tusk is a person.
The Black Tusk:While a hike to the top of Black Tusk can be done in a day trip from the Rubble Creek trailhead, I've personally never attempted it. It would be a long and difficult day and, in my opinion, would not allow the time required to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the park to their fullest. I attack Black Tusk in two stages. On day one, I hike to Garibaldi Lake and pitch my "base" camp. Then, on day two, from the lake I make my way to the top of Black Tusk. From the lake, it is a 2-3 hour one way trip to the top. Starting early from the lake is a must in order to avoid what I've dubbed the "Black Tusk Freeway".Approach to Black Tusk. September 1995. The white spec you see at the upper-mostportion of the
tusk is a person.
Creek meandering through alpine meadows. |
From the Garibaldi Lake camping area, follow the well marked trail which begins at the lake outlet river. The trail will switchback up the mountain face for about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace, eventually levelling out into the pristine alpine meadows above the lake. At times, Black Tusk will show itself through the trees, looking distant at times. The walk through the meadows is a pleasant one, and eventually the trail will bring you to a junction. Turning left would take you back to Taylor Meadows. To get to Black Tusk, turn right and follow the trail. There is an outhouse at this junction if needed. |
| After only a few mintues, you will reach another junction cutting back and to the left off the main trail. It is well marked, and it is this trail which will lead you to Black Tusk. From the meadows up to the base of the tusk is a hard and steep climb, mostly over shale and loose lava rock. When you reach the base of the tusk, you will walk along it's southern side from east to west until you finally reach a natural chimney on it's south-western flank. This natural bottleneck allows only one climber up and down at any given time. During the summer months, you can get caught waiting an hour or longer as you wait for climbers in front of you to ascend, and for previous summiters to descend. | 
Trail cutting up the mountainside towards Black Tusk. |
Needless to say, a queue also forms at the top for climbers coming down.
Make sure you bring a snack and water. Always be alert for falling
rock. Many a climber has been airlifted out of the park due to severe
injury from falling rock.
The view from the summit of Black Tusk is breathtaking on a clear day.
Even on a clear sunny day, however, the wind can be quite unforgiving at
this elevation (approx. 2300 meters), so ensure you also bring a warm shirt
or jacket. Take in the view, snap some photos and then queue up for
the climb down. Your descent back to Garibaldi Lake should take far
less time than your ascent. If you left early enough, you may even
be back at the lake for lunch.
At the top of Black Tusk, July 1997. At the right of the photo you can see the Battleship Islands.
These are located at the main Garibaldi Lake camping area.
