11km
Distance
540m
Gain
5h
Time
About this Trail
One of the world's largest granite monoliths with three summit peaks connected by chain-and-ladder trails. A bucket-list hike in Squamish with dramatic Howe Sound views, world-class rock climbing, and adjacent Shannon Falls.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🔹Fitness Enthusiasts
- 🔹Experienced Hikers
- 🔹Rock Climbers
- 🧭Adventure Seekers
The Occasion
- 🔹Nature Pilgrimage
- 🔹Dramatic Summit
- 🔹Active Pursuit
Highlights
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One of the largest granite monoliths in the world, offering a strenuous and rewarding vertical hike.
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The trail includes technical sections with wooden ladders and metal chains to assist hikers over steep rock faces.
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Peak 1 is the most popular destination, providing jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and Squamish.
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For the ultimate challenge, hikers can complete all three peaks in a roughly 7.5 km round-trip trek.
Practical Tips
Best Times to Visit
Insider Tips
- 💡
First Peak is shortest but most crowded — Third Peak has the best views
- 💡
Wear gloves for the chain sections — they're cold and wet in morning
- 💡
BC Parks day-use pass required ($5/vehicle or free with BC Parks pass)
- 💡
The descent is harder on knees than the ascent — trekking poles help
- 💡
Combine Second and Third peaks if you have time — skip First if short on time
What to Bring
Accessibility & Facilities
Not wheelchair accessible. Trail features steep granite slabs, chain-and-ladder sections, and significant elevation gain with exposed scrambling.
History
The Stawamus Chief (Siyam Smánit in Squamish) is a 700-metre granite monolith sacred to the Squamish Nation. It became a Provincial Park in 1997. The monolith is the second-largest in the world after El Capitan in Yosemite and is one of BC's most iconic hiking and rock climbing destinations.
Source · bcparks.ca
Location
Getting Here
🚌 Transit
The Squamish Connector shuttle offers round-trip service from downtown Vancouver. Summer BC Transit service is also available from Squamish.
🚗 Parking
Free day-use parking at Chief Apron lot. Overflow lots on both sides of Highway 99 connected by pedestrian overpass. Fills by 9 AM on summer weekends; illegally parked vehicles will be towed. Arrive early.