Black Tusk Trail
Black Tusk Trail
5
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Ski or snowshoe your way down this trail to Black Tusk Meadows, where you'll find some of the most beautiful scenery around.
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5.0
27 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
6
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steve w
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Hiked to top of Black Tusk and back on Aug 10 with a bunch of great friends from Adventure Five-0 (http://adventurefive-0.com). 10.5 hours round trip. Perfect blue sky day, just awe inspiring. I was spent (hey I'm 62!) by the time I got to the final ascent to the Tusk, but once I saw it, I had to do it. It is an incredible site...dramatic and inspiring. Then once you are at the top, it is even better. It was the best, and hardest, one day hike I've ever taken, including ones on the Continental Divide in Colorado. Younger folks had a much easier time on the hike than me. Keep hydrated, it is a long day. And keep moving..the flies are relentless. The trails were incredibly dry and dusty. I've never seen BC mountain trails that dry. Would I do it again? Nope! Am I glad I did it? Absolutely!
Written 13 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy B
Nanaimo, Canada17 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This was the most thrilling hike I have ever experienced in British Columbia! Frought with many changes in terrain and expanding expectations. However, I made the mistake of walking into the park with my 8 pound Yorkshire Terrier, Buddy. Half way up the ridge, we ran into the Rangers and were advised that Garibaldi Park has a No Dog Policy. Dang... However they agreed to allow me to keep him in my knapsack until the hike was completed. (which I did). Pretty sure Buddy is the only dog that has been through those chimneys to the top of Black Tusk.(although I would like to be proven wrong on this point :))
Wear good hiking boots with ankle support as running down the shale base of Black Tusk means keeping your knees high and ankles straight.
I highly recommend taking the chimneys to the top. I am a novice but was with experienced climbers/hikers. No ropes or climbing gear necessary - just thoughtfull handhold choices - up and down.
When I arrived at the top, the day was cloudy, but as I crossed a short path the skies opened to the most majestic view I have ever seen. I was so shocked, my knees buckled! I quickly regained my composure and we sat and ate cheese and bread overlooking the beautiful lake and views.
When we got back to the Jeep, I was so excilerated, I wanted to have sex!! Haha!!
Wear good hiking boots with ankle support as running down the shale base of Black Tusk means keeping your knees high and ankles straight.
I highly recommend taking the chimneys to the top. I am a novice but was with experienced climbers/hikers. No ropes or climbing gear necessary - just thoughtfull handhold choices - up and down.
When I arrived at the top, the day was cloudy, but as I crossed a short path the skies opened to the most majestic view I have ever seen. I was so shocked, my knees buckled! I quickly regained my composure and we sat and ate cheese and bread overlooking the beautiful lake and views.
When we got back to the Jeep, I was so excilerated, I wanted to have sex!! Haha!!
Written 26 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving30455
Stillwater, MN1 contribution
I recommend this trip, it was a very prety trail and an excellent work out. I rode a mountain bike up the "microwave tower" road from Whistler (via hwy 99). The road is currently closed to motor traffic because a "bridge" is out. Because the road to microwave tower is so steep, I pushed my bike most of the way up, it was less effort. The road was covered with snow (in late July) near the top and was still impassable.
It took about 3 hours to go from Whistler to the towers. It was a very pretty trip. After I got to the towers I climbed up to the top of a ridge to the north, from there you had a great view of Black Tusk. I continued on to the South East to another ridge to the foot of Black Tusk. Unfortunatly, I had started too late in the day to continue on and had to turn back. I figured the round trip from downtown Whistler to Black Tusk and back would take about 8 hours (assuming you ride amountain bike back down). It may be a good idea to bring an extra pair of brake pads for your bike too, because I burned through one pair on the way down).
It took about 3 hours to go from Whistler to the towers. It was a very pretty trip. After I got to the towers I climbed up to the top of a ridge to the north, from there you had a great view of Black Tusk. I continued on to the South East to another ridge to the foot of Black Tusk. Unfortunatly, I had started too late in the day to continue on and had to turn back. I figured the round trip from downtown Whistler to Black Tusk and back would take about 8 hours (assuming you ride amountain bike back down). It may be a good idea to bring an extra pair of brake pads for your bike too, because I burned through one pair on the way down).
Written 23 July 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maniacdream
Mandeville, LA128 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
This has been a very rewarding experience for us. We hiked this 30 km trail with a 5708.66 feet elevation gain from the parking lot to the very base of the black tusk rock at the very top in 9hrs 45 mins. We hiked up via Garibaldi Lake and then continued our way to the top at 7608.2 feet. The official trail ends at a sign and there are some who go beyond to the very top. We went right upto the black tusk stone at the top in pretty cold, windy and rainy conditions which makes this very treacherous so it is not advisable. But the view...BREATHTAKING!! Then we hiked back down via Taylor Meadows to the parking lot. Wear really good hiking shoes with ankle support and bring lots of water and bug spray. Mosquitoes are pretty steady companions on this trail so better keep moving or have bug spray on. Bring some energy bars and a sandwich or two for lunch break and plenty of water. Start early in am. We started at 6:47am. Which gave us adequate sunlight throughout the hike and this was on a rainy day. If you have clear skies then you probably have more daylight time..and yes bring a camera :) Good Luck !! :)
Written 29 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I just hiked up Black Tusk from the microwave towers and thought it was fantastic. It took us around 2.5 hrs to get to the top, it was tough because you are so far above sea level, the air is quite thin. If you are not a tree hugger I would suggest that you talk to a local with a 4*4 or rent one and get directions to the service road up. It is still a tough hike, but well worth it. And for the real enthusiasts you can start down near the valley. You should give yourselves at least two days as it is, so I have been told 36 kms round trip. Do it, it is well worth it.
