Grouse Mountain via Larsen Trail and BCMC Trail

Grouse Mountain via Larsen Trail and BCMC Trail in North Vancouver is a serious leg-burner and a great alternative to the Grouse Grind crowds. At 5.8 km with about 810 m of gain, it’s short, steep, and rated extreme for a reason, usually taking close to 4 hours for most hikers. This route feels more like a rugged mountain climb than a casual walk in the woods.

The Larsen section is the star here: more technical, rougher, and many locals say more interesting and scenic than the standard BCMC route. Expect soft forest floor, roots, and some sketchy, steep sections that demand hands-on scrambling and solid footing. Near the top, you break out toward the Grouse Mountain facilities with big city and inlet views that make the grind up from North Vancouver feel worth it.

Right now, expect partial weekday closures on the BCMC and a detour on Larsen, plus patchy signage that can be confusing if you’re new to the area. The trail has been reported mostly bare into late fall, with soft terrain that’s kind on knees but unforgiving if you’re under-equipped. Bring real hiking boots, poles, and a downloaded map, avoid sneakers, and give this route extra respect in wet or icy conditions; late spring to fall is the safest window for tackling Grouse Mountain via Larsen and BCMC.