Second Peak — Attraction in Squamish

I hiked this trail on September 3, 2021 and got to Squamish by the Squamish Connector shuttle from Vancouver. This is, by far, the most challenging hike I’ve ever done (and makes the difficult trails in the Rockies I’ve done feel easy). The trail distances and elevation are WAY off on AllTrails, which is also good to know beforehand. My FitBit recorded 10.15 km and 920 metres of elevation round trip. I completed the two peaks in 5 hours.

I started the trail from the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot and it connected with the Chief Trail. The entire trail consists of endless wooden steps and rocks fashioned into stairs as it passes through forest. It’s very steep the whole way and there are no flat sections. A constant grind. I went to the first peak and then the second peak. There was a metal ladder and then chains to pull yourself up the slab of rocks as you got closer to the summit. It was a challenge! Then there was the final ascent that was steep and rocky before arriving at the top. The views from the first peak were gorgeous, and you could see the Howe Sound and mountains all around.

From the first peak, you have to go back down to the junction for the second peak. From there, it’s another grind to the summit and this was the hardest section in my opinion. The trail led between the two rock monoliths for the first and second peaks, and climbed through forest before arriving at more chains and ladders. Some sections were super steep and very narrow to squeeze through. It was very technical with your footing and I had to get on my hands and knees at times. Scrambling is required. The final push to the summit was steep and rocky. The views from the second peak were stunning and way better than the first peak! You could see the first peak below, better views of the Howe Sound and the mountains. It was incredible. The hike down was difficult on the knees and it’s best to go slow. Some the roots and steps can be a bit slippery. Coming down was much faster than going up though which was a relief. This hike was a relentless and brutal climb but so beautiful! This is NOT a beginner trail. I’m a pretty experienced hiker and this was an extremely challenging hike.

Note: Day use passes are required to hike here, and they are checking at the trailhead. You have to reserve it online in advance. I didn’t know this was necessary (and thought it was only a parking pass, and I took a shuttle) but they still let me through.

Also, please don’t feed the chipmunks at the peaks and practice the Leave No Trace principles. Don’t leave your garbage and used...

More challenging to hike than the first peak, however fun especially during weekends and holidays. Reaching the peak is a bit slow, some rocky trails requires only a single direction of traffic, the opposing has to wait to be cleared and clinging to a chains fixed to a solid mountain rock is needed for security. Some tight passages between two rocky trails needs bigger fellows to inch sideways. The views of Howe Sound and Squamish districts are spectacular once on the top peak. The air you breathe here is so fresh, seems sick healing. I recommend passing the trail going to third peak if you go back down. It's a bit farther but no tight spaces, chains, and ladders to cling on, and no single line only...

It is not an easy hike at all. You will need a good pair of hiking shoes. Although I saw many people wearing sneakers I don't think I could go to the peak without my hiking shoes! (I have bad ankles). On a Saturday morning, around 9:00 AM many parking spots were available. The trail was crowded especially in the first half. The entire trail is well equipped with stairs, chains and a ladder which was fun. The scenery at the peak is spectacular! You just want to stay there forever! Recommended but not...