Coquitlam Crunch

The base of this trail is accessible from Landsdowne drive. Driving around the neighbourhood it wasn’t easily apparent where the trail began. However just ahead of Charter Hill Dr on Landsdowne there is a little board directing people to the parking lot at the base of the trail.
This is an easy hike, more of a stroll if you are fit. It took us about an hour up and downhill with quite a few breaks.
There are about 400 steps in the beginning of the trail making it easy to hike during rains. Supposed to have some wild life and birds but we only spotted ravens and some wild berry/​fern plants. The view is passable.
On the whole, an undemanding hike. Can be skipped!

Coquitlam Crunch and Grouse Grind should not be used in the same sentence ever except for this one. I couldn’t believe people even say this is a mini Grind. I wouldn’t even categorize it as hiking. It’s more like a walking trail that happens to be uphill. If you do intend to go, it’s best you know that it’s an all right little walk that will take you about 30 or 35 minutes to the end so about an hour round trip. Water may be necessary on a hot day but there is no need to bring food as you’ll be back in an hour. If you’re more fit this is nicer as a running trail. Lastly, there are no great viewpoints along this trail.

What bothers me about the Coquitlam crunch is that everyone is getting zapped under the power lines?! How healthy is that? Hasn’t anyone heard of the effects of low level electromagnetic fields? Studies have shown that Leukemia is 30% higher for people living under these things. What you can’t see can harm you.
Sweden has buried their power lines.

If you find the Grouse Grind too daunting, this is a decent alternative. Especially if you’re already in the area. It varies between steep and almost flat, so it’s a bit like an interval workout. The terrain varies between gravel and pavement. The first third of it is made up of steps which I find to be the hardest part. After that, it gets easier.
It takes me about 35 minutes to hike up and just less than that to get back down. And that’s starting from the Guildford Way starting point (between the public pool and elementary school). I usually park at the field over by the Tim Horton’s, which is good planning because you can have lunch after, or at least an Iced Cap.