AdventureSmart Trail Specific Safety Video - The Stawamus Chief Trail

Summary

The Stawamus Chief Trail is a challenging six-kilometer round trip hike with a 700-meter elevation gain, offering breathtaking views from three granite peaks. Best attempted from April to October, the trail requires warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and a headlamp. Hikers should carry ample water and snacks, check weather forecasts, and file a trip plan for safety. The trail features stone and wooden stairs, eroded paths, and technical sections with chains and ladders. It's crucial to follow orange markers, stay on the trail, and assess weather and fitness levels before proceeding. Third peak is recommended only for experienced hikers due to its difficulty and lack of maintenance.

Takeaways

• 🥾 The Stawamus Chief Trail is an advanced, 6 km round trip hike with an elevation gain of approximately 700 meters.
• 🕒 The hike can be completed in 3 to 5 hours if aiming for all three peaks, or 2 to 3 hours if only going to the first peak.
• 📅 The best time to hike the trail is from April to October, as snow and heavy rain can make the trail slippery outside of this period.
• 👟 Essential gear includes warm and waterproof clothing, good hiking boots, a headlamp, and plenty of water and snacks.
• 🌡️ Weather conditions can be harsh, with heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures even in summer, so check the local Squamish weather forecast before hiking.
• 📍 Start the hike at the trailhead at the east end of the provincial park campground.
• 🚶‍♂️ The trail begins with well-maintained stone and wooden stairs, followed by a more eroded path marked with orange markers.
• 🔄 If you lose the trail, stop, turn around, and retrace your steps until you find the previous orange marker.
• 🤸‍♀️ The trail features technical sections with rock slabs, chains, and ladders, especially after the first peak junction.
• ⏲️ Ensure you have enough daylight and assess your group's fitness before proceeding on more challenging sections.
• 📱 Leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted contact and consider using the AdventureSmart app for trip planning.
• 🆘 In case of trouble, call 9-1-1 for rescue, and remember that the trail can be more extreme beyond the forest due to weather conditions.

Q & A

What is the Stawamus Chief Trail?

The Stawamus Chief Trail is an advanced, six-kilometer round trip hike that climbs approximately 700 meters to all three peaks of the granite monolith.

How long does it take to hike the entire Stawamus Chief Trail?

The entire hike takes approximately three to five hours return, depending on the pace and breaks taken.

Is there a shorter option available on the Stawamus Chief Trail?

Yes, if you choose to only hike to the first peak, the hike will take approximately two to three hours.

What is the best time of year to attempt the Stawamus Chief Trail?

The best time of year to attempt the hike is from April to October, as snow and heavy rain are common outside of this period.

What are some essential items to carry on the Stawamus Chief Trail hike?

Essentials include warm and waterproof clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a headlamp, plenty of water, and snacks.

Why is it important to check the weather forecast before hiking the Stawamus Chief Trail?

It's important because the trail can become extremely slippery due to snow and heavy rain, and weather conditions like strong winds and freezing temperatures are common even in summer.

What is the AdventureSmart app and how can it be used for hiking trips?

The AdventureSmart app is a tool to help file a detailed trip plan, which is useful for safety and rescue purposes. It can be downloaded from any leading app store.

What is the starting point for the Stawamus Chief Trail hike?

The hike starts at the trailhead at the east end of the provincial park campground, where you can park your car at the Stawamus Chief lot.

How are the trail markers on the Stawamus Chief Trail?

The trail markers are orange and are placed on trees to guide hikers. It's important to look for these markers regularly as the trail can become less obvious.

What are the technical challenges one might face on the Stawamus Chief Trail?

Technical challenges include steep rock stairs, eroded sections, rock slabs, chains, and ladders, especially as you get closer to the peaks.

What advice is given for descending from the first peak to climb the second peak?

To descend from the first peak and climb the second peak, you must go back down the ladder and chains to the second peak intersection, as there is no official trail connecting the two peaks.

Why is the third peak considered more difficult to reach on the Stawamus Chief Trail?

The third peak is more difficult to reach because the trail is less maintained, more eroded, and involves walking over larger boulders, tree roots, and mud.

What is the importance of following the yellow trail markers when ascending to the third peak?

The yellow trail markers guide you to the top of the third peak and help you avoid missing the important switchback that leads towards the cliffs.

What safety advice is given for hikers planning to attempt the Stawamus Chief Trail?

Hikers are advised to take necessary pre-trip planning steps, ensure they have the right gear and skills, and to not underestimate the difficulty of the trail. Also, to call 9-1-1 for rescue if they get into trouble.