Mount Crumpit, Squamish Hike

The Mount Crumpit hiking trail in Squamish is a relatively quiet hiking trail that offers great views of downtown Squamish and The Chief.

I came across it a few years ago when I was looking for quieter hikes to do in Squamish and it quickly became one of my favourite areas to hike. I also ended up running through some of this area when I ran the Squamish 23 km trail race one year!

The Mount Crumpet trail is a great hike with awesome views but it doesn’t take as much effort as the nearby Slhanay trail or the Sea to Summit trail which runs underneath the Squamish Gondola.

It’s one of the best hikes in Squamish and hiking around here is one of the best things to do in Squamish British Columbia.

If you’re looking for a new great hike near Vancouver, be sure to check out the Mt Crumpit trail!

Mount Crumpit, Squamish

Mount Crumpit, also spelled Mount Crumpet, is a hiking and mountain biking area that starts in a residential area. There are several different routes you can take to reach the top, and some of the best views of the Chief are found only partway up.

You’ll hike through the lush west coast forest, making it a great rainy-day option too if you want to hike but aren’t bothered about the views.

Mt Crumpit Trail Stats

• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Distance: 5-7km depending on the route you choose
• Elevation: 260m
• Trailhead: Start at the end of Westway Avenue in Squamish, before it turns onto Cherry Drive

Save 50% off an AllTrails Pro subscription and up to 20% off everything in their Gear shop, and gifting AllTrails+ for the holidays! 

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Hiking Mt Crumpit

Before setting out, make sure you have the Mount Crumpet trail map downloaded as there are lots of different routes and it’s not always obvious which one to take. You’ll likely end up having to check your GPS map quite a few times during this hike!

Also, note that this is a popular mountain biking area, so keep your ears open as you don’t want to get in the way if there’s one coming downhill!

I completed this hike in a clockwise loop, but it can. bedone either way. If you just want to get to the views first, then do it anti-clockwise.

Doing it anti-clockwise means you’ve got a very steep climb toward the summit at the end, and clockwise means you’ll be descending that part (which, honestly, isn’t that much easier!).

Starting from where you’ve parked on Westway Avenue, look for the trailhead (marked by a large map) as it heads into the forest. There’s a bridge here as you bend to the right and come out into an opening.

Mount Crumpit Woods

Here, turn right and follow the wide trail slightly uphill.

As you cross over the boardwalks, keep your eyes open for a trail into the forest to your right which is the beginning of the S&M Connector Trail (a mountain biking route in Crumpit Woods Squamish).

Following the S&M Connector Trail, you’ll see a trail on your right after about 50m. This is where the route is that you’ll either take now or return on depending on which way you’re hiking the loop.

If you’re saving the best views until last, then continue straight here and stay on the S&M Connector Trail as it gradually ascends.

After roughly 1km, you’ll come to a junction where there’s a sign for the Father side Trail on your right. Take this trail.

There are several junctions on this part of the Mt Crumpit hike, make sure you stay on Farther side. Take a right at the first junction, then a sharp left at the second. You’ll go uphill before making a slight dip and coming to a 4-way crossing. Here, go straight and keep an eye open for a trail on your right called Woodpecker Trail.

Take the Woodpecker Trail and go uphill steeply as you climb Mount Crumpit.

Following 10-15 minutes of uphill hiking, you’ll come to another junction where you should go left and over some rocks to a small viewpoint looking north. Then, rejoin the main trail and follow the signpost to the right for a shorter route to the summit.

After a further 5-10 minutes, there’s another junction. Go left here, slightly downhill, out to a rocky bluff with a great view of the Stawamus Chief!

Back on the main trail after enjoying the view, you’ll come to a point where it seems like a dead end. Here, you’ll need to scramble up the rock to your right where you’ll come out to another great Squamish view.

Mount Crumpit Summit

From here, follow the trail and make a left at the next junction, going downhill slightly before climbing again and walking around the mountain to a viewpoint near the peak of Mount Crumpit.

The true summit has no views, so up to you if you head there. Enjoy the views at the top – I had it all to myself when I hiked this!

