Stawamus Chief Hiking Trails, Squamish, BC

Peter from North Vancouver writes:

Hiked the Chief to the second peak on July 18, 2010. We started at 9:30 AM and it was quite busy already. By the time we made it to the top and turned around to come back, the trail was very, very crowded. Had to wait almost 20 minutes at the ladder as there was a backlog of hikers waiting in the crevasse to come up. Still, it is worth the wait, the views are amazing!

Posted: July 19, 2010 06:46:07 AM PST

mademiriam from Halifax NS writes:

Yes trail is snow free, looks like it has been for some time.
Go early in the day, I left at 8am by the time I returned there were many people coming up the trail and the parking was full at shannon falls. Nice and quiet in the morning.

Posted: July 17, 2010 03:06:04 PM PST

Lars from White Rock writes:

Is this trail snowfree already? Would like to do this trail tomorrow 7/18.

Thanks for the feedback.

Lars

Posted: July 17, 2010 01:37:17 PM PST

Bren from coquitlam writes:

Hiked in late June, 2010. Went to 2nd peak. Possibly took an hour and a half. Took medium sized dog. We had to carry her up a few ladders but for the most part dogs can find their own way up like on the first peak. There is a ladder but the cliff isn't so steep so they can go around the ladder. Not the case with the 2nd peak. I am in the process of making a carrier for my dog. Can't find a good one on the net, only climbing harnesses for them which won't help. Good hike. Great exercise.

Posted: July 7, 2010 06:25:59 PM PST

Andy from Richmond writes:

We did the first peak today, It is a little bit harder than Grouse Grill, but the view is much better.

Posted: June 19, 2010 10:33:00 PM PST

Joe from Vancouver writes:

If you are a new hiker this one is hell. It says intermediate but it's straight up all the way. I'm not unfit. But for people new to this just be warned you will sweat and hurt the next morning. I only got to the first peak. But I must say once I got to the top it was so worth it. I felt so proud of myself.

Posted: May 30, 2010 10:15:12 PM PST

GB from Vancouver BC writes:

Hiked the chief this weekend, and endured the challenging yet remarkable hike. I found that the first bit heading up is similar to the difficulty level of the grouse grind. All in all it is a challenging trek to the summit and very rewarding. The chief is one of the most underrated hikes in the vancouver area and a day hikers dream. It's no walk in the park so come prepared. Wicked view at the top!

10outof10

Posted: April 11, 2010 10:23:50 PM PST

JohnG from Ajax Ontario writes:

Don't make our mistake.
We hiked the Chief last week.
If you are planning to climb the 2nd peak, be careful to keep to the right when you get into the crevasse or "gully". We made the mistake of going left and climbing the first peak by mistake.
You can also descend from the third peak down a rather steep gully. There are no ropes, chains or ladders, but the pitch is still quite steep. The scenery in the gully is magnificent.

Posted: March 24, 2010 07:16:53 PM PST

Steve from Dallas writes:

I'm just browsing around looking for a day-hike for next weekend (Nov. 7-8). The header on this hike mentions the hiking season extends through November, but I couldn't find what I consider to be reliable snow reports for the area. How much should I expect? Anyone been up there recently?

Thanks,
Steve

Posted: October 30, 2009 09:45:29 PM PST

Malcolm from Burnaby writes:

Hiked it June 28, 2009 - no snow, lots of people. Get there early as a few places don't offer a lot of passing room. Also, I'd suggest taking the left option when hiking up to peaks 2 & 3 - then coming down the "undeveloped" part.

Posted: June 29, 2009 08:39:12 AM PST

TC from San Jose, CA writes:

Hiked the second peak yesterday, April 20. Almost no snow except for a few off-trail patches. Boy was the granite wet, though. Keep that in mind when picking shoes. A spectacular day hike. Can't wait to get back to BC for more hiking.

Posted: April 21, 2009 06:26:07 PM PST

Len from Vancouver writes:

I heard there are still patches of snow on the way up and snow on the 3rd peak but the trail is apparently accessible. That came from some co-workers who hiked up just over a week ago.

Posted: April 21, 2009 09:34:50 AM PST

Ken Svazas from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone hiked up to first or second peak yet? I was thinking about giving it a try April 21, 2009

Posted: April 21, 2009 01:14:43 AM PST

Chris from Vancouver writes:

At the summit, you get to look over the edge... 2,100ft straight down! Check out the video

Posted: October 28, 2008 11:26:41 PM PST

Ike from Lumby BC writes:

I hiked up to the second peak a few yaers ago. I think it took me about 1.5 hours? 6 hours seems like a nice relaxing day hike though :-)
The View is more than incredible! And to look over the edge is somthing you wont EVER forget!! Highley Recommended

Posted: September 24, 2008 05:10:19 AM PST

Mike from Vancouver writes:

The Chief is the most recognizable peak in Squamish and has an amazing view of Howe Sound and the surrounding area. The hike is a bit brutal, steep with a few sections with chains and ladders to help pull yourself up onto the rock. However, the views from the first and second peak on a clear sunny day make the effort well worth it.

Posted: April 20, 2008 10:35:40 PM PST