What's It Like to Hike The Chief in Squamish, British Columbia

#hiking #thechief #mountainclimbing #travel
We sometimes think we're too old to take up mountain climbing, but other times, we say, "By Gollly! We want to climb up mountains!" The Stawamus Chief is one of the biggest monoliths in the world. It's a pretty big deal that it's so famous an unique and that we're trying to climb it. Drop in and see how we do!
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[@WestCoastWheelman]

Very wise and humble to know your limits and turn back on your first attempt, absolutely no shame in that! The decisions people make in situations like that can be the difference between an adventure or a SAR call or worse, ask me how I know 😎👍 It's been so long since I've been up there, I can't believe the work that's gone into improving the trail. You think it's rough you should have seen it 20+ years ago!

[@drewyager4020]

A ton of work goes into building and maintaining that trail. Great job

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It's a great trail!

[@danp2012]

That Batman and Robin clip cracked me up.... and you're dating yourself.

[@benoitd1643]

You two impress me more every time. On top of that you are quite funny. Keep it up!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thanks! We will keep on trying!

[@pacificbob24]

Excellent! You two have more nerve than I do. I've lived on the west coast for over 50 years and have driven by the the Chief many times but have never had the adventure you had today. Congratulations. You videos are very entertaining. .

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Oh wow! That's what we're shooting for! :)

[@garye4145]

Love you both for giving the Chief a go. I have never done that hike but did the Lions many many many years ago when I was much younger. As usual great editing and always love your humor. Take care.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Our pleasure MR. MRMR. :)

[@valleydog9102]

Good job. On my first time to the First Peak, a German speaking couple and their Oma and Opa from Switzerland passed us going up. My friend said that it is a tradition to sit on the edge of ledge overlooking Howe Sound and Squamish when you get to the top. The Chief has the best effort-reward ratio of all hikes in the Vancouver area.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you ... it was awesome.

[@jbrisby]

Not sure you know how ratios work.

[@ellisonketovore]

Congrats guys! Well done! I've been doing the Chief for 20+ years and trust me, it gets much easier each time you do it! Try it on a warm summer day, you don't get cold and if it's dry, the trail is far less slippery and less intimidating!! I've you've done the Chief you can easily do the Grouse Grind when it opens. The climb up is a bit longer but there's no climb down, just an amazing Skyride down plus restaurants at the top! Another amazing trail is the Sea to Summit, beside the Chief, you end up at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola and can take it down. The trail is about 3hrs up but many relatively easy parts and views are insane! The Chief trail has been greatly improved over the years and most of those stairs are fairly new. Really enjoyed watching you challenge it especially this early in the year!

[@Thehamburgaler69]

You have the same name as my brother

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thanks Dean! When does the Grouse Grind usually open?

[@ellisonketovore]

@@chrisplusmelissa usually early June but there's a ton of snow this year so perhaps late June. You'll love it! steep climb but no chains and ladders :)

[@DaveGIS123]

Good work! On your next trip, maybe you can do a video on Shannon Falls (it's BC's 3rd highest waterfall, and it's right beside the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park). Or, maybe you can do a video on the Grouse Grind, or maybe the Coquitlam Crunch :-)

[@chrisplusmelissa]

We did check out Shannon Falls... but figured we had enough amazing footage for the day. :)

[@jpkac]

As I commented before, I really like your videos. Glad to see your growing number of subscribers. Maybe one day you will visit around my neck of the woods in Ontario, Toronto, the GTA and the cottage country, Muskoka etc.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you! It's a slow process (growing subs) but we really are having fun doing the vids. We hope to get over to your area too!

[@lenperin4923]

Holy cow nice job.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gottacos2455]

I agree a really nice job

[@weiliuvivian]

Lovely couple, really helpful for us to decide if to go or not

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Just in case you didn't know, Alex from Free Solo climbed the face of the Chief without ropes or anything a few years ago. His route was called the University Wall and he was the first and as far as I know the only one.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

That man is amazing... I assure you that there will be no free solo missions in our future. :D

[@sp4263]

Thanks for your video n tips. The wife n I completed the hike/climb this weekend. Your video n advice is pretty accurate. Greatful for dry warm June conditions though. Would be tough in wet conditions.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Great to hear! I (Chris) think I'd have a tough time doing that hike... not enough working out as late. It is such a awesome place.