Once you’re ready to head back down, follow the trail round to the left until you begin to descend steeply on a bike trail called Stairway to Heaven. Take your time, it’s super steep!

At the bottom, go right at the junction and continue to the next junction where you’ll go left and follow the Deep Ends Trail.

You’ll climb uphill again and then at the ‘dead end’, follow the path upwards, over a rock, and then descends again.

One of the best views on the Mount Crumpit hike is around here! Shortly after the hill, there’s a trail to the left that brings you out to a rocky outcrop. You’ll get a great view of the Chief and Howe Sound from here.

Heading back to the main trail, go downhill and make a right turn at both of the two upcoming junctions. Soon you’ll return to the S&M Connector Trail coming out of the trail you passed earlier on in the hike. Make a left here and you’ll rejoin the open area and the boardwalks back to the car.

What to know before you hike Mt. Crumpit Squamish

Before you go hiking on this Squamish trail, there are some things you should consider for a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Best time to hike in Squamish: The best time to hike is between May and October when the trail is clear of snow.
• Climbers + mountain bikers: It is a popular spot for rock climbing and Squamish mountain biking, so don’t be surprised to see climbers or hear climbing chatter or mountain bikes.
• Facilities: There are no facilities or water sources along the trail, so bring enough water and snacks.
• Reception: Cell reception can be spotty, so inform someone of your plans before you go.
• Pets: The trail is dog-friendly, but ensure your pet is on a leash and be prepared to pack out any waste.
• Follow the Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you bring in, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Parking: Parking can be limited during peak times, so consider starting early or using alternate transportation.
• Wildlife: As with all hikes in BC, bear safety is crucial; consider carrying bear spray and know how to use it.
• Advisories: Lastly, always check local conditions or advisories before heading out, as trail conditions can change.

What to pack for hiking Crumpit Mountain BC

Here’s a hiking packing list tailored for hiking in British Columbia. I also have a more detailed guide to what to take with you on day hikes.

• Backpack: A durable and comfortable pack, suitable for the length of your hike.
• Footwear: Good hiking boots or trail running shoes with tread and traction suitable for varied terrains.
• Clothing Layers: BC’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack lightweight layers, including moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or insulated jacket, and a waterproof shell.
• Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants. BC, especially coastal areas, can be rainy.
• Hat and Gloves: Both for sun protection and warmth, depending on the season.
• Navigation: Map and compass or GPS device. Ensure maps cover the specific area you’re hiking in.
• Emergency Whistle: Useful to signal for help if necessary.
• Water: At least 2 liters for a full day, and a way to purify natural sources if planning longer hikes.
• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and other lightweight, calorie-dense foods.
• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relief, and any personal medications.
• Knife or Multi-tool: Useful for basic repairs and other miscellaneous tasks.
• Headlamp: Even if you plan to return before dark, it’s good to be prepared with extra batteries.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Bug Spray: Especially during warmer months, insect repellent is a must in many BC areas.
• Bear Spray: As you’re hiking in bear country, know how to use it and keep it accessible.
• Emergency Shelter: A lightweight bivy or space blanket can be crucial if stranded overnight.
• Toilet Paper and Sanitation Trowel: Always follow Leave No Trace principles. Or pack a Kula cloth.
• Garbage Bag: Pack out what you pack in.
• Hiking Poles: Especially useful for steep or uneven terrains.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful BC landscapes, but also useful for emergency communication.
• An SOS Device like a Garmin InReach which is what I take with me.

Always tailor your packing list based on the specific trail, the season, and the expected conditions.

FAQs about Mt Crumpet in Squamish British Columbia

Final thoughts on the Mount Crumpit Squamish hike

The Mount Crumpit hiking trail in Squamish is one of the best Squamish hikes and one of my favorites for views of The Chief.

If you’re looking for more hikes in Squamish with great views like this, be sure to check out the Sea to Summit trail which has the advantage of being able to take the gondola back down, the Stawamus Chief trail, the Brohm Lake and Tantalus Lookout viewpoint trail or try biking the Sea to Summit trail.

I’ve got over 100 hiking guides from around the world (with many in BC0 that you may also enjoy for planning your next trip.

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Hannah