Black Tusk Hiking Trail, Whistler, BC

Rick from Abbotsford writes:

Hi- went up up to the Taylor meadows oct 19
- wonderful hike- vey safe trail- did not need my trekking poles at all
I am50 and have done a few local hikes
Took me 31/4 up
2 hrs down
Only hard part was not being able to the the tusk
- bone dry on the trails till the meadows - then muddy before the catwalks
Blessings

Ps
- a totally runnable trail - I met a few runners!

Posted: October 22, 2011 08:22:04 PM PST

Danker Kolijn from Vancouver writes:

We are 2 students hoping to go for a hike this weekend in the Garibaldi/Black Tusk area and need a ride up. Does anyone have 2 spots available in their car friday or saturday. Please let me know, willing to pitch for gas.

Posted: September 28, 2011 10:47:46 PM PST

Hilary from Vancouver writes:

I hiked it on the 23/24th of September and there were only a few small patches of snow. Only one patch crossed the trail... it's basically bare.

Posted: September 28, 2011 02:47:14 PM PST

NP from Vancouver writes:

thinking of doing the hike this weekend (oct 1–2), is it particularly snowy up there?

Posted: September 28, 2011 08:50:52 AM PST

Steve from Cloverdale writes:

I did this hike with a friend of mine last weekend (Sept 3-4 2011), first going to the lake, then back to the trail to head to the top of black tusk, where we stayed the night. Spectacular to watch the sunset, and sunrise from such a vantage point.. Flippin cold at night though, recommend winter rated sleeping bags and a few layers of clothing. We did it with a tarp and some ratty old sleeping bags, but we weren't comfortable, plus the wind had the tarp flapping away loudly all night. Completely worth it though, as the views are hard to beat, in the day as well as the view of the stars at night. We headed back as people were making their way to the tusk, (Probably around 9:30 or so, neither of us were wearing a watch) and made it back to my car in about 3.5 hrs, returning through taylor meadows. Over all an awesome hike, not too intense, the distance can take your energy and leave you sore the next day though. Definitely recommended.

Posted: September 10, 2011 12:15:04 AM PST

Edgars from Vancouver writes:

Did the hike yesterday September 5th - we managed to climb to the top - epic view !!!
The tusk is easy to access just the climb in a little bit challenging.
Well worth it. We did in a super fast time - we started at 7:40 am at the parking lot and around noon we were on the top.

Posted: September 6, 2011 06:01:51 PM PST

Justin from Abbotsford writes:

Myself and four other friends climbed to the top of the tusk Saturday September 3rd, and it was a blast! The sun was out and most of the snow had melted. We did the entire loop (leisurely) which took us a little over 11 hours. We started sometime around 10am and ended around 9pm (in the dark). It was our first time, but we all agree it was well worth the effort.

Posted: September 5, 2011 06:23:27 PM PST

Regan from Vancouver writes:

Thinking of hiking black tusk this weekend (Sept 2-4). Anyone know if there's still snow at the campsites (meadow or garibaldi lake?)

Posted: August 29, 2011 01:45:44 PM PST

Sheldon from Vancouver writes:

Went up on Aug 20th weekend. Amazing trip to Garibaldi and then to Black Tusk. Camped at Garibaldi Lake - make sure you're there early, couldn't find a site - had to clear out our own little area to setup a tent. Heard from another hiker that Taylor Meadows was a little less crowded.

Not much snow left on the trail. Only snow patches are when you actually get past the sign that says "trail is not maintained from this point forward - hike at your own peril sort-a-thing". Even then , we hiked it with hiking boots, no snow shoes needed.

Posted: August 23, 2011 10:36:14 AM PST

Zack from Vancouver writes:

Thinking about doing the full 30km up and down this coming Friday. Hoping that the recent rain and warmth will further reduce the snow that's up there.

Anyone been up in the last few days that can comment on the amount of snow? Thanks

Posted: August 23, 2011 09:02:57 AM PST

Michael J from San Francisco writes:

A buddy and I will be heading up Sat morning. I heard they can fill up by Saturday afternoon, but never been. Totally stoked!

Posted: August 19, 2011 03:07:54 PM PST

trevor from vancouver writes:

We plan on doing the black tusk hike this weekend over two days. Do the camp grounds fill up quick? should we get there very early?

