Sea to Summit Trail

Jocelyn Timmermans
Apr 19
2 min read

April 18, 2025 -- Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish

Stats: 7.6 km / 1023m gain / 905m high point / 3:25 hours MT

It was a real treat to finish off this climb at a restaurant and to save our knees by taking the gondola down (especially after the tough hike 2 days before).

The first 20 minutes or so were on the many many stairs at the beginning of the Stawamus Chief trail. And there were also many many people.

The trail runs along the right side of Olesen Creek.

It was a relief to get off of the Stawamus Cheif trail, turning right (south) onto the Sea to Summit / Upper Shannon Falls trail.

We crossed under the gondala twice -- west. Just before this viewpoint there was a fork in the trail where left leads to the Sea to Sky trail which is even steeper and runs parallel to the gondola.

These little boys were eager to get going. They asked me, "Are we almost there?" I laughed and said, "You're not even halfway". They heaved a big sigh. Then I told them to wait for their moms. Later at the outdoor patio of the Summit Lodge, they did show up. Good for them!

Arrived at upper Shannon Falls.

Upper Shannon Falls.

A viewpoint over looking the Squamish harbour and the Tantalus Mountain Range.

Howe Sound -- southwest.

west

After this we turned left on a logging road and got to hike on level ground for a bit. The road ended all too soon.

Back to climbing, but this time on smooth granite where we once again crossed under the gondola.

We made good use of the chains.

Arrived! Sky Pilot (2031m) looms in the not so far distance.

We had a relaxing 1.5 hour lunchbreak in the warm sun with amazing views!

My companions said this suspension bridge reminded them of the two on the 0-Circuit trail in Patagonia. But not quite. Those bridges had a narrower, lower hand rail and some of the wooden foot planks were missing. With the strong winds there, they'd swing like crazy. In fact a woman fell to her death there while they were trekking this past February.

After our long lunch, we did the 15-minute Spirit trail.

And then we did the 30-minute Panorama trail where Sue ran into long-time friends and colleagues from the US. In fact, they were scheduled to visit her next week!