Sea to Summit trail and Shannon Falls Pools trail

Shannon Falls Pools trail

Length: 2.48 km

Elevation Gain: 235 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate ( a few chains and ropes, if you are not comfortable with chains and ropes, you might find the trail hard)

This trail has very limited trail markers. Therefore an offline map is highly recommended. There are a few chains and ropes along the trail. Hikers might want to bring a pair of gloves for the chains and ropes. The chains and ropes sections are not that high, about one story high each.

The pools at the end are nice. You get to look at and feel the falls in close proximity.

It’s a short trail. If you are not from Squamish, you might want to combine this trail with another one nearby to maximize your time. I recommend Stawamus Chief (The Chief) or Sea to Summit trail (my review below).

Sea to Summit Trail

Length: 7.2 km (one Way. You can take the Gondola down. If you hike down, double the length).

Elevation Gain: 922 m

Difficulty Level: Hard

The beginning of the trail is shared with The Chief trail. There are a lot of spaced-out steps. After the split, you follow the Sea to Summit trail. Trail markers are abundant and highly visible. There are a few chain sections along the trail. There are also a few scramble sections (although not high) where you need your hands. At the last 1/3 spot, you have a choice of taking the hard trail (to the left) or the easy trail (to the right). I would suggest taking the hard trail because it’s shorter than the other one. The only hard part is the final scramble to the top with chains. It’s not that hard.

At the top, there are several short and flat trails. I would suggest you take those trails. You have good views of Mount Garibaldi, The Chief, and Squamish.

Going down, you have a choice of hiking down, or buying a download ticket and taking the Gondola down.