Posted: August 15, 2011 06:33:56 PM PST

laurie Larocque from maple Ridge bc writes:

Hello
We were a group of 4 who hiked Black Tusk yesterday. It was very snowy and the trail was basically gone but we made it & even though it was cloudy we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves We later hiked down and around Garibaldi Lake before heading back to Rumble Creek parking lot

Posted: August 11, 2011 09:43:02 PM PST

kayakman from squamish writes:

I do not recomend doing the tusk at all when it is cloudy. I spent well over two hours wondering around looking for the trial. Never did find it. Without a GPS do not attempt this. too much snow and the trail is virtually gone.

Posted: August 10, 2011 09:26:50 AM PST

Lauren from Vancouver writes:

Here's the most recent trail report for Garibaldi Park from August 5th:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/trail_report.pdf

The snow conditions don't seem to have changed much from the previous report, 3 weeks earlier. The trail is marked to Black Tusk campground and to Black Tusk Junction but is definitely still snowy and the campgrounds also have 1 m of snow on them still.

Posted: August 9, 2011 10:52:11 AM PST

Ian from Vancouver writes:

Anyone know how the trail is looking lately? We're hoping to do it Saturday Aug. 13th, wondering if there's still a lot of snow up there. Any help is much appreciated, thanks all.

Posted: August 9, 2011 09:28:26 AM PST

Todd from Burnaby writes:

Snow starts at 7 km at Taylor Meadows. Trail is hard to follow. It is very easy to get lost because there are very few ribbons. I don't recommend doing it at the moment.

Posted: July 30, 2011 10:12:14 PM PST

Jorge from Vancouver writes:

I usually bring my own water but if I needed more I would take it from creeks or lakes but you would have to boil it or use disinfecting tablets, an ultraviolet water purifier or something of the sorts.

Posted: July 29, 2011 08:53:22 PM PST

Elsa from Vancouver writes:

Just a quick question concerning water:
Is there drinkable water along the trail (creeks...) or do we have to bring it all with us?
As I plan to go camping there this week end that would be a good thing to know, don't you think?

Posted: July 19, 2011 05:32:32 PM PST

greg from vancouver writes:

Does anyone know how the trail is to either Panarama Ridge or Black Tusk?

Posted: June 21, 2011 06:21:29 PM PST

Lys from Coquitlam writes:

@ Patrick Brian - if you plan to go up and stay up there for a few days bring something substantial and filling for the first night as you will have burned a lot of energy getting up there. It can be perishable as it won't be stored in hot environment. I typically bring instant mashed potato or couscous for first night, crack couple of eggs for protein and maybe couple sausages. Otherwise think dehydrated light food (couscous, instant potatoes, instant dehydrated meals) that you just need to add spice and water too. Every lb makes a big difference and space is hot commodity. There are mice up at the lodge so if you store your food there make sure its well secured. They will climb down the ropes and eat through the bags.

Posted: June 21, 2011 11:59:37 AM PST

Patrick Brian from Richmond writes:

My roomate and I are planning on doing a 3 night camping/hiking to black tusk. This will be our first time hiking Black Tusk. We plan on setting camp at Garibaldi Lake. Any suggestions on the types of food to bring. Any comments and suggestions about hiking Black Tusk would be great! Cheers!

Posted: June 12, 2011 12:00:07 PM PST

Luke Chapman from Brisbane writes:

Just checking if anyone knows whether the Panorama Ridge hike is accessible at the moment or if it is still under snow?

If anyone else is going in the next week and wouldn't mind if I tagged along please let me know.

Posted: June 7, 2011 04:57:56 PM PST

Marco Nef from Aarau writes:

For those who do not have a car: I did this trail in 1999. Then at least Greyhound had a stop on the highway where the street to the start of the trail leaves the highway. The stop had to be requested. We were lucky as someone stopped and took us to the trailhead.

Posted: December 23, 2010 05:20:18 AM PST

Emma from Deep Cove writes:

Just thought I should add:

From the parking lot to the lookout was 6k and took about 2.5 hours.

Lookout to Taylor Meadows is 2k and about 30-40 minutes because it's realatively flat.

Taylor Meadows to Black Tusk 5 k, about 3 hours, this is the hardest part of the hike since it's so steep.

Black Tusk to parking lot: 13k, 3 hours.

Posted: October 10, 2010 02:58:38 PM PST

Emma from Deep Cove writes:

Went up last weekend, spectacular weather! It was my first time, and I was worried as I'd been told that it was excruiating, but it really wasn't too bad. Black Tusk is NOT a hard hike (and I'm not fit) it's really the length that drains you. It was amazingly beautiful and completely worth it!

