Why Ring Mountain Stands Out
Ring Mountain rises as a flat-topped volcanic tuya just north of Squamish, its distinctive circular shape formed by ancient subglacial eruptions. The summit delivers 360-degree vistas of the Tantalus Range, the Cheakamus River valley, and distant Garibaldi peaks without the crowds that gather on more famous nearby trails.
Getting There
From Highway 99, turn onto the Squamish Valley Road and follow signs toward the Cheakamus Lake area. A gravel forest-service road leads to a small trailhead parking area; high-clearance vehicles handle the final stretch best, though passenger cars can manage in dry conditions. The trail begins immediately behind the parking pullout and climbs steadily through second-growth forest before breaking onto open subalpine slopes.
Best Time to Visit
Late June through early October offers the most reliable access once snow has melted from the upper trail. July and August bring peak wildflower displays across the summit meadows, while September provides cooler temperatures and fewer insects. Winter visits require avalanche awareness and snow-travel skills; the road is usually unplowed.
Trails and Summit Experience
The main route is a well-defined 6 km out-and-back that gains roughly 600 m. After the initial forested section, hikers cross open basalt slabs and grassy benches where mountain goats are sometimes spotted. The final pitch to the rim is a moderate scramble on stable rock; once on top, a short loop around the crater rim reveals the mountain’s volcanic origins and unobstructed views south toward Squamish and north toward Whistler.
Other Activities
- Rock climbing on the lower basalt columns near the trailhead
- Photography of the distinctive circular summit crater at sunrise
- Wildlife viewing for black bears and hoary marmots in the meadows
Nearby Destinations
Combine a morning on Ring Mountain with an afternoon at nearby Cheakamus Lake or the Shannon Falls Provincial Park viewpoints. The town of Squamish offers craft breweries and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for additional viewpoints on the same day.
