Popular hiking trail in Squamish, B.C., closed after rockfall

A popular hiking trail in Squamish, B.C., is closed indefinitely after a significant rockfall on its main path.

B.C. Parks closed the Stawamus Chief main trail on Dec. 27 as a large section of the trail was covered in debris, including rocks and broken trees.

Witnesses reported hearing a rockfall in the area around 10:40 p.m. on Dec. 26.

Squamish Search and Rescue said no one was injured or involved in the incident.

“Please avoid the area entirely until it has been assessed and deemed safe to reopen,” reads a social media post from Squamish SAR.

Nathan Romanin was hiking from the Slhanay Peak Trail on Dec. 27, around 11:30 a.m., when he came across the rockfall. At the time, he was not aware of the closure as he had accessed the area from a trail that was still open.

“[I] realized it had to have been very recent,” Romanin said.

He took a few photos of the area, which show that steps built from rock, which are part of the trail, were covered with debris.

The Ministry of Environment and Parks said that until a more thorough assessment can be done, the trail will remain closed.

Closure signs and barricades have been installed to prevent people from entering the area.

Access to the Sea to Summit Trail from the Stawamus Chief trail is closed as well.

There is no estimated reopening timeframe for the trail.