For those wondering, the round trip is 26k. We did the 8k from the parking lot to the campsite on day one, and then on day two from the campsite to the tusk 5k, then 13k all the way back. I wouldn't recommed doing the tusk and the descent all the way down in one go, it's even harder than going up! Quality shoes are essential, as I have blood blisters under my toenails from going down. Next time I'd go for 2 nights and try to see the lake also.

P.S. the bugs are HORRIBLE. Take LOTS of Off!

Posted: October 10, 2010 02:55:17 PM PST

Hugo Marsolais from Laval, Qc writes:

I have a question :

Went for a hike at Garibaldi but did not kept records of the exact distances.

Is anybody can tell me how long is this loop? And total elevation gain

Parking
Straight to Black Tusk
Panorama view
Parking through Black Tusk junction

Thanks!

Hugo

Posted: September 27, 2010 05:35:36 PM PST

benjooni from vancouver writes:

people,

i thought i'd share some info so when people tell you it takes one million hours to get there and it's really tough then you'll not worry about it!

i headed into this hike being told that it was about 13 hours... the first climb being 4 - 5 hours.

but it went like this. 2.53 to the lake. it was tough but i'm not very fit and managed it in under 3. if you're tall you'll be better off!

From the lake to the Taylor Meadows camp site is soooooo easy. it's less than an hour and hardly any work. much nicer to camp here too.

from here to the tusk it's about 2 hours. the last 30 minutes being the toughest of all the hiking and the coldest!

Well worth it though. amazing views too. enjoy peeps. it's well worth the trip... and not as tough as people make out.

lots of bugs so take lots of OFF!

Posted: September 5, 2010 12:28:27 PM PST

Mike from North Vancouver writes:

Can anyone tell me how bad the bugs are? I've heard they're worse later in the season but who knows with the super weird 2010 summer...

Also, do you think it's off-side to bring an electric bug swatting tennis racket??! I remember the flies were nearly unbearable a couple years ago..

Posted: August 22, 2010 09:32:03 PM PST

scott z from delta bc writes:

stunning hike. made the base of the tusk in 4 hrs, on July 31st passing thru Taylor Meadows and down to Garibaldi lake site then back to parking in 8:30 hrs. we were moving but the scenery was spectacular and if you are able to get to the base of the tusk you feel like you made it to another planet. We still had to pass over fields of snow which made the heart rate pound.. make sure you have good footwear if you are going up to the tusk, lots of shale as well as the snow makes for a slippery climb if you try it in runner(if not impossible)

Posted: August 1, 2010 04:46:29 PM PST

Robert Hallam from North Vancouver writes:

As at June 27th, 2010. Has anybody been up recently and can give me an idea as to where the snow levels are at this time?

Web cams as Whistler show snow still on the ground at 2000 m.

Posted: June 27, 2010 12:44:41 PM PST

Jeff from Vancouver writes:

Somebody know where is the snow level at this time?
thanks

Posted: June 1, 2010 09:42:45 PM PST

Alex from West Vancouver writes:

Did the hike today (October 3rd) in just over 6.5 hours (4 hours up, 2 hours 40 mins down). After reaching Taylor meadows the trail was half covered in snow. After the Black Tusk junction, then entire rest of the route was through the snow. At the summit there was 6 inches to a foot, even a foot and a half in some windloaded areas. If the weather stays consistently cold the next week or so be well prepared on this hike as the snow will surely stick around.

Posted: October 3, 2009 09:22:41 PM PST

Graham Snowden from Vancouver, BC writes:

I just finished this hike and it was spectacular! We went through Taylor Meadows to Black Tusk - one of us all the way up - and then came down via Garibaldi Lake stopping for a swim and then coming back down all in one day. It took us about 9 hours including 30 - 40 minutes for lunch and 30 - 40 minutes at Garibaldi. We descended at a pretty good clip.

The toughest part was climbing up to the shoulder of the Tusk. Lots of loose rock and relatively steep grade but still pretty safe. The chimney requires you to be quite careful and does not need to be done. If it is busy, I would recommend not doing it.

Overall, fantastic day!

Posted: September 26, 2009 07:13:38 PM PST

C from Vancouver writes:

Left Vancouver at 4 30 am
Hiked all the way to the very top of the tusk and back at the parking lot in about 8.5 hrs. Its a long hike, but you can easily do it in one day. We were back in the city by 4pm

Hike not as long as it says about 8 hours including breaks and that is not too fast of a pace.

Bring Bug spray and jacket, its really cold at the top!

