Triple Crown via Harper Road

Triple Crown via Harper Road in Coquitlam is a compact loop that still feels like a “real” mountain outing. At 6.3 km with about 402 m of climbing and a high point around 726 m, it’s rated moderate and usually takes around 2.5 hours, but stronger hikers can move faster now that the lingering snow up high has melted out. It’s a busy zone for mountain bikers, but hikers and runners use it too for a quick hit of elevation close to town.

The loop starts on the wide gravel Harper Road, a steady grind that warms up the legs without any technical drama. From there, the Triple Crown trail dives into classic Coquitlam forest, with roots, rocks, and short, punchy climbs and descents as you wind through the trees. Views are mostly filtered through the forest, but you do get the occasional opening and that “up on the hill” feel, plus the fun of weaving through a well-used trail network.

Right now the key update is that the snow at the top is gone, so footing is much better and overall times are a bit quicker. Still, this is shared heavily with mountain bikers, and Triple Crown is known as a technical downhill ride, so hikers should keep their heads up, step aside when needed, and consider downloading a map since junctions aren’t well marked. Triple Crown via Harper Road is hikeable most of the year, but in winter and early spring expect mud, possible closures higher up, and slick sections where a fall, like Sarah’s, is easy if you’re not paying attention.