Stawamus Chief Hiking Trails, Squamish, BC

Julie from Vancouver writes:

Any idea how is the trail? Would like to hike 1st and 2 nd peak this Saturday (nov 19). Hope it won't be cloudy...

Posted: November 18, 2011 07:20:20 PM PST

Kartik from Burnaby writes:

I hiked the first peak on Saturday 12th November. It was a pretty good hike, the top was a bit slick, so I did not go all the way, just took the chains upto the point where there was just the slippery granite rock.

I climbed from shannon falls parking lot, and completed the hike and back in under 3 hours.

Posted: November 13, 2011 03:24:48 PM PST

Cam from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone been up the chief recently? Would it be reasonable to do it this weekend?

Also, how long is the round trip to just the south peak and back?

Thanks!

Posted: November 8, 2011 01:44:32 PM PST

Al from Vancouver writes:

Had a great hike on peak 2 the other week. Can someone advise can one hike directly to peak 3 or do you have to go to peak 2 and down the saddle to peak 3?
If there is a direct route, how long is the peak 3 trail? It took us 3.5 hours to do peak 2.
Thanks for the info!!!!!!

Posted: September 8, 2011 02:33:18 PM PST

Jared from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike on Sunday, August 28, 2011.

Not too crowded (compared to something like the Grind) and an absolutely amazing view. Well worth the effort.

There's a full summary with pictures and videos available on my site:

http://jaredhunt.ca/2011/09/01/hiking-stawamus-chief/

Posted: September 1, 2011 11:59:00 AM PST

Christine Southall from Vancouver writes:

My pals and I did the second peak yesterday, Sunday. Awesome!! Have never rappelled before!
Not too crowded at all if you go up mid-afternoon. We began at about 3:15, and encountered just a few backlogs on the chains at the top and for only a short time. Coming down is the most uncomfortable, harsh on the knees. I
I do the Grind 2 times each week and found the initial quarter of the climb to be a steeper incline than the Grind. Once past that it's still challenging but exciting, more rugged than the Grind.

Posted: August 15, 2011 12:48:55 PM PST

Rae from Vancouver writes:

Hi Sally
As I remember, there is no chain/ladder to go up to the first peak from the parking lot. I went to the third peak from the second peak ( about 20 minutes apart), and did not go through any chain/ladder either.

From second peak to first peak is the challenging one, with many ladders. Some ladders are narrow and long. Enjoy!

Posted: August 15, 2011 12:29:36 PM PST

Chelsea from Vancouver writes:

I had a great time hiking the Chief, but I severely twisted my ankle on the way back down - a wonderful Good Samaritan named Brad gave me his walking stick. We made a plan to get it back to him at the bottom but missed meeting up and I'd love to find him to return it and give him a big thank you. We were hiking on Sunday August 7th. Anybody know Good Samaritan Brad missing a walking stick?

Posted: August 11, 2011 08:05:32 AM PST

Sally from Vancouver writes:

Are there chains and ladders on the first and third peaks? Also, if I wanted to do both the first and third peaks in a day, are there clear markers indicating the junction?

Thanks

Posted: August 9, 2011 04:32:23 PM PST

Lisa from Vancouver writes:

I love the last quarter of the Chief when going to the second peak. The technicality of using chains and ladders is great!

Does anyone know of any other hikes that has the same type of technical elements?

Thanks!

Posted: July 30, 2011 05:29:16 PM PST

Rae from Vancouver writes:

My family hiked the second and third peaks yesterday. It was my first time on this trail, and I love it! Going up is not as difficult as I expected, but going down is the challenging part. A pair of hiking shoes and gloves with good grip are necessary.

Most of the hike is in the shade, but the peak areas are quite barren, with limited shaded spots. I got some sunburn from spending 30 minutes enjoying the spectacular view on Peak 2. I will remember to wear more sunscreen next time.

Posted: July 25, 2011 03:14:02 PM PST

Jeff from Burnaby writes:

If you're afraid of heights and value your life, I would advise against the short-cut between peaks 1 and 2.

After mustering up the courage to ascend the rickety bars, instant regret hit me as I was confronted with more rickety bars. The climb is no joke. I'm not a religious man, but halfway up the 3rd set of rickety bars I had a brief moment of religious introspection.

If you do attempt this climb, make sure you follow the markers. Don't always assume the path most traveled, as it will lead you off the cliff.

All in all, the hike was amazing. We did all three peaks. The weather was ideal and the views were breathtaking. Wasn't busy at all, but definitely go on a weekday as previous users pointed out that there are sections with zero passing room.

Posted: July 7, 2011 09:25:09 PM PST

Jo from Surrey writes:

This has been one of my favorite hikes so far. I make sure I have time to do this every summer! My favorite of the 3 peaks has to be the third peak. It's not as steep as the Grouse Grind but it is alot longer. Make sure you give yourself enough rest at the top because it takes alot more effort going down especially when it starts to get busy. I find the trail pretty empty on a early weekday morning, but it starts to get busier around 11am. I love this hike and the view is definately worth it!

Posted: April 30, 2011 03:29:00 PM PST

Ivy from Vancouver writes:

We hiked the second and third peaks this weekend. It took us about four and a half hours to see the two peaks and come back down through the gully. There was still a bit of snow on the trails near the top which made parts a bit slippery but nothing dangerous. On the third peak we encountered the adorable chipmunks and watched some falcons coasting on thermals, showing off some barrel rolls and diving. Spectacular! There was also a partly frozen pond at the top of the third peak that was a neat surprise. I really love these trails.

