How To Prepare For Black Tusk Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hiking to the summit is

fairly challenging

but it’s certainly not the steepest hike, with an average gradient of 12.2%, generally considered a moderate gradient. While this is a long hike, it is more than possible to hike the Black Tusk as a day hike, even when combined with Garibaldi Lake.

How long does it take to do Black Tusk?

The full hike from the Black Tusk trailhead is a long one, and is likely to take most hikers

between 9 and 12 hours

. This is a full day hike and you’ll need to be fit to complete the full loop. However, it can be broken into a shorter backpacking trip with an overnight stay at Taylor Meadows campground.

How long is the hike to Black Tusk?

Go for the summit of Black Tusk via a sparsely marked scramble, or up and over to Panorama Ridge. At a minimum, this hike is approximately

32 kilometres

round-trip from the Cheakamus Lake parking lot to Black Tusk with over 1400 metres elevation gain.

Can you do Black Tusk a day?

Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Black Tusk is the most spectacular mountain in the area. While

many hikers do complete this trail in a day

, the distance and elevation gain make for a very long day.

Can you climb to the top of Black Tusk?

The Black Tusk is the remnant of a volcano which has eroded immensely over time. Many people hike only to the exposed base of Black Tusk, however, with caution, the south peak can be accessed via a tight rock chimney.

The true, northern, summit – only about 1 meter higher – can only be gained with climbing gear

.

Can you hike Black Tusk in the winter?

For the most part,

even in very snowy winters, the determined can hike to places like Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Black Tusk and Elfin Lakes in late June

. Though you will encounter snow along the trail in the alpine that will make you wish you brought snowshoes and gaiters.

Can you do Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk in one day?

There are two additional worthwhile marked trails in the area, The Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

You can hike both of these trails in a day

and make it back to the trailhead.

Is there snow on Black Tusk?

The weather forecast for Black Tusk is:

A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Sun night

. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -7°C on Fri morning, min -10°C on Fri night).

Where can I camp Black Tusk?

The two closest campsites to Black Tusk are the

Taylor Meadows campsite and the Garibaldi Lake campsite

. Both can be accessed from the Rubble Creek parking lot and involve approximately a 9km hike to either campsite.

Is Black Tusk extinct?


The Black Tusk is considered to be the remnant of an extinct andesitic stratovolcano

which formed between about 1.3 and 1.1 million years ago.

Can you hike Black Tusk in June?


The trail to Black Tusk is far less challenging in June

, however you will certainly encounter snow as you start ascending off the main trail for the increasingly sleep route to the final summit route. The branching trail off the Cheakamus Lake trail to Helm Creek is also challenging in June due to lingering snow.

How high is the Black Tusk?

7,608′

Who Runs Black Tusk?

Known Black Tusk Members Target Description Location
John “Architect” Figgs

BTSU Operative killed by The Division at The Pentagon. (Thrower) The Pentagon

Where are Black Tusk knives made?

Black Tusk Tools is in

Vancouver, British Columbia

.

Crafted with a 69 layer Damascus clad blade with a VG10 core.

How do you get to Garibaldi Lake?

Drive from Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway, and when you’re around 37 kilometers north of Squamish, take the Rubble Creek exit to Garibaldi Lake Road on your right, and then follow the (paved) road for 2.5 kilometers to reach the parking lot.

Is Black Tusk active?


At least three phases of eruptive activity have been identified at Mount Price

, with the first event occurring 1.2 million years ago (at which time the Black Tusk was also active).

What class is Black Tusk?

It will be a very exciting and worthy summit. The true summit, just a short stone’s throw away and 10 vertical feet above the scramble summit, is very infrequently done. It lies across an exposed chasm of

Class 5

rock. Old runners can be seen dangling from the true summit from the scramble summit.

Is Joffre Lake trail open?

The trail is

open year-round

and is beautiful to visit anytime. As of July 2021, folks coming to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park must reserve a free day-use permit before arriving.

How do I book the Juan de Fuca trail?

You don’t have to book them in advance, they work on first come first served basis. The fee is payable

via BC Parks website or by cash at the main trailheads

. We saw the self-reservation boxes with envelopes at China Beach Car Park, Parkinson Creek Car Park, and Botanical Beach Car Park.

How do you do the Crest trail?

The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is a gorgeous

29 km trail stretching from Cypress Bowl to Porteau Cove

. The trail takes you over multiple summits, offering spectacular views of Howe Sound, The Lions, and the beautifully turquoise Deeks Lakes, to name a few.

How tall is Mt Garibaldi?

8,786′

Is Panorama Ridge hike hard?

While

Panorama Ridge is considered a difficult hike due to its distance and elevation gain, in reality I would consider it closer to a moderate hike

. The elevation gain is quite gradual throughout and rarely are you seriously tested physically.

How hard is the Garibaldi hike?

It is

not an easy stroll to the lake

, it is an 18 km out and back hike to the lake, uphill the whole way that take most people about 6 hours. The 9km trail to the lake is wide and well-maintained ascending through old growth forest, passing creeks in a series of steep uphill switchbacks.

Do you need hiking boots for Panorama Ridge?


I highly recommend wearing proper hiking boots for this trail

, especially if you’re heading up to Panorama Ridge as the rocky area can be slippery and is very uneven. The rocks are loose so you need a decent pair of shoes to protect your ankles and give you a proper footing in the snow.

How long is High Note trail?

The High Note Trail is

9.5 km

with 420 m elevation gain, taking you from the Top of the World Summit back down to the Roundhouse Lodge. The hike begins with a steep descent and has some decent climbs throughout, making it moderate in difficulty for experienced hikers.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.