Overview

Black Tusk is one of the most visually distinctive peaks in British Columbia's Coast Mountains. The volcanic plug rises to 2,315 metres and has been a recognised landmark along the Sea-to-Sky corridor — between Squamish and Whistler — for as long as hiking routes have existed in the area. Garibaldi Provincial Park, which surrounds it, was established in 1927 and covers approximately 197,000 hectares of glacier, subalpine meadow, and old-growth forest.

The standard hiking approach begins at Rubble Creek, roughly 37 kilometres north of Squamish on Highway 99. From here a well-maintained trail climbs steeply through second-growth forest before opening into the lower meadows near Garibaldi Lake. Black Tusk itself is reached by branching northwest from the main Garibaldi Lake trail at the Taylor Meadows junction.

BC Parks requires a reservation for overnight use at the Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake campgrounds. Reservations can be made through bcparks.ca. The reservation system opens in the spring for the summer season. Walk-in use is not permitted at these sites during peak season (July through Labour Day weekend).

Trail Sections

Rubble Creek Trailhead to Lower Garibaldi Lake Junction (0–9 km)

The first 9 kilometres gain approximately 820 metres. The trail follows a switchback pattern through hemlock and fir forest, crossing several avalanche paths that have created open corridors with good views back toward Squamish. By kilometre 7, the forest begins to thin and the first views of the Barrier — the ancient lava dam that created Garibaldi Lake — appear to the east.

Garibaldi Lake Junction to Taylor Meadows (9–13 km)

At the main junction, hikers heading for Black Tusk turn northwest toward Taylor Meadows rather than continuing east to the lake. The meadow section at Taylor Meadows (elevation approximately 1,700 m) is characterised by heather, sedge, and scattered subalpine fir. This is where the campground is located and where most two-day itineraries set up camp.

Taylor Meadows to Black Tusk Base (13–14.5 km)

From Taylor Meadows, the Black Tusk spur trail climbs steeply over loose volcanic scree and pumice. The final 200 vertical metres before the base involves scrambling over coarse volcanic rock. The rock is generally stable but requires use of hands in places. This section is not appropriate in wet conditions or when snow remains on the slope.

The summit spire itself — the narrow top — requires technical climbing equipment and is not part of the standard hiking route. Most hikers reach the base of the plug (approximately 2,180 m) and return from there. The views from this elevation encompass Garibaldi Lake to the southeast and the Spearhead Range to the north.

Wide view of Garibaldi Provincial Park showing alpine terrain, 2019

Difficulty Rating

BC Parks rates this route as difficult (strenuous). The primary factors are the sustained 1,460-metre elevation gain over the full return distance and the loose scree on the upper section. The trail is not technical in the mountaineering sense below the summit spire, but the volume of climbing means it is not appropriate for casual day-hikers without prior experience on multi-hour ascents.

Total round-trip time typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours for fit day-hikers. Most first-time visitors to the route split it over two days, camping at Taylor Meadows.

Gear Checklist

Day Hike or Overnight — Core Items
  • Valid BC Parks campsite reservation confirmation (overnight) or day-use parking pass
  • Topographic map (NTS 92G/14 covers the area) — no reliable cell signal above the forest line
  • Water filter — springs are available at Taylor Meadows; the scree section has no water source
  • Sturdy footwear with ankle support — the scree is loose and creates lateral ankle stress
  • Wind layer and down or synthetic insulation — temperatures drop quickly when cloud moves in above 1,800 m
  • Sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses — UV exposure on open scree is high
  • Trekking poles — useful for scree descent and knee protection on the long return
  • Headlamp (especially for late-start day trips)
  • First aid kit including blister treatment
Overnight Addition
  • 3-season tent rated to handle sub-zero temperatures (Taylor Meadows frosts are possible in August)
  • Cooking stove and fuel — no fires permitted above 1,350 m in Garibaldi Provincial Park
  • Bear canister or bear hang kit — food must be stored in wildlife-resistant containers at all campsites
  • Camp shoes to give feet relief between hiking days

Seasonal Access

The Rubble Creek trailhead is accessible year-round, but snow covers the upper route well into summer:

Spring (Apr–Jun)
Snow-covered
Upper route typically snow-bound through June; avalanche hazard present above the forest line in April–May
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Open
Peak season; Taylor Meadows sites book out weeks in advance; afternoon thunderstorms common
Autumn (Sep)
Open
Good conditions; heather turns red; early snowfall possible after mid-September at elevation
Winter (Oct–Mar)
Closed
Campgrounds closed; route requires winter mountaineering skills

Getting There

The Rubble Creek trailhead is located on Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky Highway), approximately 37 km north of Squamish and 55 km south of Whistler. The parking lot is signed on the west side of the highway. A Discover BC Parks day-use permit is required to park. Permits are available through the BC Parks website or from self-serve pay stations at some trailheads.

No public transit serves the trailhead directly. The BC Transit service between Squamish and Whistler has stops along Highway 99, but the trailhead access requires walking several hundred metres from the nearest stop on an unlit shoulder. Current transit options can be confirmed at bctransit.com.

Park Contact

Garibaldi Provincial Park is administered by BC Parks. Trail condition updates and reservation status are available at bcparks.ca. The nearest district office is in Brackendale, BC.