GUNUNG · Kanada

Stawamus Chief

Siám’ Smánit

Information

Elevation: 702 m
Country: Kanada (CA)
Location / Range: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish, British Columbia, Kanada
Mountain type: Monolit granit (kubah batu / stock granodiorit)
Volcanic?: No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates: 49.6867, -123.1350
Difficulty: Sedang–berat: jalur pendek namun sangat curam dengan tangga, akar, rantai, dan tangga besi ke First Peak; jalur ke Second & Third Peak lebih menuntut
Best Season: Mei–Oktober (jalur kering; musim dingin bisa bersalju/es dan licin berbahaya)
Permits & Rules: Tanpa izin untuk pendakian harian; berada di Stawamus Chief Provincial Park (BC Parks). Perkemahan di area walk-in memerlukan reservasi/biaya
Hazards: Tanjakan sangat curam & terpapar, batuan licin saat basah, tepian tebing tanpa pagar di puncak, jatuh; area juga padat pemanjat tebing di Grand Wall—waspadai batu jatuh

Description

Stawamus Chief—or simply 'the Chief'—is a 702 m granite monolith towering over the town of Squamish, British Columbia, about an hour from Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Often described as one of the largest single granite walls in the world, its vertical faces make it one of Canada's most famous rock-climbing destinations, notably the legendary Grand Wall. For hikers, the trail to the top starts in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and climbs steeply through forest, up wooden staircases, over roots, and via chains and metal ladders bolted into the hardest sections. There are three summits: First Peak (the most popular and quickest), Second Peak, and Third Peak, which can be linked. From the bare, exposed top, the panorama sweeps across Howe Sound, the town of Squamish, and the surrounding mountains. Its original name in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) language is Siám’ Smánit, and the mountain holds deep cultural significance for the local First Nation.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

First Peak Trail (Rute Utama)

Sedang–berat

6.00 km +600 m 3–4 jam PP

The shortest and most popular route to the top of the Chief. From the trailhead in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, the path climbs steeply straight away up stone and wooden stairs, roots, and dense forest. The final section to First Peak (~600 m above the trailhead) crosses bare rock with the aid of chains and metal ladders bolted into the cliff. The summit is open and exposed with a wide panorama over Howe Sound and the town of Squamish—take care at the unfenced edges.

Second & Third Peak Traverse

Berat

11.00 km +700 m 5–7 jam PP

An extension linking all three of the Chief's summits. After the junction to First Peak, the trail branches to Second Peak and then Third Peak over forested ridge, with more metal ladders and chains and small bridges between the rocks. It is longer, quieter, and more demanding than the First Peak route, but rewards with varied views and a greater sense of exposure. Suited to fit hikers wanting a full day.

Climbing Experiences

Stawamus Chief (702 m), a granite monolith above Squamish, British Columbia—a short but very steep climb via staircases, roots, chains, and metal ladders to the First/Second/Third Peaks. Clips highlight the steepness and the Howe Sound panorama from the top.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.