Slhanay Peak Trail

The Slhanay Peak Trail is a rugged hike that takes you to several incredible views that overlook the town of Squamish and the nearby Stawamus Chief. The trail is steep and has several technical sections and is therefore rated as difficult.

The trailhead is located along the Mamquam River Forest Service Road where it immediately enters the forest and climbs up a rocky trail. The first 50 metres is a gradual incline but once the trail gets onto the mountain side, the path begins to climb very steeply. Zig zag your way up the hill, being careful where you step, until you get close to the rock wall. Follow the trail to the right of the walk wall as it continues climbing and you carefully make your way over several boulders.

The next section of trail is the trickiest as it passes along a narrow path where there is a steep downhill to your right. Be very careful not to venture too close to the edge. The trail wraps around a cliff area and then arrives at a viewpoint. This viewpoint is partially blocked by trees and there is a much better viewpoint a short distance further along the trail. Continue along the trail and watch for a small trail on the right that takes you to a rocky outcrop with a view of Squamish and the Stawamus Chief to the left.

Return to the trail and, a short distance beyond the views, go left at a junction. The hike is much easier and passes through a lush forest with plenty of moss, only ascending at a gradual pace. At a second junction, go left again and continue to follow the well defined trail.

During the next section of trail, it's important to watch for a trail heading off to the right as this takes you to the best view along the Slhanay Peak Trail, known as Tony's Lookout. The trail is not obviously marked as there is a worn wooden sign on a tree but it can easily be missed. Once you reach the path on the right, follow the short 150 metre trail and walk up onto the rocky outcropped towards a bench overlooking one of the most magnificent views in the area. For many, this might be the end point of their hike as Tony's Lookout offers a much clearer view than at the summit.

Walk back down the rocky outcrop and return to the main trail. If you are heading to the summit, continue walking uphill and a short distance later, you reach a junction next to a damaged wooden sign post. The trail to the left goes up a steep hill to the summit and is a more direct route. The trail to the right is much longer and wraps around before reaching the summit, however there are no views along the longer route.

Go left at the junction and follow the more direct trail to the peak. The trail climbs gradually at first but then becomes very steep as you continue to make your way up the hill. Eventually, the trail begins to level where there is a small trail to the right to a false peak. Continue along the main trail as it passes through a small forested grove and approaches a large rock wall. At the junction by the rock wall, go left and make your way up onto the rock, following the worn route where you reach the peak of Slhanay a short distance further.

After enjoying the peak, walk back down the rocky summit, and return into the forest along the trail. Make sure to go right at the junction after entering the forest, otherwise you will be on a different route and will end up doing the long trail. Follow the trail down the steep hill until it returns to the main trail. Go right and head back down hill, passes through the forested area and past all of the viewpoints.

When you reach the viewpoint near the section of trail with the steep cliff, be very careful hiking around this and back over the boulders as you make your way downhill. The downhill descent is very steep and the terrain uneven, so be careful where you step and make sure to take your time. Eventually, you get to the bottom and quickly make your way out of the forest and back onto the FSR.