Hope Lookout Trail

Beyond Buntzen, Fraser Valley & Coquihalla

The Hope Lookout Trail is also known as the Hope Grind. It is a good workout trail with an amazing view of Hope and the Fraser River. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. For a diversion, we took the Joan Greenwood loop on the way down, which only adds a small distance to the hike. Overall, I would say the hike is okay — it’s more of a workout than a pleasant stroll in the forest. The view at the end was spectacular!

Hope Lookout: Trail Conditions & Weather
Check current park advisories, road access, and weather before heading out.
📍 Get Driving Directions ↗

Interesting Facts

  • The trail was built in the 1990s, and is often called “Hope’s version of the Grouse Grind”
  • Each year on Brigade Days weekend, the Hope BC Running Club hosts a race up the trail called the Hope Hustle
  • From the lookout, you can see all of Hope, the Fraser River, Kawkawa Lake, and about a dozen mountain peaks
  • The trail is maintained each year by the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, a local non-profit, with funding support from the District of Hope

Trail Stats

These stats include taking the Joan Greenwood loop at the end.

  • Distance: 4.9 km
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Low point: 62 m
  • High point: 537 m
  • Elevation gain: 475 m
  • Cumulative elevation gain: 637 m

The Route

The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point.

Photos

View
View
Bend in the Fraser River
Bend in the Fraser River
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Dry ravine
Dry ravine
Trail
Trail
Tree uprooted
Tree uprooted
Viewpoint from parking
Viewpoint from parking
Conditions on this trail can change over time — trailheads move, access rules shift, and businesses close. This post reflects what I found when I did the hike.

Before You Hike

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule that hikers follow called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed. To learn more about LNT, please check out this blog by a certified LNT Trainer.