Stawamus Chief First, Second, and Third Peak Loop

Stawamus Chief First, Second, and Third Peak Loop in Squamish is the classic “earn your views” hike. It’s only 5.8 km, but with about 657 m of gain packed in, it feels like a stair machine built by a sadist. Expect a very difficult, hands-on workout with roots, rock, and lots of stairs before you ever touch the granite slabs up high.

The loop links all three Chief peaks, and each one has a different feel. The climb starts in steep forest, then turns more technical with chains, ladders, and short scrambling sections, especially between Second and Third Peak and on the “shortcut” toward First. Most locals say Second Peak has the best overall views of Howe Sound and Squamish, First Peak is the busiest with a great panorama, and Third is quieter, steeper, and more rugged with less of that wide-open look.

Recent hikers report the trail is well maintained but very steep, with tricky route-finding between Peaks 2 and 3 and on the rock climbers’ descent trail. Download a map, bring real hiking shoes with good grip, and skip the sketchy shortcut between 2 and 1 unless you’re confident scrambling and comfortable with exposure. The Stawamus Chief First, Second, and Third Peak Loop is doable most of the year, but rain makes the slabs and roots slick, wildfire smoke or fog can wipe out the views, and sun on the rock can be intense, so go early, aim for a clear day, carry plenty of water, and give yourself much more than the “57 minutes” the stats suggest.