Thunderbird Ridge

Thunderbird Ridge is a relatively quick hike from the top of Grouse Mountain that offers scenic views of Crown Mountain, Kennedy Lake, and the city of Vancouver on a clear day. The trail is accessed along the Alpine Trail behind Grouse Mountain, the same route that goes towards Goat Mountain. This trail can be done as a short side trip for any of the other hikes in the area, including Dam Mountain, Goat Mountain, Crown Mountain, Little Goat Mountain, or the Hanes Valley.

From the area around the Grouse Mountain chalet, walk towards the bottom of the Peak ski run, passing the Grizzly Bear enclosure on your left. Just to the left of the ski run, follow an old gravel road that wraps around the mountain and gives the occasional glimpse of Georgia Strait. Where the road ends, follow the wide trail up the loose gravel as the route quickly narrows into a hiking path.

Watch for a sign, which is a junction point to either take the Alpine or Ridge trails. Go right and follow the route to the Alpine Trail, passing under a pipe and continuing uphill until you reach a zipline platform. Go left at the zipline and follow the trail as you begin to leave the busy crowds at Grouse Mountain behind.

Not far along the trail, you reach a sign marking the way to Thunderbird Ridge. Go right at this junction and follow this route as it descends, passing through the low vegetation along the ridge. The trail continues, with the occasional view of Kennedy Lake to your left, before climbing up onto a rocky outcrop. This viewpoint is Thunderbird Ridge and is a great place to stop for lunch or a rest and enjoy the views on a clear, sunny day.

After taking in the view, retrace your footsteps back towards the junction at the Alpine Trail and go left, passing the zipline, descending down the steep hill to the old gravel road, and returning back to the Grouse Mountain area.