The Black Tusk is a stark tower of crumbling volcanic rock rising above and north of Garibaldi Lake and surrounding meadows. It is an eroded remant of an extinct volcano. The peak's isolation from surrounding mountains, and it's striking appearance make it a prominant landmark in Garabaldi Park and the southern Coast Mountains. A trail and scramble route make the ascent simple and very popular. One local quoted me the statistic that it is the most climbed mountain in B.C. The summit view of Garbaldi Lake and surrounding glaciated peaks is spectacular!

Getting There

Drive Hwy. 99 north from Vancouver . 20 mi. north of the town of Squamish take a right at the B.C. Parks sign for the Rubble Creek trailhead. Drive the paved road 1.9 mi. to the trailhead parking lot ( elevation 1,900 ft.). Hike the trail 3.7 mi. to a junction (el. 4438') The right fork leads to Garbaldi Lake campground. The left to Taylor Meadows camp.(where I camped.) in 1.2 mi. From Taylor Meadows follow maintained trail staying left at all junctions, following signs to Black Tusk.
The trail travels across expansive meadows gradually ascending the scree slopes on the south side of the Tusk. The route, beaten into the scree, ascends on the left (East) then traverses across beneath the S. face to the base of the W. ridge. A 30ft. nearly vertical chimney (class 3) must be climbed to reach easier scrambling and scree hiking along the ridge to the summit.

Red Tape

The Garibaldi Provincial Park trail, campground system is heavily built to withstand overuse. Camping is allowed only at designated campgrounds. Campgrounds have cooking shelters, tent pads and outhouses. A per night camping fee is charged at Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake campgrounds. Bring Cash. Go midweek to avoid crowds.

When To Climb

July to October is best. The Black Tusk is considerd a mountaineering objective in winter and spring.

Camping

See "Red Tape" above

Mountain Conditions

www.bivouac.com
Garabaldi Provincial Park: 604-898-3678

Miscellaneous Info

Maps: Cheakamus River 92 G/14, ITMB Whistler and Region

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