Hiking the Chief at Squamish

I went on a hike with Austin & David to the Chief at Squamish, BC, a massive hunk of granite that overlooks the town of Squamish on the road to Whistler. It has three peaks that we climbed.

The hike is challenging and is extremely vertical. A lot of hiking is up actual stairs. They had a sign cautioning people not to do the hike unless they were prepared.

The trail was very well made. The stairs continued, but mostly it was steps made from locally found rocks. It was also quite dim under the trees.

Near the second peak, we went up an area that seemed like a cathedral. It had rock walls on both sides, was extremely vertical and also echoing.

On top it was open and easy to move around. Garibaldi and the rest of the view was fantastic.

The sides overlooking Squamish and Howe Sound were smooth granite drop-offs. It is popular with rock climbers.

A bowl in the rock made this tarn - and a beautiful photo-op.

There is a split between each of the peaks. Along the trail, it is not much of a climb between them. However they drop off quickly on either side. Can you see Austin lying down looking over the edge? This hike is not for those afraid of heights - especially this spot.

By the last peak, we were quite tired. I could hardly make my legs do the climb. However, the beauty was worth it.