A moderate out-and-back hike to a big view, with water along the way. Expect about 307 m of climbing; most people take 3–4 hours.
Moderate · 7.5 km out-and-back · +307 m climb · 3–4 hours · Dogs: check local rules
North Shore · ~20 min from downtown
Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks before you go.
From the top of the Skyride, walk to the bottom of the Peak Chair and follow the gravel path around the grizzly bear enclosure. Carry straight north on a gravel road to the Lynn Headwaters info board. At about 1 km the trail leaves the road on the left and becomes a rocky track that climbs. Small paths split and rejoin; generally stay left along the ridge, crossing a metal water pipe a few times. At a cairn, go left onto the ridge trail, then at a signed junction take the longer left branch to Dam Mountain. Dam Mountain, at about 2.2 km, is a fine turnaround if you are short on time. Otherwise continue north along the ridge, dropping and climbing toward Goat. The last climb up Goat Mountain is steep with a chain or rope section. At the top you get views in every direction, from Mount Baker to the peaks of Garibaldi. Return the same way.
Watch for: Steep rocky sections with ropes. Cliffs near the summit. Weather changes fast.
Best season: July to September, once the snow has melted.
Highlights:
Getting there by car: Follow Capilano Road and Nancy Greene Way to the Grouse Mountain lots, then ride the Skyride up.
Getting there by transit: SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then bus 236 to Grouse Mountain and ride the Skyride.
Parking: Pay lots at the Grouse base.
Facilities: Washrooms and water at the Grouse chalet. None on the trail.
With kids: Older, sure-footed kids only.
Alternatives: Turn around at Dam Mountain for a shorter outing, or add Little Goat or Crown Pass if you are experienced.
Tips: Check the last Skyride time down before you set out. Fog rolls in fast, so carry a map.
Trailhead location from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors). Dogs, transit, fees and closures change; check the official page.
Schematic: an illustrative shape drawn from total distance and gain, not a GPS trace. Real ups and downs will differ.
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| Region | North Shore |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | Jul-Sep |
| Trailhead | Base of the Peak Chair, top of Grouse Mountain |
| Parking & transit | Little or no transit; plan to drive. |
| Permits & passes | Check the land manager's page for current fees and passes. |
| Dogs | Check local rules |
| Kid-friendly | Better for older, fit kids or adults |
| Highlights | Lakes & water, Views |
| Crowds | Not rated yet |
| Managed by | Metro Vancouver Regional Parks |
Steep rocky sections with ropes. Cliffs near the summit. Weather changes fast.
Numbers are approximate. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.
About 7.5 km (out-and-back) with roughly 307 m of elevation gain. Most people take 3–4 hours. Figures are approximate; check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks before you go.
Rules vary or change here. Check the land manager before bringing a dog.
Check the land manager's page for current fees and passes.
Not easily. Plan to drive or carpool.
See also: Hikes with the best views · Lake hikes · Hikes for January · Hikes for February · Hikes for March · Hikes for April · Hikes for May · Hikes for June · Hikes for July · Hikes for August · Hikes for September · Hikes for October · Hikes for November · Hikes for December · North Shore hikes · Guides
Hike Vancouver. "Goat Mountain." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/goat-mountain/
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Not yet verified against an official source. Figures are approximate; check the park page before you go. · Sources · Cite this page
Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.
My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. If you're thinking about living closer to trails like this one, I'm happy to talk.
Cam Appleton