passes a sport field on your right. Just beyond the field, the trail again turns into gravel as you complete the last portion up to Eagle Mountain Drive. The sense of accomplishment is brief though as you turn around and walk back down towards the parking area, following the same path but working a different set of muscles in your legs.