Stawamus Chief is one of the biggest rock climbing big walls around. It towers over the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler. For us mortals who like to reach the summit the easy way, there is a fabulous trail up the back side to reach the stunning summit views of Howe Sound. Straight down from the summit is the town of Squamish, a nice little community that you've probably seen before in movies. The backdrop of Stawamus above the town and the nice exchange rate brings Hollywood to film in Squamish often.

The town of Squamish is about an hour north of Vancouver. Just south of Squamish you'll see the enormous wall of Stawamus Chief. Look for signs indicating the trailhead.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Summit Elevation: 2,303 feet
Access: Paved

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Access:

Troublesome Traverse including Double Toil Peak:

From the parking area (small fee), walk up into the campgrounds. These are walk-in camps, only $5 a night. Once past the camps, follow the signed trail for the summit. The route passes through nice forests. The trail gets interesting as it climbs past some rock impasses by a series of ladders. They will get you to the rocky openings where the 3 summits are. Keep climbing until you reach the highest one. The terrain is safe, just keep back from the 1,500 foot drop off the face.

Mountain Climbing

Big wall of Stawamus Chief

Climbing the ladders

A 6 month Maverick

Howe Sound from one of the first summits

Looking down at the port

Squamish, British Columbia

View from the higher summit

View of Squamish between rocks along the trail

Several summit tarns along the summit ridgeline

Mount Garibaldi to the north

Looking to the higher summit