Since the West Lion was first climbed in 1889, countless thousands of hikers and climbers have made the ascent. The vast majority have returned safely but a few have fallen to their deaths on the “Widow-maker”, an exposed traverse mid-way up the pillar. As noted by David and Mary Macaree in the first edition of "103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia" (1973), the West Lion "is a rock climb and as such should be attempted only by properly equipped parties under competent leaders." Most hikers are content to rest at the end of the long ridge that abuts the pillar.