Stawamus Chief First Peak

The Stawamus Chief First Peak trail climbs a steep granite staircase and chain-assisted sections to the First Peak summit in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, beside Highway 99 in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. The park is about one hour from Vancouver by car on Highway 99, with day-use parking at the campground lot, and BC Parks may require a day-use pass in peak season. The hike is free. The return distance is about 4 to 6 km depending on the route, with roughly 540 m of elevation gain, and most hikers take three to four hours. Because of the steep stairs, exposed granite slabs and chain-assisted sections, the route is rated hard despite its short length. The surface alternates between wooden and stone stairs, roots, and bare granite where hikers hold fixed chains and ladders, with forest shade on the lower slopes and full sun on the open rock. Landmarks include the trail junction where the route splits toward the three peaks, the chain sections on the First Peak route, and the summit, which has views over Howe Sound, Squamish and the Tantalus Range. Rock climbers use the cliffs, so loose rock and falling gear are a hazard near the base. Water is not available on the trail, and no huts exist, so hikers should carry plenty, especially on hot days. Snow and ice make the trail dangerous outside summer, giving a season of about May to October. Descent can be harder than the climb, and a bail-out is simply to turn back at the junction before the chains. The park is busy on sunny weekends, and lines can form at the chain sections.