There are plenty of moderately challenging Vancouver hiking trails to choose from. These are five trails that stand out from the rest. Not too difficult, yet all have sensational views. Hollyburn, Dog Mountain and Mt Seymour are at the end of beautiful drives to reach the trailheads.
Goat Mountain is a beautiful mountain to hike from Grouse Mountain. It is challenging at times but fairly relaxing overall. It is just 4k from the Grouse Mountain Chalet and should only take 3-4 hours roundtrip from the top of the SkyRide. If you hike/run the Grouse Grind as well then add 2.9 kilometres to the journey there and 3.5 kilometres to the return(via the BCMC trail adjacent to the Grouse Grind) to get back to your car.
From the Grouse Chalet on Grouse Mountain follow the path under the Peak Chair until you reach the trailhead and hiker check-in station. From here you follow the marked trail to Goat Mountain. You can either hike via Dam Mountain, or take the easier Alpine Trail. Both are roughly the same distance, but the Alpine Trail is a bit easier. The trail then leads to Little Goat Mountain and a fork in the trail. Straight goes to the huge Crown Mountain ahead, and right goes to Goat Mountain just .7k away. With the exception of the last, short climb to the summit of Goat Mountain, which is fairly steep, the trail is only moderately challenging. For a more challenging hike, try the nearby Crown Mountain. There are few creeks along the Goat Mountain hike so be sure to bring lots of water. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park begins several kilometres away at the Lynn Valley trailhead and beautiful trails follow Lynn Creek for 7k to Norvan Falls. The trail then turns into Hanes Valley, connecting to Crown Mountain, Goat Mountain, Dam Mountain and finally leading to Grouse Mountain.
The trail from the Lynn Headwaters trailhead to Grouse is about 20k as it carves a giant arc through the valley. Another amazing feature of this area is that both ends are connected by the Baden-Powell Trail. Just 8.6k separates the Lynn Headwaters Park trailhead parking and the base of the Grouse Grind. This forms a tremendous circle route that many have come to adore.
Trailhead Directions to Goat Mountain
The parking area at the base of the Grouse Grind and Grouse SkyRide is just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Leaving Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge take the right hand lane after the bridge into North Vancouver. At the first set of lights you will need to then turn left on Capilano Road. Follow this to the Grouse Mountain parking lot. There are pay parking lots or you can park for free on the street nearby.
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Goat Mountain is a beautiful mountain to hike from Grouse Mountain. It is challenging at times but fairly relaxing overall. It is just 4k from the Grouse Mountain Chalet and should only take 3-4 hours roundtrip from the top of the SkyRide. If you hike/run the Grouse Grind as well then add 2.9 kilometres to the journey there and 3.5 kilometres to the return(via the BCMC trail adjacent to the Grouse Grind) to get back to your car. 
Lots to see at Grouse Mountain
Skyride(gondola) is expensive
Black Mountain 
Brunswick Mountain 
Burnaby Lake 
Burnaby Mountain 
Goat Mountain 
Grouse 
Mt Hanover 
Rice Lake 
The parking area at the base of the Grouse Grind and Grouse SkyRide is just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Leaving Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge take the right hand lane after the bridge into North Vancouver. At the first set of lights you will need to then turn left on Capilano Road. Follow this to the Grouse Mountain parking lot. There are pay parking lots or you can park for free on the street nearby.
