This incredibly scenic area surrounding Garibaldi Lake is the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Within a small radius are such outstanding natural attractions as the Black Tusk, Panorama Ridge, Helm Glacier, the Sphinx, Guard Mountain, the Barrier, Garibaldi Lake, the Table, Sentinel Glacier, Sphinx Glacier and Castle Towers. Alpine meadows come alive with wild flowers of every imaginable description. Mountaineers will find challenging peaks to climb. Hikers may choose from trails that are easy to difficult.
(Topographical map 92.G.14 and 92.G.15 1:50,000)Turn right off Hwy 99 just after you cross the Rubble Creek bridge, 37 km north of Squamish or 19 km south of Whistler onto a paved road that leads 2.5 km to the Rubble Creek parking lot.
There are five main trails in this area of Garibaldi Park:
Rubble Creek parking lot to Garibaldi Lake - Length, 9 km; suggested time, 3 to 4 hours one way; elevation change, 810 metres. This well graded trail climbs and switchbacks through stands of giant Douglas-fir and western red cedar before leveling out at the top of the Barrier.
Rubble Creek parking lot to Taylor Meadows - Length, 7.5 km; suggested time 3 to 4 hours one way; elevation change, 915 metres. This trail follows the same route as the Garibaldi Lake trail for 6 km where it divides and heads up to the meadows. It is possible, with an early start, to hike from the Rubble Creek parking lot to the meadows, down to Garibaldi Lake and back out the same day. Length, 22 km round trip.
Garibaldi Lake to Panorama Ridge - Length, 5 km; suggested time, 2 hours one way; elevation change, 630 metres. This moderately strenuous hike provides views of Garibaldi Lake, Sphinx and Sentinel Glaciers, Table Mountain and much of the rest of the park. Panorama Ridge can also be reached from Taylor Meadows.
Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake to the Black Tusk - Length, 7 km; suggested time, 2 to 3 hours one way; elevation change, 850 metres. The trail ends on the shoulder below the Black Tusk. Only those who are properly equipped and experienced should attempt climbing the Tusk. The ascent of the last 100 metres is by a rock "chimney", and must be negotiated very carefully. Beware of falling rocks.
View from Black Tusk
Taylor Meadows to Upper Lakes - Length, 4 km; suggested time, 2 hours one way; elevation change, minimal. This easy hike leads through beautiful alpine meadows past Mimulus and Black Tusk Lakes to Helm Lake. Helm Glacier, the Cinder Cone and the bizarre cinder flats may also be seen. This is the same trail that will take you to Panorama Ridge.
Copyright 2003 © Bill McComish
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Hiking Areas
