Hiking the Biggest Granite Monolith in North America | Stawamus Chief Iconic Hike in BC скачать в хорошем качестве

Hiking the Biggest Granite Monolith in North America | Stawamus Chief Iconic Hike in BC

Stawamus Chief, or simply The Chief, is the most popular hike in Squamish and one of the most popular hikes within a driving distance from Vancouver (less than an hour). Depending on your fitness level, experience and chosen route, it's an intermediate to hard hike. It’s relatively short - around 6–7 km - but with almost 800 m of elevation gain and sections with chains and ladders, so it’s definitely a bit more than a ‘regular’ hike. A few things to consider when planning to hike The Chief: There are two trailheads: the official one and the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot. The distance is very similar, as both trails join fairly quickly, but the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot is much bigger (though you’ll have to pay for it which in 2025 is $10 CAD for the whole day). The trail is short but VERY steep in some places, with lots of stairs Most people only go to the First Peak or do all three in the 1-2-3 order (clockwise when looking at the map). We actually found it easier to do it in reverse: 3-2-1. Peak 1 has one short section with a ladder and a chain. Peak 2 has much longer ladder sections and multiple chains (though no real exposure). IMPORTANT The via ferrata between the First and Second Peaks is NOT part of the official route (it’s the part in the video after the yellow “Danger” sign). For some reason, some maps/apps (for example AllTrails) show it as part of the route, but the official trail requires you to go back to the junction and then follow the trail to the First Peak. Or, if you started from the First Peak, you’ll need to head back down the same way until you reach the junction. If you decide to take the shortcut, it’s MUCH easier to go from the Second Peak to the First Peak, as you’ll be climbing up. Going down that way is pretty sketchy in a few spots. And last but not least… I mispronounced Stawamus in the video — my bad! 🙃