The Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite formations in North America. The are cliffs found at the southern entrance to Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. The hike is located in this provincial park, and the Stawamus Chief is named after the First Nations people from their village on the Squamish River and is one of the most popular hiking trails around Vancouver and is also a popular rock climbing site. The chief includes three peaks (First Peak, Second Peak, and Third) offer rewarding views of Howe Sound, the town of Squamish, and the surrounding mountains.

The First Peak is to the south and is the easiest: 3 km / 2 hrs / 535m  elevation              

The Second Peak is in the middle: 4 km / 1.5 hrs / 580m elevation

The Third Peak is in the north from which you can see the second peak 4 km / 2.5 hrs / 627m  elevation

The trailhead is at Shawuamus Chief campground hat used most used for hiking and rock climbing. The trail goes straight up, right off the start into a series of steep wooden stairs then you reach a wooden bridge  and hiking up in a beautiful forest and then there are sections requiring people to climb ladders and pull themselves up chains.

We hiked the Third Peak which is an excellent hike with views from the top that are just incredible and I really recommended going all three peaks!

Details

Difficulty: Immediate

Distance 4 - 7 Km

Elevation Gain: 772m

Highest Elevation: 702m

Duration: 3 - 5 hours

Route type: Partial-loop