Black Tusk Hike, Garibaldi Provincial Park
A Black Tusk Mountaineering Journey in Garibaldi Provincial Park is a ought to for any outside fanatic seeking an exhilarating journey throughout the attractive British Columbia wilderness. This renowned mountaineering trip spot affords breathtaking views, tough terrain, and a possibility to find the enduring volcanic peak usually known as Black Tusk. With its quite a few pure world, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains, Garibaldi Provincial Park ensures an unforgettable experience for hikers of all expertise ranges. Embark on this thrilling journey and uncover the pure wonders that await amidst the awe-inspiring panorama.
For many who’ve ever carried out a hike near Vancouver or skied at Whistler, the probabilities are you’ve seen a black tusk (or white tusk throughout the winter) standing out amongst the mountain peaks.
I’ve seen it from numerous vantage components spherical Vancouver, from the North Shore mountains to Whistler Mountain Peak, and have been which means to go on a Black Tusk mountaineering journey for just a few years!
This yr, the local weather, tenting reservation luck, and my husband’s willingness to hike aligned, and I lastly ticked the Black Tusk hike off my ‘to-hike report!
We spent a weekend tenting on the Taylor Meadows campground, mountaineering as a lot as Garibaldi Lake on Friday, Black Tusk on Saturday Morning, after which Panorama Ridge for sunset. This vogue we had been able to hike Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge in a single weekend.
For many who’re in search of to do a Black Tusk, BC mountaineering journey proper right here’s what you will need to know from Black Tusk mountaineering and completely different hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park resembling Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake and further.
A Black Tusk Mountaineering Journey
Plan your Black Tusk hike with this Vancouver mountaineering data!
NEW 2023 UPDATE!
You may want a day go to entry widespread BC parks, Garibaldi (from June 14 – Oct 9), Joffre (Might 6 – Oct 9) and Golden Ears (June 14 – Sept 4). The passes are free and accessible from 7 am two days sooner than your go to. All particulars & information right here.
In regards to the Black Tusk Whistler
The Black Tusk is probably going one of many hottest scrambles throughout the Vancouver area. This doesn’t suggest it’s easy! It’s solely a really recognizable peak in a extraordinarily widespread location. It is best to nonetheless take quite a lot of warning climbing it, know your limits, and take a helmet!
Black Tusk is inside Garibaldi Provincial Park and though there are a variety of strategies to realize it, the popular and easiest method is from Rubble Creek trailhead.
One different good chance is from the Cheakamus Lake trailhead via Helm Creek path (phrase this entry was closed most of the summer time season ensuing from bear train)
The Squamish nation knew the Black Tusk as a result of the ‘Landing place of thunderbird” and take into account the fowl that lived up, the thunderbird proper right here would possibly flap its wings to create thunder and shot lightning from its eyes at any who bought right here too close to the summit.
Thankfully, the Black Tusk scramble ends merely sooner than the true peak (which is principally inaccessible besides you’re a very, very sturdy climber) so we didn’t get a lightning bolt shot at us!
Simple strategies to get to the Black Tusk path
The best method to get to Black Tusk is to park on the Rubble Creek parking zone going via Taylor Meadows. That’s the one place for Black Tusk parking do you have to’re starting from the Rubble Creek trailhead and it’ll get very busy. You’ll moreover need your free BC Parks day go.
That is equivalent one you’d park at if planning to hike to Garibaldi Park and, typically, to Panorama Ridge.
It’s well-signposted and is solely off Freeway 99, south of Whistler.
The Black Tusk hike
The Black Tusk hike may be break up up into only a few sections.
There are the notorious switchbacks on the easiest way to the lake, then the enticing Taylor Meadows path, the beginning of the climb to the Black Tusk, after which the Black Tusk Chimney Garibaldi and the last word scramble to the peak!
We stayed two nights at Garibaldi Provincial Park, heading up after work on Friday and tenting at Taylor Meadows campsite, ending Black Tusk on Saturday morning, Panorama Ridge for sunset, after which mountaineering once more down Sunday morning.
Whereas you’ll be able to do Black Tusk as a day journey, it’s an prolonged day and it’s far more gratifying to camp in a single day.
Black Tusk Hike stats
Listed below are the deets it’s best to know sooner than you hike Black Tusk. Whereas you’ll be able to do that as a day hike I wouldn’t counsel it to most hikers. It’s further gratifying as an in a single day.
- Difficulty: Onerous
- Black Tusk hike time: 8-11 hours
- Black Tusk hike dimension: Spherical 26 km
- Elevation purchase: 1,661 m
- Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour 45
I exploit AllTrails+ as my Black Tusk hike map as you probably can acquire maps to utilize offline sooner than you go so it doesn’t matter do you have to don’t have cell signal.
