Hiking the Chief at Squamish
2007 Nov 5I 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.
![Looking up wooden stairs](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__wooden_stairs.jpeg)
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.
![Rocky trail in trees](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__rock_stairs.jpeg)
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.
![Tall trunks among rock faces](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__cathedral.jpeg)
On top it was open and easy to move around. Garibaldi and the rest of the view was fantastic.
![Toward Mt Garibaldi](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__garibaldi.jpeg)
The sides overlooking Squamish and Howe Sound were smooth granite drop-offs. It is popular with rock climbers.
![Austin sitting at rock edge](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__Austin_edge.jpeg)
A bowl in the rock made this tarn - and a beautiful photo-op.
![Larry & Austin reflected in tarn](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__reflect_tarn.jpeg)
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.
![Chasm between peaks, standing at edge](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__split_peaks.jpeg)
By the last peak, we were quite tired. I could hardly make my legs do the climb. However, the beauty was worth it.
![Bald granite slope with Sound beyond](../media/20071105_SquamishHike/20071105_SquamishHike__granite_howe.jpeg)