Written 19 August 2002
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AbsolutDani
Mandurah and Peel Region, Australia49 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
Such a scenic hike, I recommend you camp and split the hike over 2 days. Garibaldi lake is also beautiful, go for a swim to cool off. The hike to the very top of Black tusk gets quite steep and rocky but the trails leading to there are well marked and maintained.
Written 16 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RPL189
Issaquah, WA30 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
The hike to and up the Black Tusk is a must do for the seasoned hiker. The views once you get to Taylor Meadows only get better with each step you take and once you start the final hike to the Black Tusk proper its awe dropping. I started on the Rubble Creek lot which can fill up quickly especially on weekends The first 4.5 miles are in the forest with a very easy, gentle rising, well maintained and traveled trail. (note, no dogs are allowed once you enter Garibaldi Park). At 3 miles, take the Taylor meadows trail. The meadows are classic alpine in nature and the trail gently rises until the junction with the trail to Helm Lake From there it rises quickly and the views only get better Garibaldi Lake, the Tantalus Ridge and Panorama Ridge are just a sampling of what you'll see. The last part of the hike becomes more of a climb as you cross the base of the Tusk on a very narrow trail that leads to the summit chimney to climb Once up the chimney, its an easy scramble to the top. On the way back, take a side trip to Garibaldi Lake Ths is a long all day hike for certain, or if you can get one of the camping spots, make it a multiple day trip
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelatravels11
Seattle, WA60 contributions
July 2013 • Solo
Great views and aqua blue lakes. Even in July, there was snow cover, so make sure you bring adequate footwear and clothing. If you are adventurous enough, try hiking to Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk in one day.
Written 2 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam B
Vancouver, Canada100 contributions
June 2015
Great day hike. Basic hiking rules apply: prepare for four season weather regardless of the weather report, solid hiking shoes, and a good hiking buddy!
The path is extremely easy, with great elevation gains all the way to the base of the black tusk. Nothing too intense, like how the Howe Sound Crest Trail is so jagged/rocky/tree roots, this one is a well made path up until the tusk base.
However, at this point, it gets very difficult. Lots of cliff hugging, rocky terrain, vertical ascents etc. I'm surprised they haven't put up a rope or two for some parts of the ascent. In fact, once at the top, the worst part is the immediate descent which again requires a vertical climb down. Follow the pink markers!
The path is extremely easy, with great elevation gains all the way to the base of the black tusk. Nothing too intense, like how the Howe Sound Crest Trail is so jagged/rocky/tree roots, this one is a well made path up until the tusk base.
However, at this point, it gets very difficult. Lots of cliff hugging, rocky terrain, vertical ascents etc. I'm surprised they haven't put up a rope or two for some parts of the ascent. In fact, once at the top, the worst part is the immediate descent which again requires a vertical climb down. Follow the pink markers!
Written 3 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aa a
Amsterdam, The Netherlands48 contributions
July 2013 • Business
if you go to Whistler during summer, you can climb up to 2000 m and watch this great black tusk view or you can swim in the lakes while watching the magnificent mountains.
Written 14 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wie kommt man auf den Black Tusk. Welcher Schwierigkeitsgrad? Ist es ein Klettersteig oder ein etwas anspruchsvollerer Wanderweg? Welche Ausrüstung braucht man? Danke für die Antwort!
Written 21 March 2019
Hi,
I plan on being in the Whistler/Squamish area on July 2nd & 3rd. The Black Tusk Trail is definitely a hike I'd love to do with my family. However, most of what I've been finding is that it's approx. a 16mile hike (##) which is to long for my daughter (10). I recently bought a book called "103 Hikes in Southwestern British Colombia" by Bryceland & MaCaree. In the description for Black Tusk they mention that the hike can be done in approx. 7miles (##) if you park and start at the Taylor Meadows Campground. So I have a few questions regarding this....
1. Can you drive to the campground or do you have to hike in to it?
2. Will the campground allow you to park there just to hike?
3. The book says that it's 7miles round trip from the TM campground, does that sound correct?
Thank you for the help!
Written 25 January 2017
I'm hiking black tusk for mother's day 2016. Weight is an issue since we will be camping overnight. I'm not sure whether I should bring snow shoes at this time of year or if yaktrax will suffice. Ciao Debra
Written 1 May 2016
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