Best peak to bag
Where to find the best peak to climb in Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia.
Ryan Stuart Featured in our June 2009 issue.
Black Tusk
Not only does this aptly named pinnacle stand out from Whistler-Blackcomb, calling to skiers all winter long, it’s also one of the easiest day-trip summits from Vancouver. Hike up the switchbacks from the Garibaldi Lake parking lot, through Taylor Meadows and follow the signs to Black Tusk Viewpoint, continuing up to the ridge and peak beyond. It’s a few moderate scramble moves up an obvious route to sea-to-sky views.
Length (return): 20 km; eight to 12 hours.
Elevation gain: 5,700 feet.
Directions: Take the Sea to Sky Highway 32 km north of Squamish to the Garibaldi Lake turnoff and drive to the parking lot.
Resources: Scrambles in Southwest British Columbia, by Matt Gunn ($30; cairnpublishing.com).
Originally published in explore magazine. Copyright © 2010 by explore. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork, for other than personal use, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.