AllTrails is my go-to mountaineering app for finding, planning, and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you may be assured you’re nonetheless on course, even with out cell signal.
Rubble Creek Path Head to Taylor Meadows
The trail begins with just under 6 kilometers of mountaineering through the forest. The forest is attractive, nevertheless the switchbacks, which get nearer collectively in the direction of the highest, are a bit tiresome. Whereas they’re not too steep, they’ll positively get you warmed up for the rest of the hike!
Spherical 5.6km you’ll come to a junction the place you probably can head left for Taylor Meadows, and correct for Garibaldi Lake.
If that’s your first time mountaineering on this part of Garibaldi Provincial Park, I’d counsel going correct to soak up the views of Barrier Lake and The Barrier viewpoint.
The Barrier was normal due to giant lava flows from Clinker Peak on the west of Mount Worth over the previous ice age and it’s a strong view!
You would possibly stick with it from The Barrier as a lot as Garibaldi Lake sooner than heading up through Taylor Meadows to Black Tusk too. This route is barely longer than do you have to take the additional direct path nevertheless positively worth doing.
On this journey, we took the trail to the left and headed straight as a lot as Taylor Meadows to pitch up our tent for the evening time.
Taylor Meadows to Black Tusk turnoff
Taylor Meadows is what makes the hikes on this area of Garibaldi Provincial Park so gorgeous! The world is further open and in addition you get good views of the mountains throughout the park and the Tantalus Mountain range on the alternative side of Squamish.
Every time I’ve walked through proper right here my head retains spinning to confirm I don’t miss out on a wonderful view!
This part of the hike is flat and counting on the time of yr you go you may be strolling amongst wildflowers too.
That’s moreover the world the place I on a regular basis see a bear – we observed two on this journey! – so guarantee you’re making some noise, staying acutely aware, and on a regular basis hike with bear spray!
As you come to the highest of the meadows, there’ll be a small path sign pointing you to the left and uphill. Take this path to begin the last word stretch to Black Tusk
Black Tusk turnoff to the shoulder
The climbing begins up as soon as extra at this degree as you’ll hike amongst streams, grasses and get some gorgeous views of Garibaldi Lake to your correct. As you adjust to the trail uphill you’ll come to an enormous information board and a sign marking the highest of the maintained path.
The data board has some fascinating particulars about how Black Tusk was normal and the geology of the world. It’s moreover an unimaginable place to take a break sooner than you climb up!
From this degree forward the trail is further rubbly/scree and by no means as easy to walk on. There’s no publicity at this degree.
After climbing up this part of the trail, you’ll come to the best of a ridge. This area has fantastic 360-degree views of Garibaldi Park and the encircling area.
You probably can see Whistler Peak and the ski area and Mt Garibaldi itself. For many who’re not sure about doing the last word scramble, it’s nonetheless worth growing to date for the views and the close-up of Black Tusk itself!
The shoulder to the Black Tusk chimney and the summit!
For many who are planning on mountaineering to the summit of Black Tusk, you’ll make a left at this ridge and stroll along with the tusk to your correct. Rapidly you’ll come to some extent the place you probably can see what’s often called the Black Tusk Chimney. At this degree, your helmet must be positioned on, it’s not already!
The chimney entails some climbing up the sharp rocks. The climbing itself isn’t too tough, nevertheless do you have to’re anyone who has a fear of heights then I wouldn’t counsel it.
You’ll be enclosed on three sides by the rock and there are only a few tight sections the place you’ll have to squeeze your methodology through a little bit of bit.
On the excessive of the chimney, there’s a dead-end in entrance of you.
You’ll have to climb as a lot as your correct after which adjust to the faint path through the scree to the summit.
Adjust to this path in your methodology down too, merely bear in mind that you just’ll attainable need to attend for others who’re growing – be affected particular person as there’s not enough room for two to go!
The summit views are attractive and arguably increased than Panorama Ridge. I consider Panorama Ridge is finest for views of Garibaldi Lake, nevertheless for views of all the area, the award positively goes to Black Tusk.
Whereas we had been navigating the chimney we had seaplanes overhead which was cool however as well as a little bit of scary as they appeared SO shut!
To return, adjust to the paths you took up proper right here.
Black Tusk Tenting
For many who’re planning on doing slightly Black Tusk tenting, you’ll need to order a camp spot through Tenting.BCParks.ca prematurely. These campsites information up very fast and may be booked as a lot as two months prematurely.
Taylor Meadows campground is the place we stayed and it’s an unimaginable campground with quite a few spots and a fairly large shelter for cooking in. There’s moreover Helm Creek Campground and Garibaldi Lake Campground.
I’ve heard the campground on the lake tends to be the noisier of the three, it’s moreover barely extra away from Black Tusk than Taylor Meadows is.