Posted: August 25, 2009 01:10:34 PM PST

n n from Vancouver writes:

In mid-July 2009 there was virtually no snow that you would be forced to cross between the lake and black tusk peak

Posted: August 19, 2009 12:40:43 PM PST

Ivan G from Richmond writes:

One of my most favorite hikes ever :)

The last few K's to the top are pretty brutal, and there is usually snow there even in August. I wouldn't try it before the middle of July due to snow.

I recommend you start it at 8 or 9 am. We started at noon, and even though we went pretty fast we were sprinting the last 7 km's back through the forest in absolute darkness.

Awesome views of Garibaldi lake! 360 degree views from the top.

Posted: June 16, 2009 02:18:49 PM PST

sibylle from Silverthorne, Colorado writes:

Our favorite hike this summer was in Garibaldi Park up to Garibaldi Lake and then to the Black Tusk viewpoint. We awoke to clear blue skies and from camp, we could see Mt. Garibaldi for the first time in days. It was our last day in Canada, so I asked Tristan if he would like to hike near Garibaldi.
Tristan acquiesced and after packing, we headed north. A “hike” with Tristan, who at 17 recently competed in both track and cross-country, involves him hiking up at full speed and me occasionally jogging to keep up. When we looked at the signs, it said “Black Tusk, 14 KM”.
“Go faster,” he admonished me. “It’s 14 km to the Tusk viewpoint and probably another 10 to the top. That’s a 48-km round trip) almost 30 miles). It’ll take too long if you’re that slow!”
After looking at the map, he decided to climb the Tusk, despite leaving the parking lot at 12:45. I’d planned on a more leisurely hike to Garibaldi Lake, only 9 km (5.4 miles) with an 800-meter elevation gain (2,624 feet).
After 25 minutes, we reached a sign saying we’d gone 2.5 km.
“That’s 50 minutes for a 5 k!” he said. “That’s way too slow for 5 k!”
Never mind that we were supposedly hiking, not running uphill, nor that it was steep, and we’d already passed over 50 hikers, Tristan felt we should go faster.
We finally reached the lake in about two hours, we would leave us time to continue on to the Black Tusk. We took the small detour to hike down toward the campground at the lake and enjoy the view across to the peaks. As we left the lake, we briefly saw a loon between its dives under the water.
Then we headed up toward the Black Tusk Viewpoint.
Once we reached the lake in about two hours, Tristan decided to head for the Black Tusk viewpoint. Never mind that it was now close to 3 p.m., that we had not only another 5 km of trail to hike up but also 14 to get back, which left us with about 4 hours to do the next 19 km (almost 12 miles) and it gets dark before 8 p.m.

After the Tusk turnoff, the trail got really steep. We hiked above tree line along a streambed with gorgeous riparian wildflowers to sweeten the pain of almost running uphill. At least we weren’t at high altitude!

Once we reached the Tusk viewpoint, Tristan said,
“I want to climb that!”
Since it was 5 p.m. and we still had our 14 km-hike back out, or almost 9 miles in the next two hours, I declined his invitation to continue. Luckily he agreed, and we started downhill.
After a while, we concluded that hiking might not get us down before dark. It gets really dark under the dense tree canopy along the lower trail, where visibility and light were limited even during mid-day hours.
“It’s after 5,” I reminded him. “ It gets dark around 7:30, in less than two hours.”
“Yeah, you should start running,” he admonished me.
Well, there weren’t a lot of other options, so I began running back down the hill. Jogging all the less rocky and root0infested parts, and walking carefully on the others, we got back to the car at 7:10 p.m., just in time to drive back to Squamish, take down our tent and cook in the dark, and had back home early the next morning.

See my blog,
http://funclimbsaroundtheworld.com

Posted: September 17, 2008 08:23:31 AM PST

William from Vancouver writes:

Love this hike

Posted: October 9, 2007 07:18:14 PM PST

HikerBoy from Vancouver writes:

Make sure if you're camping on a long weekend to get to the Garibaldi Lake campsite early. The spots are taken quickly and both Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows campsites tend to fill up on during the busy summer months.

Posted: October 7, 2007 04:44:24 PM PST

Mike from Burnaby writes:

Black Tusk was an extremely challenging hike, especially making sure we made it back before it got dark. However, the views were amazing and we thankfully did it on a sunny, clear day.

I tried to do it one other time the year before but the snow level was too low and we didn't make it very far up the trail. Next time, I think we'll camp near Garibaldi Lake and take a day or so to do Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

Posted: October 7, 2007 03:33:49 PM PST