Coliseum Mountain – North Vancouver

Name: Coliseum Mountain - North Vancouver
Rating: 5

January 23, 2019September 4, 2022 Carl Blanchet 0 Comments Day Hikes, Difficult Hikes, Dog Friendly, Drinking Water, Hiking, Lakes, Lynn Headwaters, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Lynn Valley, Mountains, North Vancouver, Parking Available, Peak, Toilets Available, Transit Accessible, Viewpoint

Coliseum Mountain is challenging hike in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The long and steep 23.5 km round-trip hike must be completed in a day because camping is not allowed anywhere in the Lynn Headwaters Park. The 1,441 m summit offers stunning views into the North Shore Mountains, down onto the Seymour Lake Watershed and you can even spot Vancouver city in the far distance. The hike to Coliseum Mountain consists of 7km of fairly flat terrain leading to Norvan Falls but then takes a steep turn all the way up to the summit. At about 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Headwaters is a very popular location and parking is limited within the park which may add extra kms to the hike.

Time (Round Trip): 10 hrs
Distance (Round Trip): 23.5 km
Difficulty: Difficult – very steep past the 7km mark
Season: July to September
Elevation: 1,441 m (4,728 ft) Gain: 1,245 m
Scenery: ★★★★★
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 40 minutes
Public Transit: Yes (click here to plan route)
Dog Friendly: Yes (on leash)

The trail starts in the vast Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and follows Lynn Creek roughly 7km to Norvan Falls, a lovely waterfall and perfect spot for a snack break. This first section of the trail is well-marked, well-maintained and contains minimal elevation gain. Although, the remainder of the trail is the complete opposite. Slightly before reaching Norvan Falls is the turnoff heading uphill to Coliseum Mountain.

The previous 7 kms were simply a warm up as the remainder of the trail leading to the summit is very steep and tiring. Continue uphill from the turnoff before Norvan Falls following the Norvan Creek at a short distance. The trails passes through numerous ravines as you ascend the mountain, dropping in very steep about 10 feet and back up on the other side. Keep close attention to signs of the trail as it is not well-marked.

You will eventually reach an opening from the tree canopy a bit prior too reaching the ridge which will have you facing a bolder field, make sure you do not ascend this bolder field, instead remain left and spot the next orange marker before continuing too far. Too after you will reach the ridge providing views into the valleys on either side. Follow the trail leading left (North) from this point and continue to work your way uphill towards the summit. There are section that will require some scrambling, so take your time and plan your steps carefully.

You will eventually walk onto the rock slabs of Coliseum Mountain. This is a sign that you are getting close to the summit. Follow the markers and conquer the mountain known as Coliseum. Admire the incredible views and regain your energy by drinking water and eating a protein filled snack. When ready, return down the mountain the way you came.

There are many alternate hikes within Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, many more casual such as Norvan Falls, Rice Lake, Lynn Peak and other challenging hikes such as Lynn Lake, Crown Mountain and more.

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ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME FROM VANCOUVER: 40 MINUTES

The trailhead to Coliseum Mountain via Hanes Valley begins from Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. To reach Lynn Headwaters from outside of North Vancouver, take the fourth exit after Second Narrows bridge (Exit #21) onto Mountain Highway. Head north towards Lynn Valley for 2.4 km and take a right onto Lynn Valley Road. If you are coming from Lions Gate Bridge, follow the signs to the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 heading East and continue until the exit 19 for Lynn Valley Road.

Once on Lynn Valley Road continue North-East all the way to the end. You will reach a 3 way stop next to the End of the Line General Store, continue straight, soon after you will notice an open yellow gate and clear sign for Lynn Headwater Park, follow through the gate and make sure to notice the park hours (which varies by season) as the gate gets locked from Dusk to Dawn daily. There is a parking lot a the far end of the road as well as 2 overflow parking lots before hand and an abundance of parking along side the road where permitted.

You will want to arrive early as parking gets full relatively fast. Make sure to exit the park prior to the closing hours, otherwise the authorities will be notified and a full search party will be initiated.

TRANSIT ACCESS TO LYNN HEADWATERS

From downtown Vancouver, take the Seabus across to North Vancouver. At the Lonsdale Quay bus loop, take bus #238 to Lynn Valley. Stay on the bus until the last stop at the end of Lynn Valley Road. Get off the bus and walk the remaining 1.6 km northbound to Lynn Headwaters. This will take you about 20 minutes.

Once you're off the bus, you continue straight at the stop and you will get to a fork in the road, take a right down the hill. At the bottom of the hill continue straight and do not cross the bridge. Follow that road for a bit and you will see a staircase on the right with a sign directing to Lynn Headwaters, head down the stairs which will lead you on the Varley trail to the parking lot at the very end of Lynn valley Road. This is where you would park if you had a car. Follow the trail past the parking lot across the bridge and over the river. Go to the map board and grab a map! Once you have a map go left (north) towards Norvan Fall and then Coliseum Mountain.

The second option you can do is, Once you're off the bus and you've gotten to the bottom of that hill, go right and take the small bridge over the river. Across the bridge ascend the uphill gravel path and remain left until you reach the start of Lynn Headwaters and continue accordingly from there.

DRINKING WATER AT COLISEUM MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD: YES

The drinking fountain in the picnic area was shut down and winterized on Dec. 15. It will be turned back on for the new season on Mar. 1, weather permitting.

There is no drinking water along the trail, although there are water sources located near the trailhead.

(Drinking Fountain) There is fresh drinking water available shortly after the parking lot. The tap is connected to a wooden post next to the trail. If you've crossed the bridge, you've gone too far.

(Waterhole) There is also a popular waterhole situated roughly halfway down the road between the entry gate and main parking lot on the west side of the paved road where people fill up their water jugs or bottles.

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Coliseum Mountain – North Vancouver

Lynn Headwaters Trailhead to Coliseum Mountain