description Stawamus Chief Overview
The Stawamus Chief is a granite massif beside Squamish, British Columbia, overlooking Howe Sound and the mouth of the Stawamus River. Its steep faces rise about 700 meters above the surrounding terrain and were shaped by glacial erosion and rockfall. Protected within Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, it is used by hikers who reach its three principal summits and by experienced rock climbers who follow numerous multipitch routes on its cliffs.
help Stawamus Chief FAQ
How many summits does the Stawamus Chief hiking trail reach?
The hiking route has three main summits commonly called First Peak, Second Peak, and Third Peak. First Peak is the shortest standard objective, while reaching the higher summits adds distance, elevation, and more rugged terrain.
Is hiking the Stawamus Chief the same as climbing its granite face?
No. The hiking trail approaches from the back and includes steep stairs, chains, ladders, roots, and exposed rock, while routes on the main face require technical rock-climbing equipment and experience.
How high does the Stawamus Chief rise above Squamish?
The granite massif rises roughly 700 metres above the surrounding area beside Howe Sound. Its large exposed faces were shaped by glaciation, fractures, and repeated rockfall.
How does the Chief trail differ from the Sea to Summit Trail?
The Chief trail targets the massif's three rocky summits and returns through Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. The nearby Sea to Summit Trail climbs toward the Sea to Sky Gondola's upper station and follows a different destination and descent plan.
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