Hiking Peak 1632 via Al's Habrich Ridge near Squamish
Contents
Peak 1632 Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.40Km
Elevation Gain: 845m
Highest Elevation: 1,632m
Average Gradient: 14.82%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Summer
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Peak 1632 Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°40’15.4″N 123°07’51.9″W
Peak 1632 Overview
Peak 1,632 is an unofficial peak named after its likewise elevation and located southeast of the Chief and west of Mount Habrich in Squamish. While this is not a busy hike (at all), much of the trail follows the far more popular Al’s Habrich Ridge, which begins/ends at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Hikers can start from the top of the gondola (as this description does), or they can hike up to the gondola via the Sea to Summit trail, though this will add a significant distance/elevation gain to the stats. A third option would be driving up the Shannon Creek FSR to around 775m elevation where there is a parking area, though this is generally only suitable in AWD vehicles with some clearance.
There are a plethora of trails throughout this hike, so an offline GPX is strongly recommended as the chances of you reaching the summit without a map are slim. Following Al’s Habrich Ridge should be more or less straightforward, but beyond that you’re on your own in terms of navigation. While Al’s Habrich Ridge is a decent hike in itself, offering some beautiful views of the Howe Sound, Squamish and the usual backdrop of peaks, you never get any views of Mount Habrich or Sky Pilot until you reach Peak 1,632. As such, extending Al’s Habrich Ridge to this unofficial peak is well worth the effort, with panoramic 360 degree views from the top, including Mount Garibaldi, Mamquam Mountain, Mount Habrich, Sky Pilot Mountain, the Tantalus range and plenty more.
It’s somewhat surprising this peak hasn’t been given some sort of name given its location and ease of access, especially when you consider all of the dumpster “peaks” on the North Shore have names, but alas, Peak 1,632 it is.
In terms of seasonality, generally speaking this will be a summer only hike due to access and terrain. Beyond Neverland Lake (the end of the Al’s Habrich Ridge trail) the trail becomes very steep and would be difficult in snow. As such, July to October will be your best bet, though June may also work depending on the year.
Dogs are allowed on this trail as it is considered a backcountry trail and thus not within the Sea to Sky gondola restriction for dogs on their front country trails. However, dogs are not allowed to ride UP the gondola (they can ride down – for a fee), so if you plan to do this hike with your dog you will need to either hike up to the top of the gondola or begin from the Shannon Creek FSR parking area.
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Is Peak 1632 worthwhile?
Peak 1,632 is a pleasantly surprising hike, offering excellent views that are comparable, if not better than, the Chief. Given this is almost 1,000m higher than the chief, that’s not at all surprising, and if you take the gondola it’s probably an easier hike than the Chief as well. This hike also benefits from following Al’s Habrich Ridge, which in itself offers plenty of views throughout, so this is far from a boring grind to the top. The trail is also quite adventurous, with lots of steep, technical terrain and several ropes throughout.
How difficult is the hike to Peak 1632?
Technically speaking this is a simple hike with no exposure and no real scrambling. Yes there is some very steep forest travel with several (unnecessary) roped sections throughout, but don’t let that put you off. That being said, don’t go into this expecting a groomed trail, as once you go beyond Neverland Lake it’s a pretty rugged affair with plenty of self navigation required.
Physically this is a somewhat challenging hike, bordering on the edge of moderate and difficult in terms of how challenging it is. Given it’s a fairly short hike at under 12km, I’d consider this a moderately difficult hike, but some people may find it demanding. Experienced parties can be finished in around 4 hours, but average hikers might take between 5 – 6 hours gondola to gondola. The section between Neverland Lake and Peak 1,632 is by far the most challenging section, with an average gradient of around 25% on that stretch.
Peak 1632 Route Information
As noted, there are a number of different points at which you could begin this hike. Most people will probably park at the gondola parking lot, which is obviously accessible to all vehicles, and I’ll assume you’ll begin hiking from the top of the gondola, either after an enjoyable gondola ride or a challenging climb up via the Sea to Summit trail.
From the gondola exit you’ll want to drop down the stairs to the outdoor picnic area and look for signage for Al’s Habrich Ridge. You’ll briefly follow Shannon Creek Road before the trail begins in the forest, initially starting off relatively flat for the first 500m. You’ll soon cross over a creek using a rope to assist you as you hop over the rocks (interestingly this creek is flowing from Neverland Lake, where you will soon be!).
Beyond the creek you’ll begin to ascend in earnest, mostly through the forest but you’ll start to hike across the typical Squamish granite shortly ahead. After around 700m of this you’ll find yourself on a long stretch of granite surrounded by sparse forest, with ever improving views as you continue to climb. There are several excellent viewpoints along this 500m stretch, so make sure to stop and soak in the views. The trail here is not obvious, but just continue along the granite and you can’t really go wrong.
At the end of the granite you’ll find the trail drops back down into the forest, at which point there is a junction. The typical Al’s Habrich trail will go around to the left, while an “alternative” trail will go straight ahead. Either way is fine, but the typical trail is easier and less steep so I’ll assume you go that way.
The trail continues to climb in the forest, and after gaining around 120m you’ll reach a broad granite bluff offering unobstructed views over the Squamish Harbour below. If you look carefully you should also see the Sea to Summit lodge down below in the distance. The views here are the best views you’ll get along Al’s Habrich Ridge, so it’s well worth a break before you continue back in the forest.
After enjoying the views you should find the Al’s Habrich Ridge trail continues in the forest, following some boggy terrain as you meander towards Neverland Lake. The lake isn’t far, perhaps around 500m, and it’s nothing to write home about, especially in the late summer when it’s mostly dried up anyway. Neverland Lake is the end of the maintained trail, but this hike is far from over.
On the south side of the lake you should find the beginnings of a faint trail that quickly steepens into a hands-on adventure, with plenty of ropes and steep forest travel. After around 250m elevation gain you’ll reach another small lake before you continue to climb for another 100m or so.
At this point you’ll reach an opening in the forest beneath the summit ridge ahead, with the terrain becoming rocky underfoot. The route traverses northeast below the ridge, at times passing over some large boulders. Soon enough you’ll reach a weak point in the ridge where there is a clear route up, and after a brief climb you’ll be on the ridge.
The views will now finally open up, with Mount Habrich and Sky Pilot on full display. The ridge has two high points and initially you’re on the (marginally) lower one. In order to reach the cairned summit you’ll need to drop off this point then climb up the other side, which follows a faint route through some brush. Keep following the ridge along and shortly ahead you should reach the cairn, where the views are the clearest and there’s plenty of space to stop and enjoy it. The views will be 360 degrees from here.
In order to descend you can either simply follow the same route back, or you can form a loop like I did. To do so you will simply hike back along the ridge and descend back down the weak point that you ascended earlier. Instead of rejoining your tracks back to November Lake, you’ll turn right and follow the trail known as Robin’s Connector. This is another rugged trail with some technical terrain, though it’s likely less steep than the route from November Lake. Follow Robin’s Connector for long enough and you’ll rejoin Al’s Habrich Ridge, which you simply follow back to the gondola.
When should I hike Peak 1632?
As noted, due to the steep and fairly technical terrain beyond November Lake you will likely want to avoid any significant snow for this hike. As such July to October will be best, with June usually working out okay as well.
Top Tip
The Al’s Habrich Ridge trail is a popular one where you will see plenty of people throughout the day (at least on a sunny weekend). Beyond November Lake is very much backcountry travel, despite there being a fairly obvious trail the whole time.
Due to the above, bear sightings aren’t unusual here so prepare accordingly.
