Stawamus Chief Trail

Stawamus Chief Trail is a steep day hike in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park on the Sea to Sky corridor near Squamish, British Columbia. The route climbs up granite to reach The Chief’s three summits: First, Second, and Third Peaks.

The trail begins from the day-use parking area near the campground/Sea to Sky corridor and follows Oleson Creek before splitting into separate lines toward the peaks. Expect an uphill grind with sections that use fixed features as you move up onto the rock face.

On the way to the First Peak, the approach includes wooden stairs and tight, busy uphill traffic patterns—especially where the route overlaps other nearby trails early in the climb. As you keep ascending, you reach the exposed sections on the granite where ladders and chains provide handholds.

Each summit is a distinct goal. First Peak is the most popular of the three; Second Peak is another step higher; Third Peak is the furthest summit. Hiking to more than one peak turns this into a longer full-day objective.

A common strategy is to reverse the summit order (Third, then Second, then First) to reduce bottlenecks on the busiest peak. If you only want part of the outing, shorter options focus on the First or Second Peak.

BC Parks emphasizes that The Chief Trail is steep and difficult and recommends strong physical condition, sturdy footwear, food/water planning, and appropriate clothing for changing weather. The park also notes winter slipperiness on stair and stair treads, and that rockfall debris can be present in upper sections of the broader area.

The park manages climbing closures during the peregrine falcon nesting season; those closures can affect climbing routes in the Stawamus Chief area. Hikers should also stay on designated trails—shortcuts damage plants and soil structure.

Estimated full-peak day effort is commonly described around 4–6 hours for the peaks, with peak-and-back options shorter if you choose a single summit. The park is a classic destination near Highway 99, so start early if you’re trying to avoid crowded trail sections and packed parking.

More information: Stawamus Chief hike near Squamish, BC - Vancouver Trails, Stawamus Chief Park | BC Parks, The Stawamus Chief Trail Hike - Squamish - ihikebc.com