You’ll be able to do the Black Tusk hike from Garibaldi Lake and Taylor meadows campground, there’s not numerous a distinction throughout the distance of the hike.
What to pack for mountaineering the Black Tusk BC
Mountaineering Black Tusk in British Columbia is a fulfilling journey that requires some good preparation. Proper right here’s a basic packing report for the hike:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirt, every fast and long-sleeved.
- Mid-layer: Lightweight fleece or jacket.
- Rain gear: Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants.
- Mountaineering pants or shorts: Quick-drying supplies.
- Socks: Wool or synthetic mountaineering socks, with an extra pair.
- Mountaineering boots or path trainers
- Backpack: 20-30 liters, ideally with a rain cowl.
- Water: A minimum of 2 liters, further if it’s a scorching day.
- Meals: Vitality bars, path mix, sandwiches, and an extra meal merely in case.
- First assist bundle: Along with blister treatments and personal medicine.
- Multitool: For utility and emergency situations.
- Headlamp
- Shades: UV security is essential in alpine areas.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or bigger.
- Bug repellent: Notably throughout the hotter months.
- What to pack for a multi-day backpacking journey. This was our packing report for Berg Lake, nevertheless you merely pack fewer clothes for an in a single day journey.
- A helmet: we used our climbing helmets, nevertheless a ski helmet or comparable would do the trick. It’s essential given that path is busy and if anyone unintentionally knocks a rock off and it hits you on the highest as you’re climbing up, that’s not good news.
- Bear spray: I usually see a bear (or two) when mountaineering on this area of Garibaldi Lake. Bear spray is important!
What to study mountaineering Black Tusk Whistler
- Sooner than mountaineering the Black Tusk Canada path guarantee that to check the conditions. You would discover the trail conditions by checking newest opinions on AllTrails or Vancouver Trails, newest Instagram images, or asking in Vancouver mountaineering Fb groups.
- On a regular basis check the Black Tusk local weather and Garibaldi local weather too! Just because it’s forecast to be sunny downtown that doesn’t suggest it’ll be the equivalent up there.
- Bears are throughout the area, know learn the way to steer clear of bear interactions and what to do do you have to see one. Do that bear safety publish for further information.
- LEAVE NO TRACE This is not solely merely ruining the pure atmosphere nevertheless it absolutely locations every completely different hikers and bears in peril. If bears get used to human meals they develop into further of a hazard to us and put themselves vulnerable to being killed.
- This is usually a HARD hike with a scramble Merely because you’ve seen quite a lot of images on Instagram that doesn’t suggest it’s a easy hike. You need relevant footwear and an ideal stage of well being to primarily have the benefit of this hike.
FAQs about mountaineering Black Tusk Mountain Whistler
Can you climb the Black Tusk?
Certain, you probably can climb Black Tusk, nevertheless the closing chimney climb to the very excessive is harmful and by no means advisable for everyone.
How prolonged is Black Tusk hike?
The Black Tusk hike distance is roughly 26 km round-trip from the Rubble Creek trailhead.
Is Black Tusk a troublesome hike?
Certain, Black Tusk is taken under consideration a tough hike ensuing from its dimension, elevation purchase, and technical scramble near the summit.
How prolonged does it take to do Black Tusk?
On frequent, the spherical journey to Black Tusk takes 7-9 hours, counting on well being and tempo.
How laborious is the Black Tusk scramble?
The scramble to Black Tusk’s summit is technically tough, requiring hand-and-foot climbing on steep, usually free volcanic rock.
Closing concepts on the Black Tusk BC hike
Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park must be up there with one amongst my all time favorite Vancouver BC mountaineering trails.
For many who’re looking out for further hikes throughout the gorgeous Garibaldi Provincial Park, be sure to check out this mountaineering data for Panorama Ridge, this data to the Garibaldi Lake hike, learn the way to do the Wedgemount Lake path and the Elfin Lakes path. I’ve moreover obtained a mountaineering data for Opal Cone near Elfin Lakes and mountaineering Mamquam Lake and the Rampart Ponds Campground.
Alternatively, check out these fulfilling Whistler summer time season actions for further points to do shut by, these easy Whistler hikes, or the biggest hikes in Squamish BC.
Closing Updated on August 22, 2023 by Hannah
A Black Tusk Mountaineering Journey in Garibaldi Provincial Park is an exhilarating journey that gives breathtaking views of the encircling panorama and a tough trek for outside followers. The hike to Black Tusk is a rewarding experience, showcasing the park’s attractive pure magnificence. With a well-maintained path and proper instruments, hikers can profit from the majestic environment and actually really feel a approach of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Complete, this mountaineering journey is a must-try for these seeking an unforgettable outside journey.