[@shannonp9871]

I was so worried about you going up unprepared. My son and I just hiked it this morning for the second time. It is gruelling! Straight up!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It sure is. But boy is it beautiful at the top!

[@MrPhchello]

I did this too!! I want to try Peak 2 and Peak 3. I didn't think I could but I had some great help from 2 friends. It was scary not gonna lie.

[@frnkndad]

That brought back memories. Kudos for going at it. Next you should try climbing the CN Tower. (It's indoor, so weather isn't an issue.) They do (did - pre-COVID) a couple charity climbs each year.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Googling CN Tower now! :D Thanks for watching!

[@trevstow]

Fantastic video guys. Loved it. I’m headed for Vancouver in a few weeks and may give this a try. Looks quite a challenge but I know I’ll regret it if I don’t try. Thanks again and well done. 👍🏻

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you Trevor! The Chief is quite amazing.

[@allie2703]

Hiked this before there was a real trail back in the late sixties had to go up a chimney barely tall enough to reach both sides LOL

[@lilkae101]

Might have to try this one out on Monday 😄😄 looks difficult but a lot of fun!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It's an awesome hike.

[@cherylglasgow7676]

You guys are amazing! Always wondered what that hike was like. Awesome video!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's a doozy that's for sure.

[@judithsears8145]

Glad I saw this I had no idea how difficult this is (ladders!) I won't be doing this

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It wasn't that bad... but it was tough. :P

[@nickgooderham2389]

Awesome! Good job!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@terrym.8008]

Looks like a great bike!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It is for sure.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

It's always raining in Squamish. I was born and raised here

[@chrisplusmelissa]

It's very beautiful there!

[@jbrisby]

If you like that view, you should try the Spirit Caves trail in Yale BC.

[@jbrisby]

Actually I would say no, because that trail is like this one, just as steep, only narrower, no guardrails, no stairs or chains, and a trail that slopes towards the edge. Still, the view of the Fraser from the top was breathtaking. Actually not the top, as the trail continues on to the caves, but the caves aren't worth the effort.

[@drewyager4020]

#newgear!!!

[@gordosomewhere816]

OMG..that made me tired. What's next the Grouse Grind..lol. Maybe stick to Spanish Banks at low tide or Quarry Rock. Living the wet coast dream.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

I'm still tired. :D

[@SchnuffiJames]

Your right she is so cute.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

That's amazing... I've never heard of these hike before. ... But what's with the pumpkin pants?

[@chrisplusmelissa]

The only pants they had in stock. :P

[@TonyRueb]

Remember to do the rest step! Step forward and lock the knee on the downhill leg to rest your body weight on your bones, not your muscles. Moon cheese is gross, but keep in mind that cheese was how they preserved milk, and are totally fine outside the refrigerator even for a couple days. Any hard cheese is safe like cheddar, low moisture mozzarella sticks (string cheese), or my favorite, Babybel. They will all last you just fine for a day hike. Also, hydration bladders are amazing.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Thank you wise one. I do like Babybel!

[@gottacos2455]

Hey does Door dash or uber eats deliver to the top? What about an amazon prime drone

[@Thehamburgaler69]

That pfp is well uhh.... ummmm....😄🤨😬

[@chrisplusmelissa]

That would be awesome if they did!

[@Glenner7]

Oh, Moon Cheese. That stuff is horrible.

[@chrisplusmelissa]

I got it because we were going to be climbing closer to the moon. Thought it seemed like the right thing to do. :D

[@Glenner7]

@@chrisplusmelissa It was just a visceral reaction I had that made me stop the video and comment on what is clearly the most important element of the climb: the snacks. Seriously though, great video!

[@wildandliving1925]

Would've been funnier if you both were in the back seat with messed up hair

[@chrisplusmelissa]

Ha ha!

[@Thehamburgaler69]

Where’s your mask!?!?😡 I am very angry. 😡😡 You could get Covid from the bears you know😤😡

[@Thehamburgaler69]

Also, did you guys do a Trump reference? 😂 WRONG!

[@chrisplusmelissa]

NO POLITICAL ZONE! :D