Posted: April 25, 2011 07:34:52 PM PST

Dave from Vancouver writes:

Did the first peak today. Gorgeous sunshine, nice breeze and not too busy. The trail was completely bare to the first peak and lots of people could be seen going up to the second peak. Took us 90 minutes each way with lots of stops and going down got a little crowded at times with people tailgating or running past.

Posted: April 23, 2011 07:54:07 PM PST

Ivy from Vancouver writes:

My husband and I went up to the first peak yesterday. It was fantastic! I can't wait to go back to see the views from the second and third peaks. You can do all three in one day, but we decided to take it easy. The first peak alone took us about 3 hours round trip.

The first part of the trail is a lot like the Grouse Grind... seemingly endless steps up the steep mountainside. There are a couple of lookout spots on the right of the trail, where you can watch the Shannon Falls cascade down the mountain.

The fun part starts about halfway to the peak. That's when I stopped having to huff and puff my way up and really started to enjoy the beautiful forest around us. There's one part where there's an enormous boulder balanced on a flat bit of rock. Great place to stop and take some pictures! The last part up is the most fun. You get to scramble up the sloping rock faces, using chains and ladders in the steepest spots, until you reach the peak where you'll be rewarded with incredible views.

Getting down was faster than getting up, but a lot harder on my knees. My legs were a bit shaky by the time we got back to the parking lot. All in all, it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I highly recommend going on one of these early spring days, as I hear the Chief gets pretty crowded later in the day and especially towards summer.

Posted: March 27, 2011 09:57:15 PM PST

Paula from North Vancouver writes:

We hiked to the First Peak today (March 20) and really enjoyed it but our legs are tired! Definitely need to be fit. My husband was glad he had been to the gym before tackling it. It took us 3.5 hours including 30 minuts lunch and other breaks. We took our medium sized dog and he loved it, he had a bit of trouble in one spot near the top figuring out how to get up when we were climbing the ladders but we saw quite a few dogs up at the peak so they all made it fine and all looked very happy. There were still patches of snow which made the higher spots a bit slippery. We stopped for a small break on the rock outcropping to the right about 4/5 of the way to the left turn that goes to the first peak, where there is a nice view. Really enjoyed the view at the top which made all that climbing worthwhile. Found going down almost as challenging as going up. Great hike to save for a clear day because the view at the top is what really makes it.

Posted: March 20, 2011 05:41:38 PM PST

emily brown from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone hiked the cheif recently? I want to try it for the first time and am wondering if I could go anytime soon!

Posted: March 16, 2011 09:10:54 AM PST

Chantel from Fort St John writes:

Wondering if a person could drive up the back of the chief???

Posted: March 2, 2011 02:30:56 PM PST

Frederique from Burnaby writes:

What gear should we pack to go up. wearing running shoes onlu ok? or do we have to wear hiking boots?
I am use to do the grouse grind a lot this summer. Is it harder than the grind?

Posted: September 3, 2010 08:50:32 AM PST

RacingforLives from Vancouver writes:

Hiked all 3 peaks this morning!

Careful note on the 2nd peak. When the trail leads up to an opening where the route transitions from trail to rock, their is an ascent on the right handside with a chain. This is the ascent you want for the second peak.

There is a ladder on the left hand side made out of rebar with a BC Parks warning sign. This ladder take you back up to the first peak. This route is not for the faint of heart or solo hikers and should not be descended.

At the top of the rebar ladder there is a chained ascent and then a trail which wraps clockwise to the top of the first peak.

Before reaching the first peak there is another section of rebar ladder and climbing rope. Th exposure along this route is fairly open so a mistep or slip could have very serious consequences.

You are better off taking the main route to the first peak.

From the top of the second peak head straight across the ridge and follow the orange orange markers, which become yellow markers close to the transition from the 2nd peak trail to the 3rd peak trail.

Posted: August 15, 2010 08:16:35 PM PST

Robin from San Francisco writes:

We started up to the third peak first -- a lot more technical than I expected (for a 55 year old hiker used to the "mountains" near the coast in the SF Bay Area) - but what an experience! No mere uphill trudge, this! I spent more time on all fours than my hubby and teenage son, but I felt an awesome sense of accomplishment at the top of the tallest peak. We did the second peak as well, and skipped the first, and headed down with my quads just a-screamin'. Being passed by runners skipping downhill from rock to rock as if they were skiing moguls on a steep face was a wonder to watch!

Posted: August 14, 2010 09:17:48 AM PST

MK from Surrey writes:

Hiked this on July 29, 2010. Not much of a hiker. This was my second hike this year and prior to this year, had only hiked a few other times in my life. I have an active lifestyle, though, but do not have the strongest cardio.

Ascending, the hike was challenging because it was so steep. My legs were fine but it was a lot of cardio. Descending, the hike was hard on the legs and knees. My legs were shaking the whole way down.

The hike took me three hours, not including my lunch break.

Finding the start of the hike was a little challenging. There were no clear signs right off the Shannon Falls parking lot pointing to The Chief hike. I wandered around Shannon Falls for a bit before I found the appropriate sign.

Posted: August 10, 2010 10:01:59 PM PST

Sha from Vancouver writes:

Hiked all of three peaks with my kids. The best hiking experience so far!!!
The orange marks from Centre Peak to North Peak (The 3rd Peak) could be easily missed. After hiking North Peak, don't need to go back to the Center Peak to descend. Go down along the gully will take you to the first junction you met when you came up.

Posted: July 29, 2010 10:22:33 PM PST

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